COMMITTEES

2025-11-27 3 1 0 House of Reps 0 1

Thursday, 27 November 2025

The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.

COMMITTEES 1 COMMITTEES Government Response to Report 1 09:01 The SPEAKER 53517 For the information of honourable members, I present a schedule of the status of government responses to committee reports as of 21 November 2025. The schedule will be incorporated in Hansard. BUSINESS 1 BUSINESS Days and Hours of Meeting 1 09:02 Mr BURKE DYW Watson on indulgence—Members from around the House have been asking about arrangements for today and the possibility of us still being here tomorrow morning. I will just give an indication of how today will run. The Senate at the moment is determining their order of business and their pace of business. Effectively, the critical issue for us is that any bills the Senate seeks to amend will then have to come back to the House, and there's a transmission period between the two that can easily take two hours. Looking at where we think the Senate is up to, what will certainly happen in any event later today is that I'll come back to the House to suspend two standing orders: one for the automatic adjournment and one that prevents us from receiving continued messages from the Senate. We should all work on the basis that, I suspect, we will be in a position where anything that the Senate is seeking to amend will get back here at a reasonable time so that we would, in fact, stay later today. If it gets to the point—and I don't think it will—where the Senate is sending messages back to the House, or sending them after 8 pm and we are uncertain as to when we'd actually get the messages, then we'd make the decision to come back early tomorrow. But I don't think we'll be in that situation. Needless to say, if you're planning to get on a flight shortly after five o'clock, you might want to review those arrangements. Other than that, I expect that we're in a situation where we'll be able to resolve any of the matters that we need to resolve just by sitting a little bit longer than we ordinarily would today. In saying that, I declare that, if we end up still here tomorrow and still here over the whole weekend, I'll be the one person in the House very happy about the outcome. Orders of the Day 1 09:03 Mr BURKE DYW Watson I declare that Federation Chamber order of the day government business No. 3, Corporations (Review Fees) Amendment (Technical Amendments) Bill 2025, is returned to the House for further consideration. The SPEAKER 53517 The matter will be set down for consideration at a later hour this day. BILLS 1 BILLS Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 1

Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025

First Reading 1 Second Reading 1 09:04 Ms WELLS 264121 Lilley I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Albanese government is committed to keeping Australians connected. We believe in a simple principle: no-one held back and no-one left behind. Access to telecommunications is not a luxury; it is an essential service that underpins public safety. Australians rely on mobile phones for their connectivity more than ever. However, Australia's longstanding Universal Service Obligation does not include mobile services. The Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation will change that. For the first time, our national mobile network operators, Telstra, Optus and TPG, will need to provide reasonable access to outdoor baseline mobile coverage across Australia on an equitable basis. This will initially require providers to support voice and SMS services. Many thought it would never be possible to deliver mobile coverage across Australia's vast inland areas, but the advent of new Low Earth Orbit Satellite (LEOSat) direct-to-device technology will make it possible. Within the next couple of years, direct-to-device—or 'D2D'—coverage will be able to provide baseline outdoor coverage in areas outside terrestrial coverage, allowing people to seek help if they are lost, injured or facing natural disasters in areas without traditional terrestrial mobile coverage. As National Farmers Federation President, Hamish McIntyre, has said today: 'This is a world-first policy and we could become the gold standard for regional communications.' This is our goal and that's why we have introduced this legislation. Some would say we should wait until the technology is widely available before legislating the UOMO. But to wait would mean leaving rollout decisions to industry alone, and risk some Australians being left behind. The Albanese government is legislating the UOMO now to ensure baseline mobile coverage is widely available, and available as quickly as possible. The UOMO is not about replacing traditional mobile coverage with new technology. It will complement existing networks so that we cover as much of Australia as possible and enable the community to benefit from new technology. The government will continue to invest in communications infrastructure and resilience in regional and rural Australia, including through the $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan. This plan includes successful initiatives like the Mobile Black Spot Program, the Mobile Network Hardening Program, the Regional Connectivity Program, the On Farm Connectivity Program and the Broadcasting Resilience Program. We have also provided significant funding to upgrade the NBN in regional, rural and remote Australia, including upgrading fixed line areas with more resilient fibre services and expanding the fixed wireless footprint. NBN Co's partnership with Amazon's Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, will ensure city-quality broadband is available within the NBN's satellite footprint. Additionally, the Albanese government's $68 million package of measures to support First Nations digital inclusion will further contribute to improving digital participation in First Nations communities—a critical step towards achieving target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The new baseline connectivity, which will be delivered by the UOMO, will help improve public safety and mean better access to emergency services and support, particularly in regional and remote areas outside terrestrial mobile coverage where no access to triple 0 is possible unless people are calling from a home phone. Turning to the specifics of the bill, the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025 establishes the framework for the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation. This bill extends the existing universal services framework, which currently encompasses the reasonable provision of fixed voice services and pay phones, to include outdoor mobile services. It will apply to all three national mobile operators—Telstra, Optus and TPG. There is one schedule to the bill, comprising two parts which together amend the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 (TCPSS Act) to incorporate the UOMO into the existing universal service regime. The bill also makes minor amendments to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Telecommunications Act 1997. Part 1 of the bill sets out measures to extend the existing universal services regime outlined in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 to include the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation. The objective is to ensure mobile coverage is reasonably available outdoors to all people in Australia on an equitable basis. The concept of reasonableness deals with situations where it may not be possible for a mobile operator to supply a designated mobile service that provides mobile coverage at a particular area. There could be several reasons for this, such as technical limitations, temporary interruptions to the availability of wholesale services, temporary outages, and a choice by a consumer not to purchase an appropriate handset or plan to access UOMO services. The aim of the overarching obligation is that end-users of designated mobile telecommunication services can be used outdoors at locations where it is reasonable to expect them to be able to be used. ACMA will be responsible for the enforcement of the UOMO. The Telecommunications Act 1997 provides it with powers to take enforcement action, including to investigate breaches, issue infringement notices, impose sanctions and penalties for noncompliance. ACMA would also be responsible for the enforcement of any UOMO standards, rules or benchmarks that may be applied to services. I note that ACMA already fulfils this role in relation to existing universal service arrangements. The bill includes a power for the minister to determine circumstances when it would not be reasonable to make mobile coverage available, or matters to which regard must, or must not, be had in determining whether mobile coverage is reasonably available outdoors. This part also incorporates designated mobile telecommunications services into the list of public interest telecommunications services. At the time of commencement, the designated services will be voice and SMS. The UOMO will apply to the general Australian outdoor mobile coverage area, which includes all states and mainland territories, and the eligible external territories of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This is the area in which mobile operators will be expected to provide mobile coverage to meet the obligation. There is one specified exception, being the Australian Radio Quiet Zone in Western Australia. The bill also provides the minister with power to determine an area via legislative instrument. This could be required if an area needed to be excluded from the UOMO, had specific needs or one mobile operator was unable to service it. The bill includes a default commencement date of 1 December 2027, at which time all three mobile network operators will be obligated to ensure that baseline mobile coverage is reasonably available outdoors throughout Australia. A default date provides a clear signal to the market of the importance of equitable and accessible outdoor mobile coverage, and that the intention of government is to see services provided as soon as feasible. However, the bill also creates a flexible framework where the scope and timing of the UOMO can be adjusted, by legislative instrument, in response to market readiness and extended as technology evolves. There is also flexibility in the bill to split the voice and SMS obligations should that be necessary due to market conditions at the commencement of the obligation. The bill is technology neutral with mobile operators expected to leverage their existing and future terrestrial mobile infrastructure, as well as direct-to-device technology delivered by LEOsat platforms outside areas of mobile coverage. Terrestrial mobile coverage provides mobile phone connectivity through land based cellular antennae, connecting mobiles within the range of mobile phone infrastructure (such as mobile network towers). D2D uses LEOsats to provide mobile connectivity direct to mobile handsets. This requires a direct line of sight to the sky to enable handsets to communicate with the LEOsats, but does not require a fixed dish or base station at the consumer's end. Mobile operators are already considering and negotiating arrangements with direct-to-device providers. Telstra has a commercial D2D SMS service available in Australia. Optus and TPG have announced plans to introduce D2D. Ultimately, the bill recognises D2D is still an evolving technology, which will become increasingly available. There are no financial impacts from this bill, though I note that the bill will enable the government to use funds in the Public Interest Telecommunications Services Special Account to support contracts or grants for the UOMO that maximise public interest outcomes. This will provide flexibility to deal with emerging issues after implementation and reflects the longstanding policy principle that the telecommunications industry should contribute to the costs of delivering universal telecommunications services. Part 1 also includes amendments to the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 to provide ministerial powers to set standards, rules and benchmarks for UOMO services. Part 2 of the bill creates a separate additional ministerial power to set standards, rules and benchmarks relating to mobile services prior to the UOMO default commencement day if required. The ability to make standards is essential to ensure that the government can respond if the market fails to deliver quality or equitable mobile services. This is consistent with arrangements under the existing universal services framework. While the UOMO provides the underlying framework for baseline connectivity that can support triple 0 access, the bill does not explicitly reference access to an emergency call service as a requirement for the mobile operators to meet the bill's objectives. This is because there is a longstanding requirement for providers of public mobile telecommunications services to provide equitable access to triple 0. This is governed by the rules set out in the Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Determination 2019, made under part 8 of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999. Any voice services carried by public mobile telecommunications services are currently captured by the Emergency Call Service Determination 2019. As voice services will need to be supplied outdoors to fulfil the UOMO, the Emergency Call Service Determination 2019 will apply to mobile telecommunications services offered and supplied in compliance with the UOMO. Accordingly, this means the UOMO will support access to triple 0 regardless of the technology used to supply voice services to consumers. Public consultation on the exposure draft of the bill took place from 18 September 2025 to 19 October 2025. There were 88 submissions on the bill from industry, individuals, consumer representatives, and state and local governments. Submissions included the mobile network operators, Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, National Famers' Federation and ACCAN. The government has worked closely with stakeholders in drafting the bill, and I would like to thank them all. This bill will modernise Australia's universal service arrangements to provide equitable access to basic mobile coverage outdoors and provide all Australians greater access to essential telecommunications services, improving public safety and ensuring critical new technology is available as widely and as equitably possible. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned. Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025 4

Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025

First Reading 4 Second Reading 4 09:18 Mr KEOGH 249147 Burt I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Introduction The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide delivered its final report in September last year. It contained 122 recommendations. Recommendation 122 was that the government establish a new statutory entity to oversee system reform across the whole defence ecosystem. The royal commission said that this was its most important recommendation. It went on to say that it considered that this recommendation would 'underpin all the recommendations that precede it' and be 'the most significant action the Australian government can take to address defence and veteran suicide'. In acknowledgement of the significance and urgency of this recommendation, in February 2025 the Albanese Labor government legislated the creation of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission, and it has been up and running since the end of September. The current enactment within part VIIIE of the Defence Act 1903, by way of schedule 9 of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025, passed the parliament in February 2025 and ensured that the commission could be up and running by September and not be subject to the vagaries of an intervening federal election. The role of this new statutory oversight entity is to provide independent oversight and evidence based advice to drive system reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for the defence and veteran community. The commission will have a dedicated and sustained focus on suicide prevention. It will ensure agencies implementing royal commission recommendations will be held to account by promoting long-term change and driving the system reforms needed to reduce the rates of suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members. Importantly, the commission will be publicly reporting on the government's progress on implementing the government's response to the recommendations of the royal commission on the third and sixth anniversaries of the government's response; by 2 December 2027 and 2030. To meet these objectives, the commission must have the independence, functions and powers necessary to meet these objectives and maintain the trust of the defence and veteran community. This bill delivers on the full implementation of this by enshrining the legislative establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner and commission into its own standalone legislation as always intended. Senate c ommittee recommendations addressed This is also why the government was happy for there to be a review of that legislation by the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, with a view to its recommendations being included in this bill. The committee reported on 29 August 2025, and I thank all those who contributed submissions and provided evidence to the committee. The submissions, evidence and the committee's report have informed the development of this bill. Recommendation 1: Standalone legislation for the c ommission On 4 September this year I updated the House on the implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. In that statement, I indicated that the government would implement standalone legislation for the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission to reflect its independence. This is also the first recommendation of the Senate committee report on the current enabling legislation in part VIIIE of the Defence Act. This bill delivers on that commitment. Recommendation 2: Commissioner functions include reference to veterans' families The Senate committee review into schedule 9 provided an opportunity for stakeholders to raise their concern with the VETS Act enabling legislation. These submissions were reviewed and considered in the development of this legislation. Key themes included strengthening the independence of the commissioner, ensuring families were formally recognised, and ensuring that the commissioner has the necessary powers to conduct inquiries effectively. There is no doubt that families of veterans play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of veterans but also face unique challenges themselves. I'm pleased that through this legislation we're able to acknowledge the significance of veteran families in line with the recommendations of the Senate committee by expressly referencing families in the functions of the commissioner. Recommendation 3: Commission functions and powers reviewed At the beginning of this year the government appointed Michael Manthorpe PSM as the interim head of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission, to commence work on getting the commission up and running, as well as advising the government on any improvements to the legislation that may be required. Mr Manthorpe made a comprehensive submission to the Senate committee review, suggesting amendments to the functions and powers of the commission. In line with recommendation 3 of the Senate committee inquiry report, the government has reviewed these proposals in detail and adopted these in the amendments. Strengthens c ommissioner independence This bill strengthens the independence of the commissioner by ensuring that the role is appointed by the Governor-General after a merits based and public recruitment process. A person will not be eligible for appointment as commissioner if they have served in any capacity in the ADF within the past five years. In addition, the commissioner is not to be subject to direction in relation to the conduct of an inquiry, with the exception of a minister-directed inquiry where the minister may set the terms of reference and timeframe, and select the individual to run the inquiry based on advice from the commissioner. A minister-directed inquiry function is consistent with the functions set out for the commission by the royal commission. Additional parameters have been placed around the minister's power to direct an inquiry, such that the minister must have regard to the objects of the legislation, the resources of the commission and its other planned inquiries. Strengthens the c ommissioner's powers The bill also strengthens the powers of the commissioner in the following key ways: Significantly, it empowers the commissioner to further report to the prime minister and minister where they are of the opinion that adequate and appropriate action has not been taken by a Commonwealth entity in respect of recommendations contained in a report of the commissioner. It places a duty on the heads of Commonwealth entities to ensure that the entity uses its best endeavours to assist the commissioner in the performance of the commissioner's functions. A similar duty is placed on officials of the entity. The bill also includes entry to premises powers and powers to obtain access to documents by remote means, for Commonwealth entities and their contractors for the purpose of a special inquiry. This will ensure that the commissioner can be confident that they have all relevant information needed for the inquiry. It includes new offences for the provision of false and misleading information or documents or the destruction of documents or things. Strengthens witness protections It is critical to the success of the commission that those with relevant information feel supported and protected in providing information to an inquiry by the commissioner. This will ensure that the commissioner is fully informed. To assist with this, the bill has expanded the scope of witness protections to ensure that a person does not suffer detriment due to providing this information. Protections from criminal and civil penalties which may arise where a person gives information to the commissioner have also been expanded to include where that information is provided voluntarily. Strengthens transparency of the c ommission's work Lastly, a number of the new measures in the bill will improve the transparency of the work of the commission and ensure accountability of both the commission and those persons or bodies subject to oversight. These measures include: Enshrining procedural fairness requirements in the law by requiring the commissioner to afford an opportunity to respond before including information critical of an agency, official or other person in a draft report Requiring Commonwealth entities, officials or other persons to provide to the commissioner information about the implementation of recommendations relevant to them Requiring the Commonwealth government to table a statement setting out its response to an inquiry report in parliament Clarifying that the commissioner is empowered to publish reports at the commissioner's discretion and make public statements about an inquiry or the performance of the commissioner's functions where the commissioner considers it in the public interest to do so Including statutory deadlines for the completion of two inquiries into the Commonwealth's implementation of the government's response to the royal commission recommendations Clearly setting out when a person in the commission can disclose protected information Outlining how an inquiry commences and the specific notice requirements Specifying the powers of delegation on the face of the bill Providing the terms and conditions of appointment of the commissioner in the standalone bill rather than in rules Government has listened and acted The government has listened to feedback from stakeholders and has taken action. These changes in the bill will ensure that the commissioner has the tools necessary to ensure that the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission is enabled to drive system reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. This will mean agencies are held accountable to consider and respond to the commissioner's recommendations. The enduring nature of the commission will ensure that the voices of our veterans continue to be heard and that systemic issues that contribute to suicide in our veteran community are continually reviewed and addressed. Conclusion As I said in the House on 4 September, it is our nation's duty to empower and support the mental health and wellbeing of our defence and veteran community, with a view to reducing the elevated rates of suicide and suicidality. The commission will be a powerful force for change, overseeing sustained improvement in how we protect the lives of those who protect us. This bill provides the foundation for what the royal commission deemed to be the most significant action the Australian government can take to address defence and veteran suicide—an independent commissioner and commission. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned. Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025 7

Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025

First Reading 7 Second Reading 7 09:29 Mr KEOGH 249147 Burt I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025 is part of a package of two bills which together will enshrine the legislative establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner and commission in their own standalone legislation as was always intended. This bill makes consequential amendments necessary to implement the measures in the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025, which I have just introduced. In particular, the bill makes minor consequential amendments to the Archives Act 1983 and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986, arising from the movement of the provision establishing the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner from the Defence Act 1903 into its own standalone legislation. The details of the measures in this bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum for the primary bill. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned. Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025 7

Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025

First Reading 7 Second Reading 7 09:31 Mr KEOGH 249147 Burt I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I am pleased to introduce the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill. This bill continues our government's response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and furthers the implementation of a simpler veterans entitlement system. The bill before us today complements the amendments made in the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill that was introduced into the parliament at the end of October. Positioning In September, I came to the House to give an update on the important work underway to enact the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The passage of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 (the VETS Act) earlier this year, is one part of the Albanese government's response to the recommendations in the royal commission's interim report. The VETS Act will simplify veterans legislation from 1 July 2026 and do away with the current tri-act system. From 1 July 2026 all veterans rehabilitation and compensation claims will be dealt with under a single piece of legislation, the new and improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, also known as the MRCA. To be ready for 1 July 2026 and to ensure all the great work that is coming out of the VETS Act is in place in time, there are some minor technical amendments that are required. What is it? The bill proposes a number of minor technical amendments to that legislation. They will help to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms and the transition from the complicated tri-act arrangement to the single ongoing act. These changes do not change the key settings agreed to with the passage of the VETS Act. This bill is about good governance and effective implementation. Overview of the bill Each amendment has been carefully considered to ensure the original policy intent from the VETS Act is enacted. There are no surprises in this bill. The bill makes amendments to require the Veterans' Review Board (VRB) to notify the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) when a serving member makes an application for a review and the outcome of a review. It will also make amendments to remove any requirement that applications for VRB related travel expenses to be communicated to the VRB. The bill will amend recovery provisions to provide legal authority to subtract any amount already paid under the Veterans' Entitlements Act from any Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act arrears payable to a dependant for the equivalent benefits for the same period. The bill clarifies the circumstances under which a partner may receive additional lump sum compensation for service related death claimed on or after 1 July 2026, and ensures that this amount is available in respect of all service related deaths on or after this date. The bill will clarify that the higher rate (maximum currently of $14,990) of funeral compensation payable under MRCA is available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, even if they also met the criteria for the lower $3,000 rate, and that combined total compensation cannot exceed the maximum payable. The bill will ensure that veterans who meet the criteria for additional disablement amount (ADA) or special rate disability pension (SRDP) do not need to meet additional criteria to enable their eligible children to access education assistance through the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS). Likewise, the bill clarifies that gold cards are provided to ADA-eligible veterans without requiring them to meet additional criteria and amends the service pension criteria so that the partners of ADA-eligible veterans (after 1 July 2026) are eligible for partner service pension from age 50, to harmonise with the current eligibility/age requirements available to partners of extreme disablement amount (EDA) veterans under the current Veterans Entitlement Act framework. The bill will make amendments to continue to exclude the Victoria Cross allowance and decoration allowance from income test arrangements. The bill makes clear the coverage for conditions resulting from unintended consequences of treatment provided or paid for by Defence during service, or later by DVA. Lastly, the bill makes amendments to ensure existing access to non-liability health care (NLHC) arrangements for serving members are maintained when transferred from Veterans Entitlements Act to the MRCA, and maintain the current ability to notify the CDF when a serving member claims for or is accessing non-liability health care. I want to reiterate my and the Department of Veterans' Affairs commitment that no veteran or veteran family member will experience a reduction in the payments they are already receiving. These technical amendments ensure that all of the legislative requirements are in place so that the shift to the improved MRCA is seamless for veterans and their families receiving services and support. The exceptional treatment, payments and benefits they receive will continue, uninterrupted, from 1 July 2026 onwards. Conclusion The VETS Act is the most significant reform of how we support veterans in a century. These amendments are evidence that we want to get this right. This bill will continue to make it easier for veterans and families to know what they are entitled to and faster for the Department of Veterans' Affairs to process their claims. Whilst the amendments contained in this bill are minor, they are critical to ensuring the intent of the VETS Act and the smooth delivery of services continues and is ready for 1 July 2026. We are committed to getting this right for veterans and veteran families. Further details are included in the explanatory memorandum. I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned. COMMITTEES 8 COMMITTEES Public Works Joint Committee 8 Approval of Work 8 09:38 Dr LEIGH BU8 Fenner I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Airservices Australia—Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Services NexGen Project for the End-of-life Facilities Upgrades—Phase 1A (Queensland and Victoria). Airservices is proposing works to modernise its Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Services to meet operational requirements. The proposed works would occur in three phases over the next decade and involve the replacement of end-of-life assets. The proposed works include rebuilding fire stations, installing cold drill grounds for training purposes and refitting tender bays to accommodate new ultra-large firefighting vehicles. The first phase of works at several locations in Queensland and Victoria has an estimated cost of $163.4 million, GST excluded. The proposed works were referred to the Standing Committee on Public Works on 31 July 2025. Following its inquiry, the committee recommended that the House of Representatives resolve that it is expedient to carry out the proposed works. Subject to parliamentary approval, Airservices Australia expects to approach the market as soon as possible, with works expected to be completed by July 2027. On behalf of government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House. I will put that question. Question agreed to. Approval of Work 9 09:40 Dr LEIGH BU8 Fenner I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Airservices Australia—PFAS Remediation of the Former Fire Training Ground at Rockhampton Airport, Queensland. Airservices Australia is proposing works at the Rockhampton Airport to remove and manage PFAS impacted soil and infrastructure at the former fire training ground. The works will be undertaken in the non-operational area of the site and will therefore not affect airport operational service delivery. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $25 million, GST excluded. The proposed works were referred to the Public Works Committee on 31 July 2025. Following its inquiry, the committee recommended that the House of Representatives resolve that it is expedient to carry out the proposed works. Subject to parliamentary approval, Airservices expects to approach the market and engage a contractor as soon as possible. Due to the wet season in Rockhampton, remediation works will occur outside this period to reduce risks associated with run-off from open excavation areas. Works are expected to occur between March 2026 and August 2026. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House. Question agreed to. BILLS 9 BILLS Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 9

Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025

Second Reading 9 09:42 Mr HOLZBERGER 88411 Forde I rise in support of the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. I am just looking around the chamber. I am not sure that anybody who is here this morning had the absolute experience of sitting through the member for New England's speech on this bill last night. Even people who have been here for a long time, who are used to the long rollicking performances that the member gives, may have been a little bit stunned by some of the things which he mentioned. Apart from the fact that it could be characterised as an impassioned speech against multiculturalism, it managed to somehow drift from the Inca empire to calling Australian workers 'lazy'. But I think, fundamentally, he missed completely the point of this bill, which is: it is not about saying which employers are good or bad but about saying whether or not an employer is accredited to be a sponsor for a skilled visa. Hopefully, that might allay some of the concerns that the opposition has about this bill. I would urge them to reconsider their opposition to this bill and support it. Or maybe it was the member for Riverina, who very typically said people in the city don't understand what it is like to work in the bush. But I know, Deputy Speaker Claydon, that you and I both worked in the bush, we both worked on farms and we spent a lot of our time out in there in the sticks. And we know that, by and large, farmers are really just trying to do their best and that most of them are trying to do the right thing. But as is always the case with government programs—with immigration in particular—the public needs to have some sort of comfort that we have control over how it's working. So allowing the public to know that employers out there are being held accountable for their part in the arrangement gives some sort of comfort to the whole community that the system works. Because, as the member for Mallee said in her contribution, migrant workers aren't an option; they're essential. In order for that to proceed, you would think that the opposition would support this bill to give the sorts of guarantees which people in the Australian community are looking for. Ultimately, despite all of the other contributions, it was the member for Nicholls who really belled the cat on where the opposition are coming from in this, when he criticised us raising the TSMIT—which, at a quarter to 10 in the morning, might be a little bit more of a conversation than it was going to be at 7.30 last night when people were ready to go home. The TSMIT sounds all very complicated, but it really just means 'temporary skilled migration income threshold'. It may have been replaced now, but it means that that's the amount which an employer has to pay in order to bring in a skilled migrant. From 2013 to 2023 it remained at $53,000, and the member for Nicholls criticised the government for lifting it. We lifted it to where it would've been had it kept up with CPI to about $70,000, and he said that it had soared. He characterised that it had somehow got out of control and had now made it uneconomical for companies to bring in overseas temporary migrant workers. I think that really does show where they are coming from here. I would hate to characterise it as a deliberate feature of their economic architecture to keep wages down, but they said it themselves. And it makes me think that maybe they want to use temporary migration as another part of the architecture to keep wages down. Because, if you're keeping the TSMIT down at $53,000 and if you're saying to employers that they can bring people in from overseas to work for $53,000, you are keeping wages down and you are suppressing wages. It makes me think that they are deliberately trying to do that in so many areas, but in the most despicable way. They are out there causing division and beating their chests about migration while, at the same time, wanting to bring in workers so that they can be, effectively, exploited in order to drive down the wages of all Australians. The reason why this issue is so important for the Labor Party is that, in many ways, this is the history of the Labor Party. This is our origin story—combating migrant exploitation. The member for Moreton said it much more eloquently than I could when she described the process of bringing in South Sea Islander workers during the late 1800s. She said that the people not only lost their wages but lost their lives. I could be corrected, but I think she also said something like 30 per cent of the people who were brought into that unthinkably horrible operation lost their lives due to European diseases. So it was from both stopping that outrageous practice out of the sense of justice that working people have but also protecting the wages and conditions of Australians that the Labor Party was formed. That was our birth. And here we are 150 years later still fighting the same fight against forces that are more concerned about the dollar than they are about justice or Australian workers. It is in our DNA to stand up for workers who have been brought to this country, for two reasons: (1) some employers are just trying to get that cheap labour and (2) the opposition will do anything they can to drive down wages and conditions. Here we are, 155 years later—the latest example is a young woman who came into my electorate office, having been exploited at work. She had come here to work in aged care and had become involved in a dispute regarding the workplace treatment, and, acting as a union delegate, she was dismissed. She believed that her dismissal was related to advocating for her workplace rights and is now pursuing a claim in the commission. She was somebody who was working 12 hours a day and being paid for six hours a day. It is like a modern horror movie. It's something that—I'm sure none of us here can imagine what it is like to be in Australia on a temporary visa, working as a virtual slave for an employer that is humiliating you, that is degrading you and that is hanging over your head the threat of whether or not they remove your visa and kick you out of the country that you have come to love and that you want to make your life in. None of us can appreciate what that is like. It must surely be terrifying. When we came to government in 2022, like in so many areas, we inherited a burning wreck of a migration system—a burning wreck that had failed in family reunion and that had failed in skilled migration—and the government commissioned the migration review, which I was very happy to be a part of. Having worked in the community for years, making a statement like 'burning wreck' doesn't really convey the pain and pressure that people were placed under because of a poorly resourced department and also because of poor policy. It was that awful mix of poor legislation and poorly applied legislation. The migration review, which I was very happy to be a part of locally—I remember we organised local businesses and community leaders and local multicultural leaders to feed into that process. Arising out of more than just that process and arising out of Labor's deep commitment to protect the rights of migrant workers and to protect the rights of us all—protecting the rights of migrant workers protects the pay of everybody in the community, which might sound self-evident to us, but those on the other side know that, if you undermine the wages of migrant workers, you undermine the wages of the whole community. Coming out of that philosophy, we commenced that migration review, and, coming out of that, here are some of the measures, in this bill. There are two things here particularly—the whole point of this legislation is to create a register so people like the young woman that came into my office will be able to easily search for another employer who is able to continue to sponsor her. That's essentially what this bill does. This bill also builds on previous bills which crack down on unscrupulous employers. This is where I think—I really do want to be bipartisan as much as I can in this place, but here there is a fundamental difference of values and philosophy. This is probably the best example of the hypocrisy of the opposition—they beat their chest a lot about law enforcement, but they don't fund it. On a slightly different topic of the NDIS, the measures that we've introduced around the NDIS to crack down on fraud mean that we are now reviewing more claims every day in the NDIS in one day than the previous government did in a year, which is an example of the sort of chest-beating that we've come to expect from the opposition, who talk a tough game but are completely missing on the field. Just as it is with migration, they are out there constantly beating their chests, but they totally underresourced the Australian Border Force. They totally undercooked the legislation to allow the Australian Border Force to crack down on unscrupulous employers. Yet again that burning wreck, that smoking wreck of a migration system left to us—it's in their DNA to turn a blind eye to the companies that are doing this. It's left to us to fix it. In fact, that 2019 report from the Migrant Workers' Taskforce recommended tougher penalties and a better resourced Australian Border Force—and what did you think they did? Absolutely nothing. They sat on their own report and left it to us to clean up the mess. In summary, this bill is the latest in a long line of measures the Albanese Labor government has undertaken to put out the bin fire that is our migration system. The hypocrisy of the opposition is exposed the most when it comes to migration. While they are out there stoking division and people's fears, they benefit from a system where people come in and get exploited because they can drive down the wages and conditions of Australian workers. These changes are the latest in a long line of Labor Party initiatives stretching back 150 years, where the Labor Party has stood up for Australians by standing up for the Australians who come here to work and who come here to make a life. This government has brought in new measures to crack down on dodgy employers. We've raised the income threshold under which you can come into Australia on a skilled visa. This bill makes it easier now for that young woman who came into my office, desperate to stay in Australia but also desperate to fight for the rights of the workers she left behind when she was sacked, to find an employer who is properly accredited and who is going to sponsor her dream. The opposition are out there talking about mass migration. They're out there marginalising already marginalised communities. They're out there punching down on some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They should take a good hard look at themselves. The result they got at the last election will be the result they get in future elections because they are now talking to the fringe. The real Australia out there that believes in justice and the Labor Party that has always believed in justice is the community that won't tolerate an opposition that washes its hands of looking after the most vulnerable in our country. 09:58 Mr GEORGANAS DZY Adelaide I'm very pleased to support the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. I support this bill, as all of us on this side of the House do, for many, many reasons. When we look at the history of migration to Australia, we know it's been at the core of our labour force, from the first settlers that came here—and when you think of the history, you think of convicts being brought to Australia and forced into labour for a number of years before they became free settlers. Then there was a mass promotion to bring free settlers here to populate and work the land. When you think of the history, even people from Fiji came to work with the sugarcanes in that period, in those early days when we first planted sugarcanes in northern Australia. We then had mass migration from Europe, for our manufacturing and for our factories. Then we went a step further and considered southern Europeans as white Europeans; prior to that, they weren't considered white—people from my race, for example. They were brought out from 1949 onwards to fill the factories of Australia and do hard labour. If you look at the history, we have continuously relied on migrant workers, whether it be to populate the nation, fill certain skills or just fill the shortfalls in labour. From time to time, that changes, and, of course, governments should always be monitoring what the needs of the nation are in terms of skills, workforce and population to be able to benefit the nation. I think this government, the Albanese Labor government, is tackling those hard issues. One of the things that is fundamental to workers—regardless of where you're from and whether you've been here for eight or nine generations or whether you've just arrived—is to ensure that we do all that we can as legislators to ensure that those people aren't being exploited. That is very important. That's a fundamental human right. People have the right to work under the same conditions as everyone else, to receive the same pay and to be able to flourish at their jobs and have the same opportunities as anyone. It's very important that we also ensure that bringing in migrant workers is not just an exploitation of being able to bring in cheap labour. That is really important. I've said many times in this place—and I think even I mentioned it yesterday—that, in 1949, when we were going to make agreements with southern Europe, Italy, Greece, the former Yugoslav republic and other places to bring workers over, there was a debate in this place. One side of the debate was that these migrant workers should be brought in on less pay. That was the debate in 1949 in this House. It was the unions and Labor that argued strongly against that because we could see that would be a spiralling to the bottom. Again I'll repeat what I've said many times: can you imagine, if that had gotten through back then, what sort of nation we would be today? Just think about where we would be today. We'd be a very different country. We wouldn't be as egalitarian as we are. So it gives me great pleasure to see bills that protect workers' rights, especially people who are in vulnerable positions—migrants who are brought out to do certain work. Now, I'm not saying that's the case. The majority, 99.9 per cent, I think, would be genuine, people that have a real need in their business. They have a real need for a particular skill or a niche market and cannot fill that position, so therefore they'll bring someone from overseas. We've seen that over the years. Back in the day—I spoke about the fifties et cetera—we looked at the numbers that were required in factories and what we needed to populate the nation and brought people over. Immediately, they were put on permanent visas and could stay here forever. Much simpler, much easier—it was a different world back then. A lot of those workers coming in were for unskilled labour. Today we have a completely different migration policy. It's intertwined with work skills, points in regional areas and state governments having certain needs that other states don't have, and it is very, very complicated. What we want to ensure, though, is that, when we are bringing someone in from overseas to fill a particular position, that need is a real need, not just an excuse to be able to bring someone in at a cheaper salary or wage. That's why I was very pleased when we increase the base salaries for migrant skilled workers from $53,000 to $70,000. That brings it up to a level where our average wages are, because, as I said, you could quite easily see a spiralling to the bottom. It gives me great pleasure to support this bill, as I said, for many reasons, including as the Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration. I understand the vital contribution, from what we see on the committee, that migrants make to our economy. I think all of us would agree with that. There is no doubt that migrants have made enormous contributions to our society. I understand the need to better protect and advocate for those migrant workers, who come in on migrant visas to fill positions. The committee is currently conducting an inquiry into skilled migration—which is perfect, when you think about it. It matches with this bill. We know the economic, social and cultural value that skilled migrants bring to our nation, but we also know that the system isn't perfect. We still need to do more work to refine and modify, to ensure that everything is done to address our skills shortfalls, to ensure that those migrants are protected so they feel comfortable and safe and also to ensure that our future needs as a nation are being met. For example, in South Australia we're on the cusp of an incredible, cutting-edge manufacturing technology revolution through the AUKUS deal and through defence building in South Australia. We know that there are skills we don't have at this point that we must fill. When we're looking at migrant workers or skilled migration to Australia, we should also be looking at the other side of it, and that is the future—the training of our students, of our young people, to give them the expertise in those areas to fill those positions. It's only my pet project, but I personally would go a step further: if you are going to bring someone in from overseas to fill a particular position, you should also be training two local people at the same time to give them the skills and expertise to fill those positions in the future. But that's my personal view. We know that migrants bring enormous skills to this nation; they also benefit the economy. Every migrant that comes in has needs. If they have a family, they'll buy food, they'll invest, they'll buy furniture et cetera, which keeps our economy going. That's another area where there is a fine equation that has to be weighed up—the economy, the unemployment rate and the intake of migrants. As I said earlier, when you think of our history of migration, you see people from all over the world—every corner of the world—that have made Australia their home. With them they bring their skills and their abilities to contribute to our economy. Recently I was speaking to a big construction company in South Australia that specialises in heritage buildings, and they were telling me: 'We have no stonemasons at all. It's one of the most difficult positions to fill when you're reconstructing a heritage building.' The only place they could get a stonemason, who are absolutely skilful workers, was Albania. We worked very hard to help this person get his visa. He's set up his own company now. He came over as a skilled worker and has now set up his own company, employing 20 or 30 people, doing stonemasonry in South Australia. What a great story! He came over as a skilled migrant on a temporary visa for a period of time to fill that position. We assisted him, and he ended up getting a permanent visa. He's now an Australian citizen, his kids are at university and he's employing 20 or 30 people doing stonemasonry—one of the only such companies in South Australia. There are hundreds and hundreds of stories like that. But that particular person was working in secure employment with a good employer that looked after him and paid him the correct rates—in fact, above what the minimum wage was for stonemasons. In his situation, everything went well for him. We've also heard horror stories. There are some horror stories where people don't know where to go or what to do. For example, a few years back I was contacted by some migrant workers from India who had had their passports taken away from them in a particular restaurant. They were too scared to complain and too scared to knock on someone's door to ask for help until a third party came to our office. We put them on to the then miscellaneous workers union—UWU, as they're called today—who assisted them. In fact, that particular business was shut down. Some of those migrant workers returned to India and others stayed here and made their home in Australia. But there are horror stories around—only a few, but they happen—and we should be doing all that we can to wipe those horror stories out and assist successful skilled migration to Australia to fill the positions that we have needs in, to assist the economy but also to ensure that we build our own skills as well. That's why I commend this bill. 10:09 Ms STANLEY 265990 Werriwa I rise to make my contribution to the debate on the Migrant Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, currently before the House. The Albanese government has made a commitment in the Migration Strategy, released in December 2023, to develop the skills-in-demand visa. The passage and implementation of this bill will continue the government's commitment to strengthen and maintain the integrity of the temporary skilled migration system. The bill is needed to enhance protections and oversight mechanisms through the establishment of a public register of approved sponsors. The intention for the public register is to ensure that there is a limit to the exploitation of temporary skilled migrant workers and provide these workers with a resource to check that the sponsoring employer is legitimate. Unfortunately, I've seen too many people in my electorate office who've fallen prey to unscrupulous employers who promise things that are untrue, and when the worker arrives in Australia the conditions they are expected to work in are not up to Australian workplace standard conditions or the wages are not what they should be. Often when they come to Australia these temporary workers have families with them. They are promised well-paying jobs and quickly find themselves here at the mercy of circumstances that were not what they were expecting. They can be trapped in this country, not only by the poor conditions and pay but also by concerns about the expectation from family and friends at home, particularly that what they are doing is going to enhance their family's and their own circumstances. This leaves them very vulnerable to mental health challenges and it makes it difficult for them to find suitable and reasonable accommodation and the other basics of life. The development of this register will help combat worker exploitation and provide a resource to check that a sponsoring employer is legitimate. This is very important in order to maintain the integrity and transparency in the skilled migration program and to make sure Australia is valued in other places in the world. This bill will develop a public register that includes: the name and type of the approved sponsor; the sponsor's Australian Business Number, or ABN; the postcode associated with the approved sponsor's ABN; and the number of the sponsor's workers and their occupations. This will encourage transparency, monitoring and oversight. The Albanese government's migration strategy has been informed by more than 450 submissions received as part of the review of the migration system. There has been extensive consultation with business, unions and other stakeholders. Targeting reforms to temporary skilled migration will address skills needs in our economy and promote worker mobility to areas where workers are required and where the economy needs more support. The review process included written submissions from individual migrants and visa applicants. The consultation also included eight round tables with peak organisations, unions, and senior state and territory government officials. I note that the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee said that most submissions broadly supported the provisions and the recommendations and that the bill should pass the Senate. The aim of the register is to encourage public transparency and will be a resource for temporary skilled migrants to check that their sponsoring employers are legitimate. This is very important for Australia's reputation, both overseas and amongst our local diasporas here in Australia. It is important that rigour in this is in place to limit exploitations at the hands of those who seek to exploit and do things that are worse for their employees. Through the inclusion of postcodes, migrants will be able to consider their ability to move and find new employers near where there are already established community links and accommodation. This information also improves the practical nature and usefulness of the register. Already proved standard business sponsors will be automatically included in the register without the need to request this at the time of applying. Data will be regularly updated to ensure its relevance and will complement the public register of sanctioned sponsors already published by the Australian Border Force. Employers will be advised at the time of the sponsorship application so that they understand their details will be included on the register. The register will only draw on already publicly available information that has been provided for their ABN. Furthermore, any disclosures of information will be consistent with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988. There will be no personal identification for the nominated workers included in the register's documentation. This bill addresses the recommendations made in the report of the Migrant Workers' Taskforce, as well as additional measures to tackle exploitation of vulnerable workers on temporary visas. The exploitation of temporary visas hurts all workers, drives down all wages and worsens conditions for everyone. This bill also establishes new criminal offences and associated civil penalties to deter employers from using a visa condition or status to coerce, unduly influence or unduly pressure someone in a workplace. There is a new mechanism to prohibit an employer, if they're found to have breached any of these conditions of employment, from hiring any additional people on temporary visas for a period of time. There are also increases to the maximum criminal and civil penalties for all current and proposed work related offences provisions in the Migration Act. And it provides Border Force with the tools to address employer compliance. There are revisions to the regulation-making power in the Migration Act to ensure worker exploitation must be taken into consideration if there is a need to cancel a visa. Higher penalties and additional powers for the Australian Border Force will be included. The bill increases the maximum penalties available under the Migration Act for work related breaches. Penalties will almost triple: for civil penalties, up to $99,000 for individuals and $495,000 for bodies corporate. In addition, the ABF will gain new compliance notice and enforceable undertaking powers. These measures are designed to drive employer compliance under the Migration Act, which was unfortunately deprioritised over the past decade. The ABF will receive $50 million over the next four years to assist them to improve employer compliance as well as other immigration compliance priorities. Disappointingly, the former Liberal government failed to implement the key recommendations in the Migrant Workers' Taskforce report, which they sat on from 2019. These new powers, it's good to say, are already reaping results. Last month, under strong new laws introduced by the Albanese Labor government, a Western Australian business became the first in the nation to be publicly named and shamed by the Australian Border Force for exploiting vulnerable migrant workers. It was the first prohibition notice introduced under the SEC Act. The company came under scrutiny late last year in relation to misleading information in their migrant worker sponsorship application and were subsequently sanctioned for serious noncompliance. ABF officers across the country are actively scrutinising the status of employers' sponsorship agreements, as well as regularly making unannounced visits to workplaces to protect workers and expose employers who are exploiting migrant workers. We should note that not all employers behave like this. If we don't do something about those that are doing the wrong thing, it tars everybody with the same brush, so good employers will be happy with this legislation as well. To maintain the integrity of the skilled migrant system in Australia, it's important that employers are approved by the Department of Home Affairs. The amendments in this bill will allow for the implementation and maintenance of the public register of approved work sponsors on the Department of Home Affairs website. This will ensure transparency and, more importantly, protection for the rights of temporary skilled migrant workers, who do so much to assist the Australian economy and Australians in general. I commend the bill to the House. 10:19 Mr ZAPPIA HWB Makin I speak in support of the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. Over recent years there's been a lot of misinformation about migration. Some of it has just been through misunderstandings, but much of it has been deliberate, intended to sow division within communities, to score cheap political points or to divert attention away from the real issues that are causing social struggles. The fact is that migration has been critical to Australia's development, and this has been particularly so since World War II. In the years since then, there has been an influx of migrants. Immediately after World War II, we saw a huge number of British and European migrants come to this country. In the decades that followed, that changed, with people coming here from many other parts of the world. The reality is that today we often speak of Australia as being a successful multicultural country, with, indeed, almost every country in the world being represented by people who now live here. In the past four decades, under Labor and coalition governments, we have seen, I understand, some seven million or more people come and permanently settle in Australia. Yet I accept that Australians want a controlled immigration program. They want an immigration program that serves Australia's needs and that they can have confidence in. Importantly, they want an immigration program that is not rorted, yet that is what has been happening over recent years, during which, because of widespread conflict overseas, desperate people fleeing war or persecution have been prepared to do whatever it takes to come to Australia. These are, indeed, vulnerable people who are then taken advantage of by, sometimes, people smugglers who put them through life-threatening journeys, and if they do manage to reach Australia, they then are often taken advantage of by employers or job recruiters. Often people of their own culture are those very job recruiters—people who promise them work on the basis that they can secure employment for them but who then exploit them in the process. If I get time, I'll talk a bit more about that later on. In 2016, the coalition government established the Migrant Workers' Taskforce, and I commend them for doing so. They established that taskforce in response to revelations of serious migrant worker exploitation. An inquiry was then held, chaired by Professor Alan Fels AO, with Deputy Chair David Cousins AM. The findings of that inquiry were released in the Report of the Migrant Workers' Taskforce in March 2019. A paper released by Australia Policy Online, which I believe articulates what the real issue was so well, had this to say in comment on the taskforce report: Wage exploitation is of great concern to the Australian community. It is damaging to Australia's reputation and may lead to negative flow-on effects to the proper functioning of the labour market and the economy. It is unfair not only to migrant workers, but also to other employees who are undercut on wages and job opportunities, and law abiding employers trying to compete on price. Australia prides itself on being a country where the principle of fairness underpins our economic and social relationships. However, migrant worker exploitation is a direct repudiation of this. … … … Migrant workers who are in Australia on a temporary basis may have poor knowledge of their workplace rights, are young and inexperienced, may have low English language proficiency and try to fit in with cultural norms and expectations of other people from their home countries. These factors combine to make them particularly vulnerable to unscrupulous practices at work … Fears about the consequences of approaching government agencies are common among migrants from less democratic countries than our own. The paper says a lot more, of course, but I think those sentiments sum up what the issue is and what we are responding to today—that people have indeed been exploited for much too long. That exploitation can take the form of underpaying wages; forcing workers to work extended unpaid hours; threatening to cancel a worker's visa if they complain or raise concerns about their work conditions; coercing workers to hand over their passport, as the member for Adelaide referred to earlier; forcing workers to work in unsafe or poor health and safety conditions; cramming workers into inadequate housing; and even physical threats. In June, a parliamentary inquiry in New South Wales heard from a GP in Wagga Wagga that hundreds of women were 'seeking abortions that they would not normally want' in order to keep their work visas. That is the extent to which the exploitation seems to have manifested itself. It is because of those concerns that we have this legislation. The taskforce I referred to earlier, commissioned by the last coalition government, found issues that I believe were widely known throughout the community—issues that I think everyone in the chamber would have come across at some stage or another. The number of worker exploitation cases that have been exposed over the years is a matter that should be of concern to this parliament. The taskforce provided 22 recommendations in their report; yet, three years later, the last coalition government had done nothing with them. It commissioned a report and then just sat on it, as it did with Graeme Samuel's review into the EPBC Act. It seems that the last coalition government was very good at kicking the can down the road on these important issues by commissioning reports that would obviously delay any response from the government, and then, once they'd received them, did nothing. Once again, it is up to Labor to fix the problem, and that is what this legislation does. This legislation sets up a register of approved work sponsors. In doing so, it will provide transparency, accountability, and enhanced protections for temporary skilled migrants. It will also support temporary skilled migrant workers who need to find a new sponsor if that need arises. And, as other speakers have made absolutely clear, this legislation arises after extensive consultation—consultation by the previous coalition government and then by the Albanese Labor government; consultation that went far and wide throughout the community and included community groups, business, and so on. This legislation goes a long way towards stamping out some of the problems I referred to earlier. It may not fix every problem, but it's a start in the right direction. I have no doubt that worker exploitation will continue. In fact, worker exploitation isn't simply limited to skilled migrants who come from overseas; it occurs on a regular basis in many other sectors. However, the fact remains that skilled migrants make up the largest cohort of migrants to Australia. We face skilled workforce shortages again because the last coalition government did nothing about training up Australians. Instead, they decimated TAFE while simultaneously paying huge sums to shonky training organisations. The Albanese Labor government is fixing that as well, with free TAFE training. But, logically, it will take some time before those trainees are work ready. I understand that, to date, over 725,000 people have enrolled in free TAFE courses. I commend them for doing so, and I look forward to them filling those skill shortages for which we're currently having to find people from overseas. In the interim, however, we do have a skilled workforce shortage, which must be met. If it's not met, then the whole community will suffer. If we don't bring in skilled tradespeople, we can't build the very houses that everybody is screaming out for at the rate at which they need to be built. If we don't bring in skilled tradespeople or skilled professionals from overseas we won't be able to fill the health and medical workforce shortages that we're seeing right around the country, particularly in the country regions, where, I understand, that, if it weren't for the skilled professionals that we are bringing in from overseas, there would be communities without doctors and nurses. Look at the aged-care sector. Again, if it weren't for the skilled people coming in from overseas, it is very likely that many of those centres would be unable to operate and the vulnerable older people that we have in this country who are looking for aged care would not be able to get it. On one hand we have a real need that must be met, and on the other hand we have a shortage of the skills that are required to provide the services that people need. We need to find a way of fixing that that is appropriate in terms of both meeting our migration statistics and our migration intake and ensuring that those people who come into this country are then given work and paid accordingly and are not in any way abused as people have been on so many occasions. In concluding my remarks, I'll make this point. Worker exploitation is, as I said earlier, not just isolated to migrant workers; it occurs across the board. There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that migrant workers who come here are exploited much more so than others. I used some examples earlier on of why that is the case, but I'll simply make this point. Imagine someone fleeing a war-torn country under circumstances in which they risk their lives and then reaching Australia. They would do anything they need to do in order to stay here, not only to protect their own life but also to be able to earn a few dollars so they can then send that back to family members who they left in their home country. These are vulnerable people who are at the mercy of unscrupulous operators, and we have seen example after example of that here in Australia. It is not to say that all employers are unscrupulous, but we need to ensure that those who are unscrupulous are no longer able to do what they are doing. I have heard the concerns from members opposite that this legislation goes too far and that too much information is going to have to be provided to authorities with respect to employers who take on migrant workers. I say to members opposite that those employers who are doing the right thing have nothing to fear. This legislation is no different to any other piece of legislation which regulates activities in this country or provides laws. Laws are always provided only in order to control the minority who do the wrong thing. If it weren't for the minority who do the wrong thing, we probably wouldn't need any laws whatsoever. This is simply another example of where the government need to act to protect vulnerable people as we have done in so many other areas of government policy. I commend this legislation to the House. 10:33 Mr NEUMANN HVO Blair This country has been built on three aspects: first, the immense contribution of First Nations people, who've been here for tens of thousands of years; second, the British colonial settlement that was established in the aftermath of Captain Phillip's arrival; and, third, the waves of migration that came to this country post World War II. We are blessed for having had those waves of migration. Those migrants have made an immense contribution to our culture, economy, sport, arts, education, law, finance and commerce and to our nursing and allied health professional workforces. Where would we be in terms of our doctors, nurses and regional and rural hospitals without migrant workers? But this government is once again fixing up the coalition's mess. The coalition made a number of decisions—consciously, while averting their eyes—in the way they carried out their policy on migration. Some of it was to do with wages and some of it was to do with migration. Migration is critical to our economy. Every business in every city of this country knows that. The business community knows that. BCA knows it. ACCI knows it. The National Farmers' Federation knows it. But those opposite seem to subconsciously or consciously not recognise it. Workplace exploitation of migrant communities can take a number of forms: underpaying workers, pressuring a person to hand over their passport or threatening to cancel a person's visa—employers really can't do that, but they threaten anyway. There can be pressure to work more hours than the visa conditions allow and pressure to engage in unwanted sexual acts, and there wouldn't be a federal MP that hasn't had stories like that given to them at a mobile office, on the phone or in their office. There can be pressure to accept poor living conditions, and I've seen up to 15 or 20 people living in appalling conditions at the hands of unscrupulous employers in suburbs in Ipswich. And there's poor housing, with a lack of access to running water or electricity. We've had to do a number of things since we came in, in terms of strengthening the laws, and the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 is yet another one of them. It's not like the coalition government didn't know what was going on. Back in 2016, they commissioned the Migrant Workers' Taskforce supremo, or chief, Allan Fels, who has a long history of business involvement in the community, to undertake an inquiry looking at employer-employee relationships in terms of the migrant community. He found that employers engaged in deliberate and systemic underpayment of migrant workers. He made 22 recommendations to the previous coalition government in March 2019. That inquiry started in 2016. They came to power in 2013. The federal government—Kelly O'Dwyer was the responsible minister at the time—accepted all 22 recommendations. And then what did they do? Absolutely nothing—no legislation, no regulations. There was a commitment to do something, knowing there was widespread and entrenched systemic abuse and exploitation of workers, and they did absolutely nothing. Who could forget the underpayment scandals? Who could forget the 7-Eleven scandals, where as little as 47 cents an hour was paid to workers who were migrants? There was the systemic underpayment of wages, poor living conditions, poor housing in which they had to live and a lack of payment of superannuation. There should be no tolerance of undercutting workers' wages and conditions, but that's what happened. So we had to undertake some work when we came to power. We undertook a migration strategy, which we released on 11 December 2023. We outlined some reforms that were undertaken. That built on the work that was done when the former minister for home affairs, back on 2 September 2022, announced that three eminent persons would undertake an independent review of our migration system to make sure it was meeting the existing challenges that we faced. It came out with strong recommendations, and the report was presented to the government on 21 March 2023. As part of that review process, there was a discussion paper and we considered 483 submissions. The reviewers undertook eight roundtables with peak organisations, unions and senior state and territory officials. Business was involved in the review. And what did the coalition do in opposition? They were quiescent. They did nothing in government and were quiescent in opposition. So we had to undertake important changes. I have heard people opposite speak in relation to this particular bill. It is almost like they forgot every review that has been undertaken. Let's go through a couple of them. The Grattan Institute released a report on 23 May 2023, which found that exploitation of migrant workers was rife. Recent migrants were twice as likely to be underpaid, up to 16 per cent less than the national minimum wage. The Immigration Advice and Rights Centre did a report that they released in November 2024 which found that migrant workers were 40 per cent more likely to face worker exploitation than Australian workers. Let's get this straight. If people can undercut wages and they can exploit cheap labour, what happens? It weakens the bargaining of Australian workers to get decent wages and conditions. It harms those businesses, and there are many, who do the right thing. It damages our international reputation for being a place where you can come and work, and it undermines really deeply the community's confidence in our migration system. They are the consequences of allowing migration exploitation to continue in workplaces around the country, whether it be on farms, in hospitality, in hospitals, in schools—wherever it may be. Sometimes I cannot understand the coalition parties. They are supposed to be parties who believe in free enterprise and in supporting the business community. If you are harming businesses that do the right thing, why would you allow that to continue? They did nothing. They were in power from 2013 to 2022 and did nothing. They had the report from Graeme Samuel on the EPBC Act for five years and did nothing. They had the report from Alan Fels over three years and did nothing. Talk about a government of inertia and idleness and ignorance—ignorance and looking the other way on worker exploitation in migrant communities. We had to strengthen the rules. We increased the penalties. We did it through our strengthening employer compliance bill and we made sure we established new criminal offences and associated civil penalties to deter employers from using migrant visa conditions or statuses to coerce undue influence or undue pressure on people in the workplace. We established a new mechanism to prohibit employers from hiring additional people on temporary visas, and we increased the maximum criminal and civil penalties. We did a whole bunch of stuff to strengthen the situation. Those opposite were again quiet, quiescent and did nothing about it. One of the things that they did, and they did it as a deliberate design feature when they were in government, was to keep the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, the TSMIT—the amount of money you had to pay a worker—at the same rate, $53,900, from 2013 for over nine years, effectively with inflation undercutting wages and thereby conditions in this country. That is what they did, therefore undercutting Australian wages and conditions as a 'deliberate design feature'—to use the words of Mathias Cormann, the former finance minister. That is what they did for nine years. And I have heard speakers in this chamber reference it to the glory days almost—the glory days of keeping wages low. We increased the TSMIT when we came to power, and rightly made sure that we protected wages and conditions, not just for migrant workers but for Australian workers generally. Today, yesterday, I heard those opposite lauding the fact that they kept the TSMIT low at $53,900. It is now $76,500. That is what it should be, and employers should pay those sorts of wages. We want the system to have integrity. We do not want people being paid less than they deserve. That is exactly what the coalition members are supporting. With the legislation before the chamber, those opposite would have the public believe that we will be putting some massive impost on business. As the member for Makin said, this is just a reporting mechanism and making sure we have a website that does the right thing and allows people to get information to work out, if you get a sponsored visa, who's a good employer and who's a bad employer and making sure the market does its work. It's almost like they do not believe in individual freedom for migrant workers. Where are the John Stuart Mill devotees in the small-l liberals opposite? They don't believe it. Where are the devotees to Adam Smith in those opposite? Well, Adam Smith—he's just a statue you see in Edinburgh. You don't worry about him. I don't think they ever read any of the liberal and conservative devotees of free enterprise, because what they're doing is opposing individual choice for migrant workers. That's what they're doing. They're not just undercutting wages and they're not just harming the Australian business; they're undercutting wages and conditions. Those opposite will come in here and have a vote later today, they will not support Australian workers or migrant workers, and they will not support businesses. Once again, the Liberal and National parties show that they're party of the far right, not the party that supports free enterprise, individual autonomy and the right to choose. Do they really believe in some sort of feudalism in terms of the workplace? Is that their view? I'm telling you they should all go and have a look at John Stuart Mill's works and Adam Smith's works. The Wealth of Nations—I commend that to you, by the way. It'd be a good thing for you to have a look at from time to time. Put it in the caucus room of the opposition and have a flick through it from time to time. You might end up voting for legislation like this from time to time and doing the right thing. What this bill does is establish a legislative framework for a public register of approved work sponsors to be published and maintained on the Department of Home Affairs's website. Why is this necessary? To make sure we have better targeted temporary skilled work visa programs. It's important for transparency and oversight, for people to make a choice and for the public to understand who's a good employer and who's a bad employer. It might change people's behaviour. It might make a bad employer think about becoming a good employer from time to time, whether it's on a farm or in a pub, whether it's in a hospital or, can I say, in retail. So how about the Liberal and National parties for once support the business community in the way they voted in this chamber? Later on this morning, they'll have a chance. Do you support workers? Do you support business? Or are you going off to the realms of the far right—not believing in your philosophical or economic treatises that were by the people you claim you're devoted to? There are no moral moorings or economic understanding in the coalition parties if they vote against this legislation. Through their ignorance and their actions during the time they were in government, they opposed a good national economy. They opposed decency in the workplace. They opposed good wages and conditions in jobs. As the member for Makin rightly pointed out, we will always bring in migrants to the community in a regulated steady approach. But we've had to do it in terms of what we've done in this country because they didn't invest in education or TAFE. They didn't train enough people up. We had to establish Jobs and Skills Australia with the identification of the workforce shortages and needs. Today we're going to vote to make bad employers good employers and allow people choice. The party of free enterprise and liberalism, the party that believes that people should have the right to choose and have free will, today will come across, sit on that side of the chamber on that side of the chamber and vote against everything they claim they believe in. The DEPUTY SPEAKER 201906 I understand the member for Pearce would like to present a copy of her speech for incorporation into Hansard in accordance with the resolution agreed to on 6 November 2025. 10:49 Ms ROBERTS 157125 Pearce () (): The incorporated speech read as follows: Thank you, Deputy Speaker The Migration Amendment {Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 marks a significant and necessary advancement in strengthening our temporary skilled work visa program whilst protecting migrant workers who contribute so much to our nation. I am firmly in support of this bill and the progressive reforms it brings under the Albanese Labor government's migration strategy. This legislation represents a crucial step forward in strengthening protections for migrant workers and ensuring our temporary skilled work visa program operates with the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability. Australia has long been a nation built on migration. From the earliest days of settlement to the diverse, vibrant communities we cherish today, migrants have played an indispensable role in shaping our identity and fuelling our economic success. The hardworking people who come to our shores bring with them skills, aspirations, and the hope for a better future—not just for themselves and their families but also for the communities that warmly welcome them. Yet, despite their contributions, too many migrant workers have been subject to exploitation and unfair treatment. The temporary skilled work visa program, while essential to meeting the needs of our economy, has at times been exploited by unscrupulous employers, leaving workers vulnerable and undermining the integrity of our migration system. This bill acknowledges those challenges and responds with a practical, accountable solution: a publicly accessible register of approved work sponsors. This register empowers migrant workers by providing an accessible tool to verify that their sponsoring employer is legitimate and compliant with regulatory standards. Too often, workers face uncertainty about who is sponsoring them and whether their jobs are genuine or safe. By publishing the name of each approved sponsor alongside their Australian Business Number, business postcode, number of sponsored workers, and the occupations being sponsored, the Department of Home Affairs offers transparency that was previously lacking. This is more than just a list—this is a shield for migrant workers. It is a safeguard that enables workers to make informed decisions about their employment and shields them from exploitation. Abuse thrives in darkness; transparency shines a light and deters misconduct. This register also supports government oversight and enforcement. It offers regulators an up-to-date, publicly verifiable source of information, enhancing their ability to detect and prevent misuse of the visa system. It complements existing compliance tools, strengthening the integrity of our visa programs. By ensuring that only reputable employers can sponsor workers, we protect the reputation of Australia's migration system and help maintain community confidence. Australians rightly expect that migrant workers are being treated fairly and that the jobs filled by temporary skilled visa holders are genuine, necessary, and lawful. Moreover, this bill aligns perfectly with the Albanese Labor government's broader migration strategy, which aims to create a smarter, fairer visa system that better meets Australia's economic needs. As the Member for Pearce, I know firsthand the importance of skilled workers to our regions. Wanneroo is known as the "food bowl of the north" due to its long history of agriculture and its role as a significant food producer for the Perth region. Today, Wanneroo's agricultural industry is booming, feeding not only its local population, but also the greater region of Perth. In fact, Wanneroo contributes 38 per cent of the total gross value of agricultural commodities produced in Perth and accounts for a significant percentage of vegetables and fruits grown in the region. Wanneroo provides 17.5% of Western Australia's total vegetable production, the vast majority being sweet corn and more than 90% of the tomatoes and avocadoes. It is also a key region for exporting vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, and Chinese cabbage to Asia. From healthcare professionals in our hospitals to tradespeople building infrastructure, to market gardeners in our agricultural regions, migrants fill critical gaps. Their skills help businesses thrive and communities grow. But this relationship must be built on mutual respect and trust. Workers come here to contribute, not to be exploited or used as a means to bypass fair employment standards. This register also sends a strong message to employers: we value your compliance with laws that protect workers and our communities, and the government will be watching closely. Those who exploit workers will be increasingly exposed and held accountable. It's also important to remember the broader human aspect of this issue. Every migrant worker who is exploited represents a failure of our system and a breach of our values. They deserve dignity, fairness, and safety. This bill supports their right to feel safe in their workplace and in our society. By reducing exploitation, we also foster better workforce stability and encourage skilled migrants to stay and contribute long-term, supporting Australia's future economic growth and social cohesion. In an age of digital transparency, governments must harness information to protect vulnerable people and strengthen systems. Opening this register is a proactive step that not only helps detect problems but prevents them from occurring in the first place. The information disclosed in the register strikes a careful balance between transparency and privacy. It provides key data needed by workers and the public without exposing sensitive or commercially confidential information. The Albanese Labor Government has consulted extensively with stakeholders including migrant advocacy groups, employers, and unions to ensure this legislation meets the needs of all parties involved. To my fellow parliamentarians, I say this: supporting this bill means affirming Australia's commitment to a migration system that is fair, transparent, and accountable. It means standing up against exploitation and ensuring our visa programs work as intended—to strengthen our economy and support workers' rights. Australia can be proud of its multicultural legacy and the migration system that supports it. But pride alone is not enough. We must act decisively to address the vulnerabilities faced by our migrant workers. This bill is a vital part of that action. In closing, the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 is a practical and important reform that improves protections for migrant workers and enhances the integrity of our temporary skilled visa program and I commend this bill to the house. Thank you. The SPEAKER 53517 The question is that the bill be now read a second time.

The House divided. [10:53]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)

97 AYES Abdo, B. J. Albanese, A. N. Aly, A. Ambihaipahar, A. Belyea, J. A. Berry, C. G. Boele, N. Bowen, C. E. Briskey, J. L. Burke, A. S. Burnell, M. P. Burns, J. Butler, M. C. Byrnes, A. J. Campbell, J. P. Chalmers, J. E. Charlton, A. H. G. Chesters, L. M. Clare, J. D. Claydon, S. C. Clutterham, C. L. Coffey, R. K. Coker, E. A. Collins, J. M. Comer, E. L. Conroy, P. M. Cook, K. M. G. Cook, P. A. Doyle, M. J. J. Dreyfus, M. A. Elliot, M. J. Fernando, C. J. France, A. A. Freelander, M. R. French, T. A. Garland, C. M. L. Gee, A. R. Georganas, S. Giles, A. J. Gorman, P. P. Gregg, M. J. Haines, H. M. Hill, J. C. Holzberger, R. A. V. Husic, E. N. Jarrett, M. L. Jordan-Baird, M. A. M. Kearney, G. M. Keogh, M. J. Khalil, P. King, C. F. King, M. M. H. Lawrence, T. N. Laxale, J. A. A. Le, D. T. Leigh, A. K. Lim, S. B. C. Marles, R. D. Mascarenhas, Z. F. A. McBain, K. L. McBride, E. M. Miller-Frost, L. J. Mitchell, R. G. Moncrieff, D. S. Mulino, D. Neumann, S. K. Ng, G. J. O'Neil, C. E. Phillips, F. E. Rae, S. T. Reid, G. J. Repacholi, D. P. Rishworth, A. L. Roberts, T. G. Rowland, M. A. Ryan, J. C. Ryan, M. M. Scamps, S. A. Scrymgour, M. R. Sharkie, R. C. C. Sitou, S. Smith, D. P. B. (Teller) Smith, M. J. H. Soon, X. Stanley, A. M. (Teller) Teesdale, J. A. Templeman, S. R. Thistlethwaite, M. J. Thwaites, K. L. Urquhart, A. E. Watson-Brown, E. Watts, T. G. Wells, A. S. White, R. P. Wilkie, A. D. Witty, S. J. Zappia, A. 37 NOES Aldred, M. R. Batt, D. J. (Teller) Birrell, S. J. Boyce, C. E. Buchholz, S. Caldwell, C. M. Chaffey, J. L. Chaney, K. E. Chester, D. J. Conaghan, P. J. Hamilton, G. R. Hawke, A. G. Hogan, K. J. Kennedy, S. P. Leeser, J. Littleproud, D. McCormack, M. F. McIntosh, M. I. McKenzie, Z. A. O'Brien, E. L. O'Brien, L. S. Pasin, A. Penfold, A. L. Pike, H. J. (Teller) Price, M. L. Rebello, L. S. Small, B. J. Taylor, A. J. Tehan, D. T. Thompson, P. Venning, T. H. Violi, A. A. Wallace, A. B. Webster, A. E. Willcox, A. J. Wilson, T. R. Young, T. J. 0 PAIRS

Question agreed to.
Bill read a second time.

Third Reading 21 10:59 Mr BURKE DYW Watson by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time. Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 21

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025

Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025

Second Reading 21 11:00 Mr GREGG 315154 Deakin In every corner of the country, pubs, clubs and the people who power them have held communities together through tough times, and now we are backing them with targeted, responsible relief through a two-year pause on the indexation of the draught beer excise and the equivalent customs duty commencing on 1 August 2025. This will benefit around 10,000 small venues—pubs, clubs, bars and taverns. All will benefit from this. Seventy-five per cent of these are small family businesses employing local people. This two-year pause to the increasing costs will help keep the operating costs of these venue stable and gives small venues the certainty they need to plan, to retain staff and to reinvest in the futures of their businesses, perhaps taking advantage of the instant asset write-off from this government. To be clear, this applies only to draught beer served from an eight-to-48-litre container, or, for the larger venues, those 48-plus-litre kegs. It's not for bottles, cans or spirits. It's not the lion's share of alcohol that's consumed, which is consumed in homes, not in licensed venues where you have responsible service of alcohol and a supportive environment for people. This means that we ensure the support goes to the venues, those community hubs. It helps to stabilise the tax component of the price of a pint, reducing the pressure on venue operators and customers alike. It offers breathing space after years of economic strain, pandemic impacts, the loss of customers, supply shocks and some rising input costs. It's a practical, temporary relief measure that will not in any way fuel inflation, because it's not adding any more money to the economy; it will simply put a pause on what would otherwise be a mechanical price increase. That ability to plan ahead is so important for the 160,000-plus workers who are employed in this industry. For many of us, one of our first jobs was working in hospitality, in many of the small towns. Whether it's the Criterion Hotel in the seat of the member for Gippsland, the Seanchai Irish Bar in the seat of the member for Wannon, or the Burvale Hotel in my wonderful seat of Deakin, these venues are community hubs. They're not the same as other businesses; these are places where we go to celebrate, to mourn and to engage with our neighbours, in good times and bad. It's particularly important for regional areas where the pub is often the very heart of the community. It's not just for-profit business to whom this will be a great help. I've got a lot of local bowls clubs, footy clubs and cricket clubs who rely on revenue generated from draught beer to help subsidise the important work they do, whether it's supporting a family on a lower income with the cost of a uniform or footy boots, or keeping up the quality of the venue. They are covering essential costs for community organisations who are doing important work and providing a sense of social connection. I've been to enough bowls clubs to know that the avoidance of an increase to the price of beer is going to be a very welcome and important measure, including for many pensioners who go to the bowls club to enjoy a schooner or two every week. This modest bit of support will make all the difference. It's a supply chain that is full of jobs—truck drivers, equipment technicians, farmers and workers in the transport sector. There are so many indirect benefits when we support these incredibly important venues. It also has a huge benefit to the consumer, because it reduces the pressure to pass on future costs, it makes the cost of living just that little bit easier. It's designed for the Australian pub patron, the person at the bowls club and the person out and about—not the person drinking at home, because we know that's where a lot of the less healthy behaviours are seen. It's part of a broader plan around cost-of-living relief. This is one of several measures. If we look just those after July this year, we can see a number of them. The national minimum wage was increased by 3.5 per cent. The superannuation guarantee was increased to 12 per cent. Paid parental leave was increased to 24 weeks. Super is now being paid on government paid parental leave. There will be another $150 in energy bill relief before the end of the year, and $10,000 in incentive payments for new housing apprentices. There are cheaper home batteries. We're cutting 20 per cent off student loan debts for three million Australians. Commonwealth prac placements have already started as well, with support for nursing, midwifery, teaching and social-work students. Hardworking aged-care nurses received the next instalment of their pay rise in October following the first instalment in March this year. This is part of a broader mission to ease cost-of-living pressures for Australians as well as being a responsible measure in support of businesses. Pubs, clubs and taverns all around the country have been doing it tough for a while now, but they're also the very places that are there for people when they're doing it tough. Any small relief we can provide is a very good thing. We need to also consider that this is part of a significant number of measures to support small businesses. We're helping them with technology, with the instant asset write-off, and with energy efficiency and energy bill relief. There is a lot being done at the same time. This isn't an isolated measure and it isn't going to be the fix of the economy by itself. It is one of many measures focused on being well-targeted and delivering real and effective cost-of-living relief as well as relief to the cost of doing business. I think of the many pubs that I have been to over the years, and draught beer sits at the centre of the business model. It's one of the things that makes going to the pub different from anywhere else. The taste of draught beer is often better—anyone will tell you that—and it has become an essential part of many of the bowls and other clubs in my area where draught beer is routinely sold. Over the years, these clubs, pubs and organisations have done what they had to do to survive what are very difficult times. The habits of consumers have changed. More people are now drinking alcohol at home. The habits of socialising have also changed; they're slowly changing back but they've gone through a rough few years. Anything we can do to support this industry to regain its momentum is going to be a very good thing. Let's face it; the pandemic shook the economy around like a snow globe. It has taken time for businesses and industries to recalibrate. We are seeing recovery, but it's not instantaneous. As a government, we have to look at how we can assist the economy to recalibrate, re-normalise and regain its momentum and make sure that we're increasing productivity along the way. Every single thing we can do to help business out, even if it's as simple as pausing those routine mechanical tax increases, I know it is appreciated and something that industry has pushed for. I've spoken to a lot of pub owners, including meeting some at the Burvale Hotel in Nunawading in my electorate, and they're very grateful for this measure. It's not only an economic measure; it's also a demonstration that this government has their back. We've got the backs of businesses, we are focused on their interests and concerns, and we appreciate how important they are as part of the economy. Between breweries and pubs and clubs, we're talking about 160,000 jobs. These are people's livelihoods, and to be able to provide that certainty to the organisations who employ them means that their jobs are now safer because of this very minor relief. The good news is, as I was saying before, that this is in no way inflationary. Because this is a pause, it does not add money to the economy or make any other problems worse. It is simply giving them some breathing space so they can know what the future holds with a little bit more certainty and can invest in their businesses and organisations. The bowls clubs can continue to provide affordable hospitality services, engage their communities, support some of our most vulnerable people and provide a meeting place—in good times and bad—for members of our community. It's amazing that something that is really quite a modest measure can have such a powerful and profound impact across so many people, but that is the genius behind this temporary measure. It's one of those 'from little things, big things grow' scenarios because this small measure will have so many secondary impacts. While I know that secondary impacts are not something considered in Treasury modelling or other things we read, they are real and they are profound. We're talking about livelihoods, we're talking about jobs and, in the case of pubs and clubs and other venues, we're talking about community life. We're talking about togetherness—maintaining opportunities for people to get out of the house, meet with one another and gather. We achieve that by ensuring that the venues that they do that in are sustainable, that the costs are moderated as much as possible and that we acknowledge times that are challenging. We know that inflation over a number of years post COVID meant that CPI increases were significant, and so putting a pause on them is a reasonable response to ensure that we can still achieve the important health incomes of having the alcohol excise and the relevant customs duties but, at the same time, give businesses a break when they need it and give consumers a break when they need it. It shows that the Albanese Labor government is standing up for small business, it is standing up for consumers, and it is ensuring that prices remain as low as they can for all involved. As I was saying, this is not an isolated measure; this is part of a narrative of a government that has been laser focused on the cost of living. Whether it is health care, whether it is education, whether it is free TAFE or whether it is ensuring that people on practical placements receive $331 a week of support, we're focused on those who need assistance to build the best life possible for themselves so they can liberate their talents, and this is just one of the many measures. Cost-of-living relief is also given with the Medicare urgent care clinics. It's given to small business through unfair contracts legislation. There is so much reform across the board, and, for small business, this is also one of many measures. We're working with them to increase their cybersecurity. We've changed the tax settings so they have that extension of the instant asset write-off. We're working with business to ensure regulations that are duplicated and don't make a lot of sense are being cut. We're reviewing about 400 different regulations at the moment to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness at a government level as well. We are a government that is focused on supporting small business in any way we can. By cutting inefficiencies, we are ensuring that government is a facilitator and is not unnecessarily getting in the way, and, every now and then, you just need a bit of an economic break, and that is exactly what this important measure does. It provides a break at a time when it's needed most. It is temporary. It's impact on the budget is going to be negligible compared to the benefits, and it's something that is well targeted, given the very real and important role alcohol taxes play in the health of our nation. We've seen declining consumption of alcohol in many areas of the country, although I note that there is more work to be done in rural and regional areas, but the mission of all of those measures remains as it is. Temporarily pausing the increase in the beer excise and equivalent customs duty is a sensible, responsible and proportionate measure at this point in time that will have a significant and profound impact for the very people we're trying to support—the hardworking small-business owners who are employing locals all around the country, not just in suburbs like the ones I represent, but in the small country towns where we all know the pub is really the heart of the town. If the pub closes, community life dissipates and people just stay home. We need to ensure that those essential businesses, those community hubs, are supported to be successful and that they are supported to continue doing the important work they do for their communities, and that includes not only the services they provide directly but also the sponsorships they offer to sports clubs, to community groups, to the Lions clubs and to the Rotarys. Often the first sponsor on the list of a given footy club, whether it's in the country or in the suburbs, is the local pub. They have been community benefactors for a very, very long time. They are not only an important part of our economy and our employment sectors, but an essential part of local communities. They're the places we meet, but they're also the sponsors and the employers, and they are sometimes the beating heart of industry in a small town. I cannot think of a thriving small town in Australia that doesn't have a pub or two or three at the centre of it. This initiative to support those businesses, those largely small businesses—we're saying, of about 10,000 taverns, about 7,500 of them are small family business making modest profits but keeping the doors open, and they have done so through very, very tough times over the pandemic. They are the great survivors of our industry. We know the hospitality sector has been doing it tough for the last few years. The stats on that are very plain. If we can bring in a measure that is not inflationary, that is supportive of that industry and that will also help to protect jobs and the community benefits, then it's something everyone in this chamber should be supporting. But it's something that needs to be done in a steady, responsible way, because all actions have effects. In my view, this is a fantastically calibrated intervention. It not only ensures that it is consistent with our targeted approach to cost-of-living relief but it also reflects an approach by good, steady government that has real results and is calibrated to supporting communities in a way that does not have broader negative implications on our local economy. I commend the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer for the work they've done with this measure. I'm also proud to say that it was a promise made and a promise kept by the Albanese Labor government. We're not the party of core and non-core promises. We say what we mean and we will deliver on the commitments we made to the people at the 2025 election and will continue to do so. I commend this bill to the House, and raise a glass to the good people of Australia. 11:15 Mr MONCRIEFF 316540 Hughes One of my favourite ads of all time tells us that a man's got to win, and to win he has to get on top and stay there. You can't do that without a canoe. You've got to have the biggest, strongest, longest canoe. Life can be tough, and canoes can be awkward. So why not just ignore it all with a refreshing Carlton Draught? Beer has played a significant part in Australian society, notably through its advertising. Who could forget the big ad—the very big ad. I can't believe how big it was. A few years ago I went to see The Dismissal with the now member for Banks and, to conjure up the sound of the seventies, they played the 'I feel like a Tooheys' jingle. In our films, who could forget the iconic scene in Crocodile Dundee in which the world was introduced to Michael J 'Crocodile' Dundee in an Aussie pub. Australian pubs are part of our culture, part of our social life and part of the way that we connect with each other. It's not about what's behind the bar; it's about jobs, families and communities. Sometimes you just want to go where everybody knows your name. But catching up with your mates shouldn't break the bank, and that's why I'm very happy to support this measure. From 1 August 2025, the Albanese Labor government paused indexation of draught beer excise and excise-equivalent custom duties for two years. This crisp, full-bodied reform will mean the tax on a keg will not keep creeping up every six months like the head on a badly poured pint. This is practical, targeted relief not just for pubs, clubs and brewers but for everyday Aussies. This measure applies to containers between four and 48 litres—the kegs you see rolled into pubs every day—and to containers over 48 litres used in larger venues. It doesn't apply to bottled or canned beer, spirits or other excisable beverages. This is about helping hospitality operators and about keeping the price of a pint steady for everyday Australians. Across Australia, around 10,000 hospitality venues will benefit and around 75 per cent of those are small, family-run businesses. It means jobs for bar staff, chefs, cleaners and security. It means work for the truck driver delivering the kegs and the farmer growing the barley. It means a pub stays open and the whole supply chain can keep moving. This is a targeted measure, it's temporary, it's fiscally responsible and it will cost the budget around $95 million over four years. It is a modest investment compared to the benefits for jobs and for communities, and it does not change the overall structure of alcohol taxation or weaken public health objectives. On this side of the House, we remain committed to responsible consumption. We are not saying, 'Drink more beer.' We're saying, 'Let us ensure the price of a pint doesn't go through the roof,' while small businesses are still recovering from the conditions they experienced under the previous government. This is about jobs. Nationally, approximately 160,000 Australians work in the hospitality and brewing sectors that rely on these venues. These are jobs for young people starting out, for parents juggling shifts and for skilled chefs and managers who keep venues running. When these venues struggle, jobs are at risk, not just behind the bar but across the supply chain. This measure is good for brewers. Many brewers are small, independent producers who rely heavily on keg sales to maintain cash flow and jobs. One such brewer is Slim Pickin's Brewhouse in Engadine, a small-scale craft brewery passionate about crafting unique small-batch rotating beers. Pausing indexation will help brewers like Slim Pickin's manage costs, plan production and continue investing in local communities like Engadine. This reform also has reached beyond pubs and brewers. It flows to farmers, transport operators, equipment suppliers and thousands of small businesses linked to the hospitality supply chain. A pub staying open means it buys local produce. It hires local tradespeople. It keeps money circulating in the local economy. This is a cost-of-living measure that also strengthens small-business resilience. It's a clear example of responsible government action designed to make a difference without driving up inflation or compromising fiscal discipline. This reform is just another part of the suite of cost-of-living relief being delivered by the Albanese Labor government. Since 1 July, we have delivered a 3.5 per cent increase in the national minimum wage and award wages, making an enormous difference to the lives of the most vulnerable workers. When those opposite were in power, they kept wages for vulnerable people low and they were proud of it. They said that low wages were a 'deliberate design feature' of their 'economic architecture'. They sacrificed the wellbeing of vulnerable Australians for the sake of a perceived economic benefit that never eventuated. On this side of the House, we know that paying workers a living wage benefits the economy. That's part of the reason why our economic outcomes have been so superior to what they achieved in their time in office. We're also raising the super guarantee to 12 per cent, meaning more Australians will be able to afford a retirement and be more independent of government support in their old age. Paid Parental Leave is also increasing to 24 weeks, with super now paid on all government paid parental leave. There's another $150 in energy bill relief before the end of the year. There's $10,000 in incentive payments for new housing apprentices. We're also helping households with the cost of energy through our Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This program has seen overwhelming take-up since its inception in July this year as more and more households see the benefits that come from the new energy economy. This program is saving Australians thousands off their bills each day, and it's only growing. Through our solar sharer offer, the default market offer, retailers will be required to offer free electricity to households for at least three hours in the middle of the day when solar generation is at its peak, extending the benefits of the energy transition to Australians right across my electorate of Hughes and across the country and providing stability to energy demand. We're also cutting 20 per cent off student loan debt for three million Australians, removing a financial barrier that has affected the weekly finances of millions of Australians and kept many of them out of the housing market. We have made medicines cheaper, taking PBS prescriptions to only $25. The last time PBS prescriptions were $25 it was 2004 and we were cheering on Brad Pitt in the 2004 film Troy. And, of course, we're restoring bulk-billing. Those opposite tried to end bulk-billing. They tried to introduce co-payments and make people pay for their primary health care. The Leader of the Opposition as health minister provided absolutely no help to those seeking to bulk-bill. But we are fixing that. From 1 November, we are restoring bulk-billing as the norm in Australia. And more is coming, with further tax cuts for every taxpayer, another 50 Medicare urgent care clinics and expanded bulk-billing. We have done this with responsible economic management. We have kept inflation down. When we came to office, inflation was about six or seven per cent. Now inflation has a 'three' in front of it. That responsible management has empowered the Reserve Bank to make three interest rate cuts this year, reducing costs for mortgage holders and small businesses across the nation. This freeze to the excise is part of that responsible management. It's about keeping local venues open, keeping people in work and keeping communities connected. That's what Labor governments do; they protect decent jobs and they give our communities the environment they need to thrive, connect and grow. This measure is about giving small businesses the breathing space they need to plan ahead, retain staff and reinvest in their businesses. It's about supporting Australian brewers, particularly small and independent producers, who rely on keg sales to maintain cash flow and jobs. And, yes, it's about making sure that when Australians head to their local for a cold one they're not greeted with a nasty surprise. Let's face it, no-one wants to pay champagne prices for a schooner of beer; that would leave a bitter taste! If this measure helps keep the price of a pint steady, that's something worth raising a glass to. Let's give our pubs, clubs and brewers the fair go they deserve. This government is protecting jobs, keeping communities stronger and protecting Australians. Let's make sure that when Australians raise a glass, they toast not just to good friends and good times but to good, responsible government. I commend the bills to the House. 11:25 Ms BRISKEY 263427 Maribyrnong Maribyrnong is known for many things—iconic sporting venues, historic shopping strips and long-established suburbs that have helped shape Melbourne's identity for well over a century. With such strong foundations, it's no surprise that our electorate is also home to many of Melbourne's most popular pubs and hospitality venues. In suburbs across Maribyrnong the local pub isn't just somewhere to grab a drink; it's the beating heart of the neighbourhood. It's where people come together, celebrate wins big and small, decompress after long days, share laughter and look after one another. That's why these bills, the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, which put a simple, sensible two-year pause on draught beer excise indexation, are so welcome. This keeps the tax on the keg steady and stops the price of a pint from creeping up when people are already struggling with cost of living everywhere else. And, importantly, it backs in the pubs, clubs, brewers and hospitality workers that are such a big part of life in my electorate. This is a measure people can genuinely feel in their weekly routines, in the budgets of local families and in the life of their sports clubs and community groups, who rely on their local venues as meeting places and social hubs. Let me paint a picture. If you're in Essendon on a Friday arvo you'll see locals piling into the Linc or the Royal after work. In Ascot Vale you've got punters catching up at the Union or the recently re-opened Laurel. In Kensington the Melbourne Cup crowd may be long gone for the year but the Doutta Galla Hotel is still buzzing and full of character. Up in Gladstone Park the family run Gladstone Park Hotel remains the go-to spot for birthdays, knock-offs, community raffles—you name it. These aren't just iconic local pubs; they're community gathering places that double as dining rooms, meeting spaces, live music venues, sports hubs and unofficial community centres—with much better food! Behind the bar, keeping everything moving, are hospitality workers—bartenders pulling beers, flat out during the footy; the waiter navigating a packed dining room on a Saturday night; and the kitchen crew sweating it out to keep parmas flying out the door. They're the heartbeat of the industry. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the hardworking hospo members of the United Workers Union, who fight for fair hours, secure jobs and decent conditions, strengthening the very venues that keep our communities connected. For years now, pubs and venues have been hit by challenge after challenge. First, the pandemic smashed their revenue and threw their future into complete uncertainty. Then supply chain issues pushed the cost of things up—power bills, produce prices, keg transport and insurance costs. Our government recognises that and recognises the pressure our publicans are under. Every automatic excise increase pushed the price of draught beer higher and higher until the cost curve started to resemble a skate park. Publicans across Ascot Vale and Moonee Ponds have told me directly that they can't keep raising prices, because people are already struggling, but they can't absorb the rising costs either. That's the reality of Maribyrnong and right across the country. These are small operators, family run businesses and local employers trying to stay afloat while doing the right thing by their staff and their communities. They're not making noise for attention; they are genuinely under pressure. When local venues are under pressure, so are local jobs, so are apprenticeships, so are young workers earning their first pay cheques and so are the suppliers and the brewers who rely on the venues to survive. This measure helps steady the ship. And, when you steady the ship for a pub, you steady life for hundreds of people around it. Now, let's talk about the brewers because they're doing it tough too—especially the small independent producers who rely heavily on keg sales. Across Maribyrnong, it is widely understood that small brewers are carrying immense cost pressures. Raw materials are up, freight is up, and packaging is up. These aren't multinational companies with global buffers and giant reserves; they're local businesses that are employing local people and bringing creativity, craftmanship and distinct Victorian character into Australia's beer scene. This pause gives them breathing room. It's the space they need to plan production, retain staff and continue contributing to local jobs. Let's be honest. Victorians love independent beer. We take pride in our small brewers. They bring flavour, innovation and a sense of community identity you simply don't get from the large multinationals. Keeping them viable keeps choice alive and keeps a tap list interesting, which every publican and every regular appreciates. The best thing about this measure is how targeted it is. It applies only to draught beer, which is in the kegs that pubs and clubs serve from. It doesn't apply to bottles, cans, spirits or RTDs—just the stuff on tap. That's deliberate. This isn't about cheap alcohol or encouraging people to overindulge and it's not about rewriting the entire alcohol tax framework. It's about one thing: supporting a sector that strengthens communities, employs locals and keeps our suburbs vibrant. And because it's time limited, a two-year pause, it provides relief without undermining long-term tax policy or public health measures. Let me talk about why this really matters in a community like mine. In Maribyrnong, a pub isn't just a pub. It's where footy fans go to celebrate and commiserate in equal measure. It's where local tradies gather after they knock off early on a warm Friday. It's where young people get their first job and where families head for a parma when they can't be bothered cooking. It's where local sporting clubs host their presentations. It's where community groups hold fundraisers. It's where trivia nights raise money for kids sports kits and school camps. It's also where our new migrants get a genuine taste of Australian community life. It's where our older residents stay connected. It's where loneliness lifts, even for a moment. It's where laughter rolls through the room and where conversations jump across generations like they've always belonged together. When a pub goes under, that little ecosystem goes with it. That whole pocket of community joy disappears. We can't take these places for granted. Hospitality workers know better than anyone what happens when a venue is under pressure. They're the first to lose hours, the first to have shifts cut and the first to feel the insecurity that comes with unpredictable rosters. They were hit hardest through the pandemic, and many are still putting their pieces back together. Wages in hospitality have been historically low, conditions have often been inconsistent, and burnout is real. Giving venues stability helps give workers stability. And when workers feel secure the whole community benefits. Let's remember that pubs and brewers don't operate in isolation. Behind every keg is a farmer growing barley and hops; there's a truck driver hauling the keg from the brewery to the pub; there's a technician making sure the taps are flowing; there's a linen service washing uniforms and tablecloths; there's a muso playing an acoustic set in the corner on a Sunday afternoon; and there's the local sports club using the pub as its unofficial clubhouse. The whole chain of jobs and small businesses is strengthened when pubs are strong. Some folk might say: 'It's just beer. Why does it matter?' Most people in my community would answer that without even thinking. The local pub is where friendships begin. It's where footy arguments run longer than the AFL season. It's where someone will always ask how your week has been and will genuinely care about the answer. For older residents, shift workers and people doing it tough, it can be the most important social place that they have. It can be the place they feel welcome and the place they feel part of something. When prices rise too quickly, people stay home. When people stay home, venues struggle. When venues struggle, hours get cut. When hours get cut, families feel the pinch. It's all connected. This bill helps break that chain of strain. This fits into something bigger. While we're keeping the cost of a pint steady, we're also delivering one of the strongest cost-of-living packages Australia has seen in years. Wages are up. Superannuation is strengthening. Parents have more support, with expanded paid parental leave. Power bill relief is easing household pressure. Student debts are shrinking instead of ballooning. Prac students in nursing, teaching, midwifery and social work are finally receiving payments. Bulk-billing has been expanded. More urgent care clinics are opening. Aged-care workers are receiving long-overdue pay rises. All of this is happening while we're keeping inflation low. This is Labor delivering on its promise to build a better future while supporting working Australians and providing meaningful cost-of-living relief. It's why this measure sits so comfortably within the government's broader economic approach. It's simple. It's smart. It's aimed exactly where the pressure is. Stabilise the cost of a keg, and you stabilise the cost of running a venue. Stabilise the cost of running a venue, and you protect jobs. Protect jobs, and communities breathe easier. Publicans, workers and locals across Maribyrnong tell me the same thing. They're proud of their community and its local institutions. They don't want a special carve-out. They want predictability, they want stability and they want a government that listens. This bill delivers precisely that, so here it is. The bill keeps the lights on at the places where Maribyrnong comes to life. It keeps the parmas coming, the footy banter flowing, the Friday arvo rush humming and our venues full of laughter long into the night. It keeps workers on shift, brewers brewing and locals able to enjoy a pint without needing to phone their bank manager first. In my community the pub is a humble place, but it is where the magic happens. It's where friendships spark, ideas are swapped, sports teams are celebrated and someone inevitably shouts, 'I'll get the next round'—even when they absolutely shouldn't. It's where new migrants meet their neighbours, where older residents find familiar faces and where working people get the break they deserve. This bill backs that spirit—the working-class heart that defines Maribyrnong, the spirit that lives in an ice-cold beer shared in good company. It gives every punter, whether they're at 'The Doot' on race day or 'The Linc' during footy season, a fair go. It's practical, it's sensible and it is exactly what our community needs. I'm absolutely thrilled to support it. I commend the bill to the House. 11:37 Ms WITTY 316660 Melbourne 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. 11:51 Mr BURNS 278522 Macnamara What an honour and pleasure it is to follow the member for Melbourne, my new neighbour in this place. The Yarra River used to be the border between Melbourne and Macnamara, but now we have this wonderful amalgamation of the southern and CBD parts of Melbourne. One thing that the member for Melbourne and I share is some of the best places for people to come and visit in our magnificent city, whether people go to the Melbourne electorate to see some of the most amazing sporting or cultural events in the country or they navigate south to the arts capital of the country, in Southbank, and right through so many other parts of my electorate. What people know is that, if you're going to come to our neck of the woods, you're going to have so many options of amazing small and big establishments to visit and enjoy. It's something that we stand on in this place, wanting to support our amazing local businesses and establishments that make Melbourne vibrant, make it exciting and make it fun but also provide jobs to our wonderful hospitality workers. The Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 is all about supporting our local businesses and the amazing hardworking staff who work in them. It is really hard work to be a hospitality worker. People who work in our local establishments work really hard to serve people and ensure that those businesses can function. They do so to help represent our city and ensure that people who are visiting our city, as well as the locals who want to support their local pub or bar, have a great time. At first glance, this bill might seem a little technical, but the beer excise is something that can add up and make a financial difference to a lot of small businesses. Around the country, we have members who are privileged to represent these great local and vibrant small businesses—pubs and breweries and all those sorts of establishments—and something that we take great joy and pride in is supporting them and ensuring that they have lower costs so they can focus on running their business and not worry about the escalating costs of excises such as these. I mentioned at the start some of the overall wonderful vibes that you can receive and experience in Macnamara, but this is not an exhaustive list. I sincerely apologise to any of the establishments that I have forgotten. Some of my favourite local establishments that represent the array of iconic venues that we have in our community are ones that locals love, that people who visit our city love and that really shine and welcome people in, whether they're from our community or from other parts of Melbourne or Australia or they come as part of our vibrant tourism industry. The Espy in St Kilda is one of the most iconic venues, and it recently had a big renovation. I can happily report to the House that the floors are a lot less sticky, but the decor and the time that you can have at the Espy is as good as ever. The team who redid the Espy did a marvellous job, and it is absolutely heaving on a Saturday night. For anyone who wants to go to St Kilda and have a great night out or a great meal, I definitely encourage the Espy. We've got the Railway Hotel in South Melbourne, an iconic local business that's been there for a long time. Back in my university days, I occasionally ventured down to the Windsor Castle Hotel, which was a good venue for a Wednesday night. You could go and have a good beer down at the Windsor Castle Hotel. It's tucked away behind a little nook right in the heart of Windsor. Mr Rae 300122 Does it have a vegan menu? Mr BURNS 278522 I won't take that interjection, but St Kilda East has become a real hot spot for night life. There are some great local bars as well. The local taphouse was one of the first places where you could get fantastic beers on tap that were some of the best that you could get in Melbourne, and the food there is also excellent. I definitely recommend coming down to St Kilda East as well. People unfairly think of St Kilda and near the beach, but St Kilda East is such a great part of my local electorate and has so many great establishments on Fitzroy Street, which is obviously the night-life capital of Melbourne, and so many iconic venues, such as the Prince of Wales, which also has a smaller establishment in Chronicles Bar, which I will give a shout out-to. It's a young, local team who established this and are popping up a few other venues as well. Chronicles Bar is always welcoming, and the team there work really hard. It's a great small, local business that's making it work on a street that desperately needs really good businesses and people walking up and down there, contributing to and supporting our local businesses. In Southbank, there are so many different options around and so many amazing food options as well. An old favourite of mine is the Belgium Beer Café. The team of Macnamara once did our Christmas party there, and it was a great day. The team there really looked after us, and they are wonderful people. All of these local stories and all of these local businesses—we want them to continue and thrive. The costs of excises to run these on-tap beers add up, and this is a core part of their product business, and we want to ensure that they are able to thrive and continue to manage all of the costs of running their businesses in a way that makes it sustainable so that they continue to be there. When you ask people, 'What are the things that you love about our local community?' it's having the places that are familiar, having places that are unique and having places that are unique parts of our local community, just like the Vineyard, which was established in 1886 on Acland Street, just down the road from my office, where we launched our campaign for the election earlier this year. The team of the Vineyard were just absolutely wonderful in welcoming over-200-people-strong Labor contingent who were gearing up for the election campaign. We had musicians from the Australian National Academy of Music perform. We had the Deputy Prime Minister come and launch the campaign. It was all hosted in this iconic venue that has been around for, as I said, over 100 years. These are the sorts of businesses that this excise freeze will support. These are the sorts of businesses that we're here to support right around the country. In Macnamara, every single pub, every single bar, every single bowls club and every single venue do more than just pour a beer; they support jobs, they support local communities, they bring people together, they're the homes of good and fun parts of our amazing city, and they're also why people come to Melbourne to visit, to stay and to enjoy. Ms Ryan 249224 At the Espy! Mr BURNS 278522 At the Espy—I take interjection from the government whip. I did mention the Espy! I reported to the House earlier that, after the renovations, the floors are less sticky, but the times are just as good. We're very pleased to support these businesses, and I will continue in a moment. I seek leave to continue my remarks later. Leave granted; debate adjourned. MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS 31 MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Annual Climate Change Statement 31 Reference to Federation Chamber 35 12:30 Mr BOWEN DZS McMahon I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to. BILLS 35 BILLS Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 35

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025

Second Reading 35 12:31 Mr BURNS 278522 Macnamara I congratulate the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on his statement and thank him for his tireless efforts in order to bring down emissions—a very difficult job but one he is doing excellently and with great skill. Just like the shadow minister's process, he didn't quite finish before it had to be interrupted by people who are above him. I know a lot of members opposite were very angry with the shadow minister for taking too long with his internal review on net zero. He didn't quite get there. The Leader of the Opposition had to step in on the timing because the shadow minister was just taking forever and making his colleagues very angry. After that ridiculous contribution, those opposite have outed themselves as the climate change deniers that they are. When they talk about credibility, they have none in the Australian community. Moving on to more important matters, the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, as I was saying before those important statements, is a bill that says we are here to support the small businesses across the country. For those who don't know—and I'm sure many members of this parliament have worked in hospitality at some point in their careers—back in my university days I did have a brief stint working at one of St Kilda's fantastic establishments, the Beachcomber restaurant. I spent a summer running plates to and from the kitchen and, when there were functions, also working behind the bar. It was hard work. It was work where, after a six-hour shift, you were really tired. You had to put in a big effort, but it was really good, honest work. I know that, for people who are working in hospitality, the moments where you get to interact with people and see people enjoying our beautiful city and our beautiful businesses are really an enjoyable part of that job. It's really important for communities like mine that hospitality businesses are able to run them sustainably to support their workforce and not have too many costs that continue to build. The businesses, the pubs and all of the other hospitality venues were concerned about what the added costs of the CPI increases on the beer excise mean for their businesses. When you think about the thousands of people, even in my own community, who work in the sector—from the hardworking kitchen staff, the supervisors and the cleaners to the bookkeepers, the event organisers, the sound techs and the live performers—this is an industry we need to make sure we're sustaining and supporting. A lot of young people—just as I did when I was much younger—working in such places are able to use it as an entry point into the workforce. But also they can move through their career to be in these incredibly high skilled positions, whether it be in the kitchen, behind the bar or in any other parts of these hospitality venues. It is a sector where there is really a need for high-skilled, competent and hardworking people. I think about all the things that make our community vibrant, wonderful, colourful and welcoming, and you just can't go past all those establishments. When you think about the people who come in and sit at our establishments and are having to pay for all the beers and other products they're using, it adds up. If people don't have enough discretionary funds or savings, these are sometimes the things that fall off, and people choose not to go out, not to go and support small businesses. They choose to just stay home, because they don't have the disposable income to spend at these sorts of establishments. When you have these sorts of excises, which do add up, they get passed on to the consumer. For the most part, a lot of the establishments are places where hardworking people, lower- and middle-income earners, like to go and decompress after work, hang out with friends or just have that social interaction. In an age when too many people are sitting at home on their phones, not interacting with people and not going out, having these venues where it's actually affordable and possible for people to go out is really important. This bill is a small contribution to a really important part of our community and our economy. I say to all members of this place that when you think about the things that you love about your community you obviously think about the incredible community organisations—the people who give up their time, who do amazing work, who help serve our community. But you also think about the things people really love about all the different parts of our communities. For me, the inner part of Melbourne is a place where people love to come and visit. It's a place where people can get great food, have great times, go and see an amazing piece of Australian culture—performance, music, sport—all the things people love to go and enjoy. At the heart of that obviously is being able to have a drink, to relax and to be a part of these establishments. The policy that this bill will support will mean that 10,000 hospitality venues across Australia will benefit from these changes, and about 75 per cent of them—an overwhelming majority of them—are small businesses. That's why these measures are important. This is something the sector was calling for. It's something venues were calling for. It's something that gives them more certainty, and it's something that will bring down the cost of going out over time. It will mean that the excise on our draught beer will not increase twice a year on the CPI. That fundamentally is going to help people enjoy the wonderful things that make our community vibrant. I commend the bill to the House. 12:38 Ms JORDAN-BAIRD 316021 Gorton I rise today to speak in support of the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the associated bill. It's an absolute honour to follow my friend the member for McNamara, who I know is a huge advocate for publicans and small businesses in his electorate and, like me, enjoys a pint every once in awhile as well. Pubs, clubs and breweries are part of our social fabric and our Australian identity. They bring people together, they keep communities thriving and they support jobs right across the country. Australia has a long history of backing local brewers and the hospitality workers who keep our pubs running. In 2025 the Albanese Labor government is stepping up again, because that's what good governments do: they back local industry, they reduce pressure on household budgets and they keep our communities connected and strong. I'm proud to stand in this House and support a bill that delivers real cost-of-living relief, strengthens a key Australian industry and gives local pubs and the people who support them a fair go. This bill is a practical measure. It freezes the draught beer excise for local pubs and gathering spaces. In doing so, it reduces the cost of beer for consumers and businesses alike. Whether your preferred measure is a schooner or a pint, this side of the House is keeping beer affordable. The amendments in this bill are simple, targeted and fair. They support an industry that matters to communities, families and workers right across the nation and cut cost-of-living pressures, delivering real relief to Australians and their businesses. The Albanese Labor government is determined in its goal to do just this, to make sure that Australians and their businesses get real relief for financial pressures. On this side of the House, we know that cost of living affects all areas of life. Yes, it's about the number at the bottom of your energy bill, how much it costs to see a doctor when you're sick and how much student debt you still have to pay, which is why our government is acting to clamp down on every single one of these costs. But it's also about how much it costs to do the things we enjoy and the things that keep us together. Popping down to the pub for a beer and a meal with colleagues, friends and family is how we stay connected. We understand how important it is to protect these moments. Cost-of-living pressures cannot be allowed to compromise Australians' ability to stay connected. We also can't allow it to jeopardise the future of the hospitality industry in Australia. Our hospitality sector, especially in Victoria, has been through a lot. Pubs, clubs and venues faced huge challenges during the pandemic. Costs went up, supply chains were disrupted, and running a business became much harder. Right now, beer tax increases hit small businesses hard, especially in years of high inflation. For a small pub or club, another jump in excise can make the difference between hiring another worker and cutting back hours. It can also mean the difference between keeping the price of a pint stable and having to raise it again for customers already feeling the pinch. These aren't just numbers on a page. They are the day-to-day realities for thousands of family-run venues across Australia. We heard them, we listened, and we acted. Pubs, clubs and brewers asked for relief, and this bill delivers exactly that. It delivers on the government's commitment in the 2025-26 budget to freeze the indexation on draught beer excise for two years. Indexation is applied to draught beer excise and customs duty twice a year in February and August under arrangements that have been in place for decades. In other words, the tax on beer goes up every six months because of automatic indexation. Unfortunately, our breweries have faced 84 tax increases in the last 40 years, so this bill is a crucial step in the right direction and is a much needed break for industry. The legislation before us today will freeze indexation from August 2025. In other words, we're having an intermission for automatic indexation for two whole years so that the schedule increases in August 2025, February 2026, August 2026 and February 2027 won't happen. The rates will stay the same through the whole period, and, when indexation resumes in August 2027, the beer tax won't jump to where it would have been if the automatic indexation had continued. It starts from the rate we're on right now. That means the beer tax will be below what it would've been for every year in the future, which will make a difference to the price of beer in the long term. There are around 10,000 hospitality venues across Australia that will directly benefit from this bill, including pubs, bars, taverns and clubs. Seventy-five per cent of those venues are small family-run businesses that employ local people and support community events, sporting clubs and local charities. This is an industry that supports more than 160,000 jobs and contributes over $17 billion to the national economy. I am confident these measures will give these establishments the breathing room to keep business strong and support the communities that rely on them. I understand this bill personally because I have seen it firsthand. As a young adult, I worked in hospitality. I know how dedicated small-business owners in hospitality are. They don't just run businesses; they nurture people, invest in local talent, provide local employment and give back to the community with passion. I've met business owners who stay awake at night worrying if they can keep staff on. But I've also watched young people grow and transform through their first hospitality job like mine. When I say this policy matters, I say it from experience. I've lived it, I've supported it and I've seen it change lives. Every cent these businesses save from the freeze on tax indexation is an investment in workers, in jobs, in wages and in valuable experience. This bill builds on the broader tax relief announced earlier this year for Australia's brewers, distillers and winemakers. These industries aren't just part of our culture; they drive jobs, innovation and exports. Right now eligible producers can receive up to $350,000 in tax remission. This government will lift this remission to $400,000 from 1 July 2026. Our goal is simple. We want to reduce pressure on producers, boost local manufacturing and strengthen regional economies. Freezing the indexation on the draught beer excise is real cost-of-living relief that recognises the fundamental importance of pubs and breweries to Australians. It's another piece in the broader set of policies we've introduced to tackle the cost of living and ensure that the financial pressures on Aussies decrease in all areas of their lives, from sitting down to pay the energy bill to heading down to the local pub for a drink. Reducing the cost of living has been our government's mission in this parliament, and I'm proud to say that we've delivered. We've provided three rounds of energy bill relief to homes and small businesses to take the sting out of bills, as well as up to $1.8 billion to extend energy bill relief for another six months until the end of 2025, bringing the total Energy Bill Relief Fund commitment to $6.8 billion. We've delivered targeted cost-of-living relief for students, locking in 100,000 free TAFE places each year from 2027; legislating a 20 per cent cut to student debt—I'm proud to say three million students will see their HECS balances cut over the next two weeks; and raising the minimum repayment thresholds so that repayments are lower and kick in only when you earn more. We're putting more medicines on the PBS and capping the cost of a prescription on the PBS to no more than $25. We've invested $7.9 billion to expand the eligibility for the MBS bulk-billing incentives and to establish the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program so that every electorate in the country will have GP practices that bulk-bill every patient. Australians will only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, to receive the health care they need. When it comes to delivering real cost-of-living relief, the Albanese Labor government is truly leaving no stone unturned. That includes making sure that going down to the pub for a beer—something that makes so many Australians feel a whole lot lighter—doesn't make the wallet feel lighter as well. The best local stories and conversations come over a cold beer at the local pub, not in a meeting room and not at the office. What I hear loud and clear is that the cost of living has been weighing heavily on families, workers and small businesses. Prices keep rising, and people are struggling to get by. This includes paying the cost of a refreshing beer. From the very first day I was elected, I promised this community I would fight for them, that I would stand up for affordability in our community, that I would fight for fairness and that I would use every tool in my tool belt to ease these pressures and make life a little bit easier for the people of the western suburbs of Melbourne. This change will help ease costs for every local venue in the seat of Gorton. It will also help keep a pint more affordable for everyday Australians. This matters especially in Melbourne's west, where the pub culture is so strong. We've got so many loved pubs across Melbourne's west, from the beautiful Sugar Gum Hotel, in Hillside, to the Taylors Lakes Hotel; the Green Gully Soccer Club, another club whose food is well loved by the residents of Gorton; and the Keilor Hotel, which is a very special place close to me because it's where I met my husband, Chris. Just across from my office in Caroline Springs is Desir. Brenton, Michelle and Lorenzo have put their hearts into it. They're creating something really special in Gorton. This is a local business at its best. I know they'd be thrilled to see a government standing up for pubs and brewers, fighting to ease the cost-of-living pressures and working to bring down the cost of a pint in your hand so they don't have to worry about passing on the rising costs to customers. These venues are more than pubs in Gorton. They're community spots. They're where people catch up, unwind and feel connected. This measure helps keep them strong, and, because of that, I couldn't be prouder to support this bill. In a rare show of good sense, the coalition has decided not to stand in the way of this cost-of-living measure. It's reassuring to know that, for all their faults, they enjoy a beer like the rest of us. I wish I could say the same had happened with other cost-of-living measures we've introduced. Last term, they voted against our tax cuts for every taxpayer. They voted against us when we established the energy bill relief scheme. They went to the election promising to scrap our 20 per cent reduction on student debt. They opposed our fee-free TAFE policy and voted against it in this place, telling Australians that, if they didn't pay for their education, they wouldn't value it. The coalition has shown a rare display of sense by getting out of the way of this cost-of-living measure, but make no mistake— Honourable members interjecting— The DEPUTY SPEAKER 265979 Order! The member is entitled to be heard in silence. Ms JORDAN-BAIRD 316021 getting real cost-of-living relief to Australians is not a priority for those opposite. It's we on this side of the House who are delivering tangible cost-of-living relief. When it comes to bringing down the cost of living for Australians, every bit counts. On this side of the House, we're leaving no stone unturned to accomplish this goal. It's been our mission in this term of government, and we'll continue to act decisively to ensure that nobody is held back or left behind—not Australian people and not Australian businesses. The cost of living cannot be allowed to compromise Australians' ability to keep connected and make treasured memories. After all, pubs, clubs and breweries are special places. It's where I met the person I'm married to today. It's where we find community, stay connected and celebrate life. The bill before us shows that our government isn't just talking; we are acting. We are proving that practical policies can make a tangible difference in everyday life. I couldn't be prouder to stand with my government, which truly cares about its people. With this two-year pause on indexation of draught beer excise and excise-equivalent customs duty, the Albanese Labor government is standing up for Australia's pubs, clubs, brewers and hospitality workers. We understand that local pubs, clubs and breweries are not just businesses but community institutions that bring people together, provide employment and help keep economies strong. We're also standing up for Australians, who deserve to grab a beer with family and friends without worrying about the cost. I commend this bill to the House, I thank the Assistant Treasurer for introducing it, and I thank all of the speakers who are supporting it. 12:52 Ms COKER 263547 Corangamite In communities right across Australia, from our biggest cities to the smallest towns, the local pub or club is much more than a business. It is a gathering place—a place where people come together after a long shift, a long week or a long day; a place of celebration when the local footy or netball team has a win; or a place of commiseration or comfort when the week hasn't been easy. It's where friendships form, where stories are shared, where loneliness is forgotten and where the heart of community life beats strongest. That's why the Albanese Labor government is stepping up to support our venues, their workers and the Australian brewers who supply them. The Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 gives effect to our decision to pause indexation on draught beer excise and excise-equivalent customs duty for two years, beginning on 1 August this year. This is a practical measure. It is a targeted measure and a responsible measure. It keeps the price of a pint stable for everyday Australians, it provides certainty for publicans and their staff, and it strengthens the industries and communities built around our local venues. In my electorate of Corangamite, from the Surf Coast to the Bellarine and across the Geelong region, pubs and clubs are part of who we are. They host fundraisers when a family is doing it tough. They sponsor local sporting clubs. They offer that first casual job to a young person, building confidence and independence. They are where local musicians get their first gigs, where community groups meet and where generations of locals have gathered around the same tables for decades, sharing in laughter and debate and often providing a supportive ear. These venues also keep workers in shifts, keep our regional economies moving and keep our communities together. In my electorate of Corangamite, there are many distinctive townships—coastal, rural, thriving communities—each with their own distinctive watering holes, like the Torquay Hotel, the Barwon Heads Hotel, the Dina, the Grovedale Hotel, the Portarlington hotel, the Drysdale Hotel, Sporties in Leopold, the Esplanade Hotel in Queenscliff and so many more. We have brewers, like Bells Beach Brewing, Barwon Heads Brewing, Blackman's Brewing and Little Creatures, and our changes in this bill back them in. Our pause to the excise applies specifically to draught beer served from kegs between eight and 48 litres—the containers used every day in pubs, clubs and bars—and to larger kegs over 48 litres used in bigger hospitality venues. It does not apply to bottled or canned beer, spirits or other excisable beverages, because this is a policy targeted squarely at supporting hospitality venues. Around 10,000 venues across Australia will benefit directly from this decision, and roughly 75 per cent of those venues are small, family run businesses. These are venues that employ local people, donate raffle prizes to the bowls club, lend their function rooms when the SES need space after a storm or put on a community night when the town has had a tough season. For operators of small venues across the nation, we know the pandemic hit hospitality hard—so have supply chain disruptions and so has inflation. Publicans, managers, brewers and hospitality workers have carried a heavy load through a turbulent period. Our two-year excise freeze is not a silver bullet, but it is real relief. It stabilises one of their major cost pressures. It keeps the tax component of a pint steady for two years. It reduces pressure on venues to raise prices for their customers, many of whom are feeling cost-of-living pressures themselves, and it gives publicans predictable operating conditions at a time when they need certainty. This support does not stop at the pub door. When a local venue can stay open and stay strong, the whole supply chain benefits: the brewers who rely on keg sales to stay viable benefit, the farmers growing barley and hops benefit, transport operators moving goods up and down the coast benefit, and equipment suppliers, refrigeration companies, event organisers and musicians all benefit too. Across the hospitality and brewing sectors, around 160,000 Australians rely on these venues staying open and profitable. This pause helps keep their jobs more secure. Small and independent brewers, including so many proudly Australian, community minded, innovative producers, rely heavily on keg sales to keep their businesses afloat. For them, indexation is not an abstract policy issue; it directly affects whether they can make payroll, plan production runs, invest in new equipment and keep their team employed. Pausing indexation for two years will help brewers manage costs, stabilise cashflow and continue to invest in their local communities and local economies. It will also ensure these small and independent brewers can continue to compete fairly against large multinational producers. Fair competition matters. It protects diversity and innovation in the Australian beer market. It ensures consumers have real choice, and it keeps our hospitality sector vibrant, diverse and reflective of local tastes and local talent. This measure is also the product of extensive consultation. The Albanese Labor government has listened carefully to publicans, brewers and small-business groups right across the country. We've heard from venue owners and brewers trying to balance growth and unpredictable input costs. We've heard from operators of small hospitality businesses who simply wanted some breathing space, not a hand-out but a fair go and a fair chance to plan ahead. This measure reflects that feedback. It is targeted where it needs to be. It is temporary by design, and it is one part of a broader support package for small business across Australia. Alongside this excise pause, the Albanese Labor government is delivering a comprehensive suite of support for small business, the backbone of our economy and the heart of so many communities. We have extended the instant asset write-off so small operators can invest in the equipment they need without facing cashflow barriers. We're supporting small businesses to adapt and adopt digital tools, streamline administration and modernise their operations, saving time and reducing costs. We're helping businesses lower their energy bills through targeted support and clean energy investments. I'd like to make the point that this broader package recognises that small businesses do not operate in isolation. They need coordinated support across tax, energy, skills, digital infrastructure and cost-of-living pressures. Within this wider framework of support sits our draught beer excise pause. This measure is practical, and it is also fiscally responsible. Indexation will resume after two years, ensuring the integrity of the broader alcohol excise framework is maintained. So it's a temporary adjustment designed to help small venues through a challenging period without compromising the long-term sustainability of the budget. That's what responsible economic management looks like. The importance of this measure is especially visible in regional communities like mine. In many regional towns, the local pub is where loneliness is eased, where a newcomer to town meets their first neighbour, where families gather after Saturday sport and where stories are passed down across generations. It's where people hold charity nights when the community needs to rally around someone. It is where people go after a funeral to share memories and support each other. It is where local bands start out and where travellers stop in and keep regional tourism strong. These venues are cultural institutions. They are part of our national identity. Keeping their doors open matters. This government understands community life because it is connected to it. We understand the pressures that publicans, club managers and hospitality staff are facing. We know what these venues mean to local people, and we are acting decisively to support them. This support is also aligned with our broader cost-of-living agenda. From 1 July, we have delivered practical measures that help make everyday life easier. We have increased the national minimum wage and award wages by 3.5 per cent. We've lifted the super guarantee to 12 per cent. We have expanded Paid Parental Leave to 24 weeks. and it will be 26 the year after next. We have ensured superannuation is paid on all government paid parental leave. We have delivered energy bill relief, with another $150 to come off before the end of the year. We have made home batteries cheaper for households. We have cut student loan debt by 20 per cent for around three million Australians. We have delivered paid practical placements for nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students. We delivered another instalment of the aged-care wage rise in October, following the first increase earlier this year. And, through 2025, more responsible measures will continue to roll out, including tax cuts for every taxpayer, 50 more Medicare urgent care clinics, including one in my electorate in Torquay, and expanded bulk-billing. Inflation is rising overseas, including in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. It remains stubbornly high in many parts of Europe. Australia, by contrast, has seen inflation fall because of disciplined economic management. We have avoided the recession and the job losses seen in many comparable economies. We have kept employment strong through uncertain global conditions. This is what steady, responsible government looks like—delivering relief for businesses, workers and consumers. This is a modest measure with a great impact. It is temporary, targeted and responsible. It is shaped by industry consultation. It supports fair competition. It protects diversity and choice in our beer and hospitality industries. It strengthens the community institutions that matter to people's lives. At its core, this is not about taxation formulas or economic modelling. It is about people. It is about the workers pulling beers on a Friday night. It is about the apprentices learning how to run a venue. It is about the families who pour their savings, their time and their heart into running a small pub. It is about the brewers, crafting something uniquely Australian. It is about the tourists who stop in and keep small towns strong. It is about the locals who find connection, friendship and belonging at their local. It is about keeping the heart of community life beating. This is the Albanese government backing in small business, backing in workers, backing in regional communities. This is a good, steady, responsible government in action—delivering for small venues and the Australians who rely on them every day. Thank you. 13:05 Ms TRISH COOK 312871 Bullwinkel I rise to support the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, a bill that is fundamentally about backing the small businesses that power our regional economies and preserving the community hubs where Australians come together. The bill before the House delivers on the commitment by the Albanese Labor government to stand up for Australian pubs, clubs, brewers and hospitality workers. We are proposing a practical, targeted and responsible two-year pause on the indexation of draught beer excise and excise-equivalent customs duties. This measure, which formally commenced on 1 August 2025, is about one simple thing: stability. It's about keeping the price of a pint stable for everyday Australians. It's about protecting the jobs of these people who pour the pints. It's also about ensuring that the venues that serve our communities can keep their doors open. In the electorate of Bullwinkel we know the value of a local pub. In our regional towns and our suburban hubs, the pub or the local club is rarely a place just to buy a drink. It is a community institution. It is the third place—not work, not home but the neutral ground where we gather. It's where the local football team heads after a win and where they commiserate after a loss. It's where raffles are run to support the local fire brigades. It's where families gather for birthdays and where communities gather to support one another in difficult times. I saw this firsthand during the campaign when I visited the Gidgegannup Recreation Club. I was there for a very special sundowner. It was the launch of the Resilience and Recovery Through Art project for the Wooroloo Bushfire Art Trail. It was commemorating two years of recovery post bushfires. While I was there I had a chat with the incredible bar volunteers from the community, who were working hard to make the evening a success. Amidst the celebration of local resilience they spoke to me quite candidly about the challenges of hosting community events like that one. They raised the issue of rising costs, specifically the cost of catering and the impact of the beer excise on their bottom line. They made a simple but powerful point to me that night: the less it costs to stock the bar and put on the event, the more money that can go directly into the community initiative itself. By reducing these input costs we ensure that funds raised at a sundowner go towards community projects rather than being eaten up by the overheads. When venues like the Gidgegannup rec club come under pressure the whole community feels the squeeze. We know that the hospitality sector has faced a battering in recent years. They have weathered the pandemic lockdowns, they have navigated supply chain disruptions and they have faced rising input costs on everything from electricity to ingredients. We get that. This legislation recognises that reality. It provides breathing space. Specifically, this measure applies to containers of between eight and 48 litres—the kegs that are commonly used in our pubs and clubs—as well as containers over 48 litres, used in larger venues. It is important to note, especially for me as a nurse, that this does not apply to bottled or canned beer sold in bottle shops. We've been very deliberate here. This is not a blanket tax cut for regional giants. It is a targeted intervention for hospitality operators. We are supporting the venues that employ staff, cook food, and service our communities. By pausing the automatic indexation of excise for two years, we are stabilising the tax component of a pint. We are reducing the pressure on these venues to pass on rising costs to their customers. Around 10,000 hospitality venues around Australia will directly benefit from this. These include our pubs, bars, taverns and clubs, and we know that around 75 per cent of these venues are small, family-run businesses. These are mums and dads who have mortgaged their homes to buy a lease. These are families who work 80-hour weeks to keep the lights on. For small publicans and family-run clubs, this decision offers the certainty that they need to plan ahead. It means they can retain the extra casual staff members. It means they can reinvest in their kitchens. But the benefits of this policy flow much further than just the front bar. Approximately 160,000 Australian workers in the hospitality and brewing sectors rely on these venues staying profitable. This measure supports our Australian brewers, particularly the small, independent craft producers, who are such a success story in our modern economy. Many of these are independent brewers, and they rely heavily on keg sales to local venues to maintain their cash flow. When we pause indexation, we help those brewers manage their production costs. We help them to continue to invest in local economies. And the ripple effect continues. It flows to the farmers growing barley and hops in Bullwinkel. It flows to the transport operators trucking the kegs. It flows to the equipment suppliers and the thousands of small businesses linked to the hospitality supply chain. This is a clear example of the Albanese government's partnership with the hospitality, tourism and manufacturing sectors. These are the industries that drive local jobs and form the backbone of many regional economies, including my own in Bullwinkel. By ensuring that small brewers and publicans can continue to compete fairly against large multinational producers, we are protecting diversity and competition in the Australian beer industry. Those opposite may ask about fiscal impact. This policy reflects Labor's belief that responsible government can ease pressure on families and businesses while maintaining the economic discipline required to keep the budget sustainable. This is a cost-of-living measure that strengthens small-business resilience without driving inflation. It is measured, it is temporary and it is fiscally responsible. The government has listened to industry feedback. Brewers, publicans and small-business groups have consistently called for relief from this automatic excise increase during this period of high inflation. We have listened and we have acted. We are governing with balance and purpose. We are remaining committed to evidence based health policy. This pause does not change the overall structure of alcohol taxation or weaken public health objectives, but it does ensure that a fair go applies to a small business just as much as to the worker. However, we know that the price of beer is not the only pressure facing householders in Bullwinkel. This measure complements many of the Albanese Labor government's wider, ambitious cost-of-living agenda methods. We are delivering real, practical and ongoing help for Australians who are feeling the pinch. We are delivering exactly what we said we would. Since 1 July, we have seen the national minimum wage and award wages increase by 3.5 per cent, ensuring workers' pay packets keep moving in the right direction. We have seen the super guarantee increase to 12 per cent, putting more money away for the future for working Australians. We have expanded paid parental leave to 24 weeks and ensured that super is now paid on all government paid parental leave—a massive win for gender equality and retirement savings. We are rolling out another $150 in energy bill relief before the end of the year. We have cut 20 per cent off student loan debt for three million Australians, and that includes 13,000 students from Bullwinkel alone. This will be a huge relief for young people in my electorate looking to start their lives as adults in the workforce. We have introduced Commonwealth prac payments for nurses, teachers and social workers, supporting the essential workers of the future practically when they need do prac so that they can continue their part-time jobs and look after their families whilst they study. And just last month, in October, our hardworking aged-care nurses—yay for nurses!—received the next instalment of their historic pay rise. A couple of weeks ago, it was great to meet Amy in Northam. Amy is finishing her law degree as a mature-age student at the newly opened Northam regional university student study hub. This hub is incredible because it allows regional students like Amy to study right where they live. This significantly helps with their living expenses, removing the need to relocate to the city or pay city rents just to get a qualification. It is practical support that keeps our regions strong and keeps education accessible. This is what meaningful, responsible cost-of-living relief looks like. It looks like tax cuts for every taxpayer, which kicked in last year, with more on the way. It looks like another 50 Medicare urgent care clinics opening throughout the rest of the year and bulk-billing expanding from November so that families can see a doctor when they need to, not just when they can afford to. And we are achieving all this while managing the economy responsibly. Unlike other countries that have faced recessions and massive job losses, Australia has managed to get inflation down without sacrificing the gains that we have made in the labour market. We look abroad and see inflation ticking up in the United States, in Canada, in New Zealand. We see it remaining stubbornly high in the United Kingdom. But here inflation is stable and is half of what we inherited in 2022. We are securing the economy while supporting the community. To conclude, this legislation before us today is a small but vital piece of that puzzle. It's about keeping local venues open. It's about keeping people at work. It's about keeping communities connected. These are values that sit at the heart of the Labor tradition. The legislation represents good, steady, responsible government in action—targeted relief, real results and a fair go for Australian workers and small-business owners alike. The Albanese Labor government is in touch with community life. We understand the pressures on small businesses, whom we are acting decisively to support. I commend this bill to the House. 13:18 Ms RYAN 249224 Lalor This legislation, the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, which I rise to support today, has been very welcomed in the community that I represent because Lalor is home to some of the most community minded pubs and clubs in Victoria—venues that are major employers, community sponsors and essential gathering places. Australians are a social mob. We like to get together. Whether we're drinking a beer out of a seven-ounce glass, a pint, a pot or a schooner, having a beer together has been part of our traditions for a long, long time, whatever part of Australia you're in, however you want to label the size of your glass and the beer that's inside it, and whatever the brand of beer you drink. Things have changed with our emerging craft beer industries coming through. When I was growing up people were branded by their cars and branded by their beers. In my house, we drank Victoria Bitter. Not everybody did, but all of us agreed, and the parents of all of my friends agreed, that nobody drank Foster's. That was a rule where I come from. Our local pubs continue these traditions. It's a sector that's faced various pressures, particularly around supply chain pressures and post-pandemic recovery. The draught beer excise pause that comes in with this piece of legislation is a practical, targeted measure that delivers real support to the venues, to our social industry if you like, and to our night economies. I will give an overview of this measure: it pauses the automatic CPI indexation of draught beer excise for two years from 1 August this year. This prevents scheduled rises in August 2025, February 2026, August 2026 and February 2027. Indexation resumes in 2027 but from the frozen rate, creating a permanently lower excise trajectory. This was very welcome news across my community. The measure has strong industry support, has bipartisan backing and forms part of the Albanese Labor government's cost-of-living strategy. It's supported by other small-business measures, including the increased excise remissions for brewers and distillers. What does this mean for our venues? What has been interesting about this debate is that we've had some insight into almost every electorate around the country, as people take us on a tour of their social establishments. I'd start locally at the Racecourse Hotel—my local, the closest to my home. It's one of Lalor's most iconic venues. The high draught volume means the pause will directly stabilise operating costs, support staff retention and help keep meal prices stable for local families. Most Saturday nights you can't get a table at the Racecourse; it is booked out by families for the traditional pub meal. The last time I was there I saw three or four families with very young children having a counter meal, and a few multigenerational families celebrating their grans' birthdays. It's that kind of pub. When I walk into the Racecourse Hotel—to give you an insight into this hotel—in the traditional front bar you'll still find workers in their steel capped boots and shorts, or their long pants and high-vis. The formal lounge is where we have our counter meals. The bar manager is a former student of mine. His name is Dave. To capture the tone of this place, when I walk into this hotel I am met by Dave—who I taught a long, long time ago—and every time, even if he's behind the bar when I walk in and take a seat in the front bar or the lounge, I get a nod, a wink and a, 'Hello, Senator'—just to capture that Australian sense of humour! Leaving the Racecourse Hotel, I'd next go to the Bridge Hotel, my other local, because it's the closest to the Lalor office; in fact, it's directly across the road! It's central to Werribee's night-time economy. It's popular for live sport and social gatherings and live music. This freeze helps plan operating costs. This pub has a long history in Werribee. In fact, I've told this story in this place before: my mum was the first woman to be served in the public bar of the Bridge Hotel. It was a Werribee Cup night, and she went with Dad, who was president of the Werribee Racing Club at the time, and she just refused to get off the stool in the front bar until they poured her a beer—so she was the first woman served. It's a pub now run by a very-well-known Victorian group that run hotels. It's an incredibly-well-run hotel and it even has a draught beer called 'the Werribee'. Down the road we have the Commercial Hotel Werribee. This pub was famous for a lot of years because the Geelong Football Club always stopped there on their way home from the game in Melbourne. They would stop and have tea at the Commercial Hotel, which is famous for its large lounge called the Grenada. It has a huge front bar with beautiful billiard tables. It's been a main-street institution for generations. The excise pause will provide certainty for entertainment, functions and employment at the Commercial Hotel. The Park Hotel, formerly the Werribee Hotel, is a key location for family dining and community events. The freeze will help it, too, with food and produce costs. It's also a live music venue. You can see how this freeze will help this industry plan things and keep their employees paid and in jobs. We then go to the Italian Sports Club Werribee, a major multicultural and community hub, built by our Italian community some 50-plus years ago. It supports seniors activities, junior sport, large family functions, the Werribee Soccer Club. These measures will help it with its function prices and keeping function prices affordable and keeping its members happy. The Plaza Tavern in Hoppers Crossing is a large employer of local young people and students. The cost stabilitymeans casual and part-time jobs will be better protected there. Hotel520 Tarneit, one of our newer establishments, is a significant venue in a rapidly growing suburb. This measure helps venues redirect savings into staff, upgrades and better services for the community. Club Tarneit and the Tigers Clubhouse have a connection to the Werribee Football Club. They're important venues for local sport and multicultural events. These measures will help keep community hiring and event costs down. These clubs sponsor local sport in my community, including Chirnsides by the River at the Werribee Football Club—all our local sporting clubs, whether they be soccer or football clubs, anywhere you are imbibing a beer that is draught beer, on-tap beer or beer poured from a barrel or a keg, depending on which part of the country you want to talk about, these measures will help keep costs down. Pubs and clubs in Lalor support hundreds of jobs, particularly for young workers. The excise pause helps protect those jobs by stabilising operating costs. It'll help prevent price increases from being passed on to customers. The benefits flow through to food producers; to people working in transport and logistics businesses; to maintenance contractors; to people working in local events, including entertainers and suppliers; and to community sports clubs, as I've said, relying on sponsorship. Hospitality venues are essential social infrastructure in our fast-growing suburbs. They're essential social infrastructure in the Australian ethos. They host sporting presentations, fundraisers, cultural nights, charity events and family gatherings. These venues support social connection. In terms of the events that I host in my electorate, I have my Lalor Heroes event annually at the Italian Sports Club of Werribee. I have my International Women's Day event there annually. I host my sports president night annually at Chirnsides by the River. These are places frequented by locals to catch up on weekends and to share stories. It's where we actually build the glue that binds us together. The excise pause helps keep these venues open, active and accessible. These measures obviously complement other cost-of-living measures introduced by this government, including tax cuts for every tax payer; cheaper PBS medicines; expanded bulk-billing, which is going off in my electorate; energy bill relief; paid parental leave expansion; and super guarantee increases, not to mention the most important one in my electorate this week is the 20,000 young people getting the text messages to say they've had 20 per cent cut off their HECS debt. Isn't that being celebrated across my electorate? This is just one measure that demonstrates that the Albanese Labor government cares about how our communities are getting on. We care about the cost of living and the pressure that is putting on people in our community, and we care about how those families are getting on and how they'll continue to get along. We are continuing our cost-of-living measures to assist families in electorates just like mine. I say to all the members in my community: I wish you a very, very, very merry Christmas, and I hope you all get to have a draught beer to celebrate Christmas this year. The DEPUTY SPEAKER 265979 The debate is interrupted in accordance with standing order 43. The debate may be resumed at a later hour. STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 44 STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS Queensland: Storms 44 13:29 Mr YOUNG 201906 Longman This week, like much of Queensland, my electorate of Longman has been literally belted by storm after storm. The community has endured very high winds, rain and hail. Many of the trees have come down. There has been debris causing damage to fences and homes, as well as roofs being literally blown off. This has resulted in many homes being without power and mobile coverage, and, of course, the mobile towers need power to operate. My office and I have been communicating with state and local members as well as Energex and telcos to keep the residents up to date. I received, 20 minutes ago, another alert that another storm with damaging winds and hail is due this afternoon. There are aged-care facilities and over-50s villages, in particular, on Bribie Island and Beachmere that still have no power, and residents are distressed. There's no respite in temperatures that are nearing 40 degrees, with extreme humidity on the horizon. I'm asking the responsible minister, Minister Wells, if she can update what the federal government are doing to assist these vulnerable residents. Locally, I'm working with the local community organisations to try and source and deliver food and water to residents. If anyone's willing to help out tomorrow when this latest storm passes, please contact my office, and please stay safe everyone. Wright, Mr William 'Billy' 44 13:30 Mr SOON 298618 Banks I rise today to recognise William 'Billy' Wright of Oatley in my electorate and his extraordinary service. Billy was conscripted into the Australian Defence Force in February 1966. After undertaking training with the RAAF and RAEME, he was deployed to Vietnam in 1969 as an engine fitter. His time in Vietnam exemplified dedication to service and bravery, volunteering for air control missions and infantry patrols. Billy returned to Australia after a year and concluded his military service in 1972. In post-military life, he would continue his work as an engine fitter with Qantas, working there for over 30 years. Most remarkable has been his support for veterans and their legacy. Billy joined the Oatley RSL sub-Branch in 2008 and became its president in 2015. During his term, he authored and funded a book on local war heroes which has been distributed widely, honouring our community's history of service. In recognition of his incredible contributions, the Oatley RSL sub-Branch hall will be renamed the William 'Billy' Wright sub-branch hall. I know you're watching out there, Billy. Thank you for all your remarkable work for our community, your dedication to veterans and your service to— (Time expired) Kazal, Mr Charif 44 13:32 Mr TED O'BRIEN 138932 Fairfax Fourteen years is a long time to be wrongfully labelled as corrupt; 14 years is a long time to be told by banks and other institutions that there is a red flag against your name and that dealing with you would be a reputational risk; 14 years is a long time to be denied justice, to be egregiously wronged and recognised as such and yet refused closure. Yet it has been 14 years for a constituent of mine—Mr Charif Kazal. The case of Kazal v Australia ran for six years, between 2017 and 2023, after Mr Kazal was wrongfully labelled corrupt by the New South Wales ICAC. A decision of the United Nations Human Rights Committee cited that New South Wales ICAC had operated outside of its powers and appropriate steps should be taken to resolve the matter. Given it is the Australian government which is signatory to the UN's human rights treaties and optional protocols, the Commonwealth has obligations in this regard. Mr Kazal has sought to meet with this government's former and current attorneys-general but has not been granted a meeting. I too have made representations without success. I therefore stand in this parliament today to ask the Attorney-General (1) will an apology be made to Mr Kazal, in compliance with the UN decision, and (2) will she take the time to meet with Mr Kazal? Holt Electorate: Christmas 45 13:33 Ms FERNANDO 299964 Holt As we approach the festive season, it gives me great joy to reflect on the spirit of Christmas—a time of hope, kindness and community. I want to especially acknowledge the incredible emergency service personnel and volunteers, firefighters, paramedics, police and SES workers who will be on duty while many of us celebrate. I also want to thank the hardworking retail and fast food workers whose dedication keeps our communities running during this busy and challenging time. For many families in Holt and across Australia, Christmas is a special time to come together, celebrate our shared values and give thanks. I'm really looking forward to joining the wonderful Christmas celebrations right across Holt, from local carols and community markets to festive gatherings at our schools and churches, and, as I do every year, I will be attending Christmas Eve mass at St Agatha's church in Cranbourne to give thanks and to reflect on the blessings of faith, family and the incredible community I am so proud to represent. To the people of Holt and all Australians, I wish you a merry Christmas filled with love and hope for the year ahead. God bless you all. Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group 45 13:35 Dr SCAMPS 299623 Mackellar For the last 50 years the Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group in Mackellar have been bringing joy to children locally and around the world by restoring and recycling toys. Last week I thoroughly enjoyed visiting their toy workshop, which is filled to the rooftop with toys, to celebrate their 50th anniversary and to see firsthand the amazing work they do. They held a hugely successful toy drive to mark the occasion. Peninsula toys was established in 1975 with the goal of creating a local organisation that would benefit the community by providing an engaging activity for senior citizens, bringing joy to underprivileged children and contributing to toy recycling efforts, thereby reducing landfill waste. Today, over 30 dedicated retirees, both male and female, devote countless hours each week to ensuring that children in need have access to toys, books, games, puzzles and more. Santa's elves have nothing on peninsula toys, who work all year round distributing thousands of restored and recycled toys to countries such as Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Ghana ,Tonga and Fiji. They also provide toys to drought-stricken farming families through Rotary and Lions clubs, to First Nations communities in Sydney and Brewarrina and to children in hospital. I congratulate them on their 50th birthday and thank them for their dedication and commitment to bringing joy to so many. Lane Cove West Public School 45 13:36 Mr LAXALE 299174 Bennelong I'd like to acknowledge the extraordinary generosity, commitment and community spirit displayed by the students, staff and families of Lane Cove West Public School. It gives me great pleasure to inform the House that this wonderful school community has raised an outstanding $32,969 for the Heart Foundation through this year's Jump Rope for Heart program, making them the school with the second-highest amount of fundraising in the country. This is not just a great achievement; it's a powerful example of how young people can step up and support a cause that touches so many Australian families. I'd like to give a special shout-out to the school's top fundraiser, Charlotte Shanahan, who raised a remarkable $2,305 all on her own. Charlotte's effort wasn't just about skipping ropes. She did it in honour of her grandfather, the late John Shanahan, a much-loved Lane Cove local who, sadly, passed away from congestive heart failure. Charlotte's determination to support heart health in his name shows maturity and compassion well beyond her years. Her family and our entire community should be very proud of her. Of course, these results don't happen without strong leadership. I'd like to acknowledge Miss Amelia Richards for coordinating this event so successfully and acting principal Mrs Roslyn Gee for fostering a school environment where kids are supported to step up and make a real difference. Well done, Lane Cove West Public School. Science 45 13:38 Dr RYAN 297660 Kooyong Australian scientists invented medical ultrasound, wi-fi, Aerogard and the cochlear implant. Our medical researchers developed penicillin, spray-on skin, cardiac pacemakers and vaccines against HPV. But in 2025, the Albanese government lacks the vision and commitment required to maximise yield from Australia's remarkable science, technology and medical research sectors. As inflation and the cost of computational requirements and cybersecurity rise, we are undersupporting science and medical research, and our institutes and research organisations are suffocating. While we await the government's strategic examination of research and development, the CSIRO is cutting jobs and programs; ANSTO is losing facilities and staff; the Medical Research Future Fund is underspent, while the financial capability of one in five medical research institutes is on the line; and grants from the Australian Research Council and the NHMRC have declined by 27 per cent over the last decade. Australian research and development is at risk of being stifled in the present and sidelined in the future, while we lose the talent and infrastructure that drive jobs, national security and technological strength. We have a choice: vision and transformation, or failure and loss. A defining decision awaits this government, and I urge it to choose wisely. Queensland: Members of Parliament 46 13:40 Ms JARRETT 298574 Brisbane As this is the last sitting day of the year, I thought I would share a little Christmas poem, '9 Newbies from Queensland'. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through this house I reflect on 9 newbies from Queensland with nouse. We fought tough campaigns with grit and care, And we persuaded the voters to put us there. We arrived in Canberra with the new team of Feds While campaigns and chaos still danced in our heads. With Albo and all, we felt right at home And soon realised we were not alone. We learnt the ropes and to never miss a bell Less the whip would make—our life a living hell. Then into the rabble of the Question Time pit It soon became apparent there was plenty of wit. As the speaker worked hard to manage the crowd, Interjections and jibes came thick and loud. With the opposition in tatters, and fighting themselves the government got very busy like little Christmas elves. As the opposition frayed and voters saw red The government kept delivering on what it said: Reduced HECS debts and home deposits; free health care and pills Tax cuts and home batteries reducing income ills. Growing wages, lowering inflation and creating more jobs Was all in stark contrast to the net zero sobs. So Now Renee, Now Ali, Now Kara and Jules; On Emma; on Corrinne; on Rohan and Matt. It is the end of the year; to our home turf we go. We have done something good, and have lots to show. But thanks to you all for a great first run. And we hope '26 will be just as much fun. Groom Electorate: Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland 46 13:41 Mr HAMILTON 291387 Groom That is very difficult to follow. Continuing the Christmas theme, it is Christmas time all over again, so it is time for me to thank the wonderful people of the Lions Club of Toowoomba West for running the Toowoomba Christmas Wonderland. They do it every year in Queen's Park. This has become part of Toowoomba's way of life since 2003 when the Burstow family first ran their lights festival. It has now become a huge event. We get thousands of kids from across the region come through and see the same installations every year. But seeing them all over again as a parent and watching your kids grow up in that lovely community is a wonderful thing. Over 40 different businesses each donate and support each one of the light displays, and five different businesses across our community ensure their employees are there to make sure every kid gets a chance to see what is going on, to get a free ice cream. The Lions Club do a great job of raising money. This year, all donations are going towards the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, the Toowoomba Hospice and a couple of other charities we are bringing into it this year. The main part is how important it is for everyone to get together over Christmas. I want to thank every member of the Lions Club of Toowoomba West for what they do in making Toowoomba such a special place every Christmas. Queensland: Storms 47 13:42 Ms COMER 316551 Petrie I welcome the press gallery for joining me to hear about the Queensland storms. South East Queensland has once again been battered by severe storms, with destructive winds, heavy rain, hail the size of cricket balls and widespread damage across our communities. In my electorate, families in Brisbane and Moreton Bay endured another intense night of wild weather. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, with some facing days of delays due to the scale of the damage. Local businesses have suffered enormous losses. Families are throwing out entire fridges and freezers of food, and schools and small businesses are being forced to close their doors. Disabled residents have been stuck in multistorey buildings without power. I know how stressful and exhausting this can be. I know many families are scared, frustrated and unsure when things will return to normal. Please take care around the damaged power lines, bridges, buildings and trees. My electorate office in the Deception Bay community hall is open for anyone who needs to charge their devices and access information. Assessments are being undertaken by the Queensland government to determine what payments locals who have been effected can apply for. We are supporting the Queensland government with the cost of providing relief and recovery assistance to communities through the jointly funded disaster recovery funding. Crews are working around the clock to restore power, reconnect communications services and clear debris. We will continue to back every affected household and business for as long as it takes. Queenslanders have always stood together through tough times and we will do so again. Stay safe everyone and merry Christmas. McPherson Electorate: Future Leaders Award 47 13:44 Mr REBELLO 316547 McPherson As the 2025 school year draws to a close, I would like to congratulate all the year 12 students who have completed their high school journey. I wish each of you the very best for your exciting new chapters. It was an honour to join our local schools in celebrating the year's achievements and to present my Future Leaders Award to acknowledge an outstanding year 12 student from each school. These young leaders demonstrate initiative, integrity and a genuine commitment to making a difference. I'd like to place on record the recipients so far: Alasdair McCall from Hillcrest Christian College; Georgiana Georghiou from Silkwood School; Lyric Wilkinson and Sophie Spaull from Mudgeeraba Special School; Ella Henderson from Hillcrest Christian College virtual learning; Isaac Elmore, Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School; Claire Robertson, Robina State High School; Talissa Bellette, Elanora State High School; William Davis, Varsity College; Ayla Geralds, Somerset College; Saskia Birner, All Saints Anglican School; Jackson Fietz, Arcadia College; Sophie Fraser, Gold Coast Christian College; Ava Le Cornu, the BUSY School; Heath McLachlan, St Andrews Lutheran College; and Isabella Anderson from the Industry School For our primary- and middle-school students, I was very pleased to present my Spirit and Service Award, recognising one young person from each school who looks out for others. I congratulate each and every one of those students. To every student across the southern Gold Coast: congratulations and well done. Swinburne University of Technology 47 13:45 Mr BURNS 278522 Macnamara I rise to raise serious concerns about Swinburne University. After multiple scandals in the news about the conduct of university leadership, Swinburne have now decided to kick out a community run childcare centre with no regard for the interests of the local community and the public that they are meant to support. Swinburne was gifted public land in Windsor by the Victorian state government to support TAFE training and community education. They have even used federal grants to build Windsor Community Children's Centre, a centre that has trained generations of early childhood educators. They now refer to the site as an investment property. The land was transferred to Swinburne at no cost on the explicit understanding that it would remain in educational use, not as a commercial asset. After multiple assurances from Swinburne in March that they would be willing to sell for below market value, they are now seeking a commercial windfall by evicting a community service that they helped create. What do Swinburne have to hide? If a university's first instinct is to extract maximum commercial value at the expense of families, workforce development and community trust, then something is fundamentally wrong. Eighty families face displacement from an essential learning service and a longstanding student training pipeline built by Swinburne itself. Stonnington council, in partnership with our government, has formally offered $8.4 million for this site. Swinburne should accept that offer and allow the Windsor Community Children's Centre to remain exactly where it should be. Member for New England 48 13:47 Mr JOYCE e5d New England There's no doubt about it: this is the ejection seat. It's about as far away as you can get from the dispatch box. If you're sitting here, they want you out there. In the past, I was asked to leave twice by Peter Dutton. I suppose, when they talk about generational change, it's pretty clear what people want. One of the biggest things, though, is that, after five weeks—I announced this about five weeks ago—apart from a 90-second phone conversation with the Leader of the Nationals, I've had no communication with either the leader or the Deputy Leader of the Nationals to try and resolve this, and that's disappointing. So, after 30 years with the National Party, I am resigning from the party. That really leaves me with a heavy heart. I apologise for all the hurt that that will cause other people. I really do. But it's not the most important thing. What is really important is that we understand those dealing with the cost-of-living crisis and that we go in to bat for them. What is really important is that they're still building intermittent power precincts and swindle factories in regional areas and destroying communities such as my own. What is really important is that the Chinese communist government are breathing down our necks and each day become more provocative. What is really important is that we have regional hospitals without doctors in them. What I have to do, if I'm going to continue with that fight, is get myself into a better position than the ejection chair at the back bench of the coalition in opposition. Labor Government 48 13:49 Mr MONCRIEFF 316540 Hughes Wasn't that a great example of the focus of those opposite on themselves rather than on the people they should be looking after, the real Australians who need our help! The Albanese Labor government is leading the world in areas that are going to build the futures of young Australians: on international trade, on energy, on keeping our young people safe online. Those opposite can't even figure out how to lead themselves. On this side of the House, we know how to work with partners around the world to achieve real outcomes for Australians, like those in my electorate of Hughes. In our critical mineral framework with the United States we are positioning Australia to benefit from the transition the global economy is going through as countries around the world move towards net zero. On social media we are taking action to protect our young people and our next generation from its harms—reforms that are now being envied and emulated around the world. With the G20 we have strengthened our commitment to the Paris Agreement and international trade while those opposite talk down our place on the national stage. On energy we are leading the world with the presidency of the COP. While those opposite don't believe in climate action, the rest of the world and the business community and this side of the House do. The world is with us on our plans for cheaper renewable energy and international trade to reduce the cost of living for Australians. Those opposite need to take the message that Australians are giving them and join the world in the 21st century. Energy 48 13:50 Mr KENNEDY 267506 Cook The member for Hughes just said the Labor Party's leading the world on energy. We would settle just for leading Australia, because their energy policies are a trainwreck. Last week the ANZ CEO said the medicine of this transition could kill the patient. Who is the patient under the Labor Party? Is it Tomago, who went bankrupt? Is it Nyrstar, who went bankrupt? Is it the Mount Isa shelter, which went bankrupt? Is it Whyalla Steelworks, which went bankrupt? Is it Bell Bay, which is facing an $80 million loss? Is it the pensioner in my electorate who I had to introduce to Wesley Mission last weekend to pay his energy bills? If that wasn't a signal, yesterday this parliament was plunged into darkness—a blackout in the heart of Australian democracy. If that's not a sign that this energy transition is off the rails, I don't know what is. I know the Prime Minister likes to quote a report that I'd written on the energy transition. Guess what? When the parliament returns I'm happy to break out the candles and walk over to the PMO and explain how you can actually reduce emissions and keep energy affordable. When prices are up 40 per cent, when pensioners in my electorate are coming to me for help to pay their bills, and when the bodies of corporate Australia and the Australian manufacturing industry piling up, that's not something you should be proud of; that's something you should be embarrassed by. Vocational Education and Training 49 13:52 Ms JORDAN-BAIRD 316021 Gorton Whether it's a buzz or beep, over the next two weeks more than three million Aussies will be getting a notification to say their student debt has been cut by 20 per cent. Wiping 20 per cent off every student's debt was the first piece of legislation this Labor government introduced into parliament this year, and in the next few weeks millions of Australians will see that reduction when they log into their myGov. This is about lifting the burden for Australians with student debt, including HECS debt, VET student loans, Australian apprenticeship support loans, student start-up loans and other student loans. This will help people in my own family and more than 26,000 people in my electorate of Gorton who have student debt. These might be young people starting their apprenticeships, or they could be people who finished their bachelor or masters degrees a long time ago but who still have a debt that lingers. It will cut more than $500 million from VET student loans and Australian apprenticeship support loan balances, giving VET students a leg-up when they enter the workforce. After the 20 per cent reduction is applied, people will receive a text or email letting them know this has happened—no applications, no forms, just real cost-of-living relief. This is about intergenerational fairness, making sure every generation can experience the benefits of an affordable education. At the end of the day, everyone deserves a good-quality education, no matter where they live. Corporate Governance: Superannuation Industry 49 13:53 Mr CONAGHAN 279991 Cowper I'm calling on the Albanese government to start helping the families caught up in the biggest super failure in Australian history—First Guardian and Shield. Twelve thousand Australians have had more than a billion dollars of their super put at risk. These are everyday people who have worked hard, saved and trusted in the system, but they have lost their super because this government and ASIC failed to protect them. Rather than supporting the victims, the focus now seems to be on developing new laws. If we have learnt anything from this debacle, it's that the answer isn't always more laws. Often, ASIC and government just need to do their job. The government has the power under section 23 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act to take action and give some hope to many of those affected by Australia's biggest super failure. They say they're waiting on advice from Treasury so they can seek more advice from APRA. My advice is simple: do the right thing. Every day of delay adds to the anxiety of people who have already lost enough. Tragically, one victim has already taken his life. This isn't a bailout; it's about delivering justice for the honest families who were let down by this government and ASIC. Don't make them wait through endless court cases. These are real people. They're good, hardworking Australians who have done the right thing. Now it's time for this government to do the same thing. Environment 49 13:55 Ms SITOU 298121 Reid We all come to this place with a solemn promise to make our country better for future generations. At times we've taken steps towards that promise, at times we've fallen short, and every so often we achieve something that truly honours it. Today is one of those days. Today we've secured an agreement that delivers the most significant overhaul of our environmental laws since the Hawke government. This is not just a policy change; it is a generational leap forward. For the first time, Australia will have a strong, independent national environment protection agency. We will impose tougher penalties for the gravest environmental breaches and we will give our nation the power to act swiftly when nature is under threat. This reform meets the scale of the challenge before us. We will also make it easier to build the things our country needs, such as housing, renewable energy and critical mineral projects. This infrastructure will mean future generations will be able to thrive. We are all custodians of this land and we must leave it better than we found it. I thank the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Environment and Water for delivering on that promise and for honouring a proud Labor tradition—the one that knows that economic growth and environmental stewardship must always go hand in hand. Energy 49 13:56 Mr HOGAN 218019 Page Australia makes 1.2 per cent of global emissions, and Labor's net zero 2050 plan is increasing the cost of everything in our country. Labor have a plan to cut emissions faster than most countries around the world—certainly faster than China. They certainly want to cut emissions faster than the United States. They certainly want to cut emissions faster than India. Why have I mentioned those three countries? Because those three countries are the biggest carbon emitters on the planet. So we are not pariahs in wanting to cut emissions slower than the Labor Party because the world's biggest emitters are cutting emissions slower than the Labor Party. We have a plan that will cut emissions in line with the OECD average. It's a very sensible plan. And it's a fairer plan because what we're doing is cutting emissions in line with like-minded countries. Obviously, Labor want to race ahead of this, but we think our plan is much fairer. Why do we want to do this? Ask Tomago. Ask the lead smelters in Port Pirie and Hobart. Ask the zinc smelters in Mount Isa. Ask the nickel industry in Western Australia. Ask the copper and zinc refineries in Townsville. Our plan is about prices first. It's about lower energy prices—not like this Labor government, which is sending the price of everything through the roof. Environment 50 13:58 Ms CAMPBELL 312823 Moreton This is a very special moment because today we stand on the precipice of passing incredibly important environmental reforms. They are landmark environmental reforms. This is the moment that we will see a creation of the first of its kind in this nation, which is an independent EPA. This is the moment that we will see increased protections for our environment, which is something so inextricably connected to who we are as Australians. This is the moment that we will see the faster approvals for critical infrastructure in housing and renewables that we so desperately need as a nation. My local community—and indeed your local community, Mr Speaker—on Brisbane's south side houses so many fantastic pieces of natural environment. Toohey Forest, the Archerfield Wetlands and the Oxley Creek are places that deserve protection. To ensure both our natural habitats like this are protected and that business has the clarity it needs, we need to change the law. When it comes to change and reform, certainly that which means something and makes a difference is never easy. What it requires is intestinal fortitude, and what it requires is a lot of heart. I am so proud to be part of the Albanese Labor government, which has both in spades. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS 50 DISTINGUISHED VISITORS Acknowledgement 50 13:59 The SPEAKER 53517 I'm pleased to inform the House that present in the gallery today are former members and senators, here to celebrate the 50th anniversary of being elected to the 30th Parliament of Australia. There are too many to name, but I would like to recognise them for their service in the old parliament. I had the privilege of meeting the Hon. Philip Ruddock on the way in when he joined them today. I extend a very warm welcome to you all. I'm also pleased to inform the House that present in the gallery today are the Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart, Councillor Anna Reynolds, and the Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, Councillor David Goncalves. Also present are participants in the Stephen FitzGerald Scholars Program, hosted by the ANU Australian Studies Institute and the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations. On behalf of all members, I extend a very warm welcome. I note that former member for Parramatta, Ms Julie Owens, is present in the gallery today as well. Also here in the gallery is the Mayor of the City of Casey, Councillor Stefan Koomen. On behalf of all members, welcome to question time. Honourable members: Hear, hear! CONDOLENCES 50 CONDOLENCES Richardson, Hon. Graham Frederick, AO 50 Report from Federation Chamber 50 14:01 The SPEAKER 53517 The question is that the motion moved by the honourable Prime Minister be agreed to. As a mark of respect, I ask all honourable members to signify their approval by rising in their places. Question agreed to, honourable members standing in their places. The SPEAKER 53517 I thank the House. MINISTRY 50 MINISTRY Temporary Arrangements 50 14:02 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler I inform the House that the Minister for Social Services will be absent from question time today. The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations will answer questions on her behalf. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE 51 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Energy 51 14:02 Ms LEY 00AMN Farrer My question is to the Prime Minister. Next Wednesday marks the four-year anniversary of the day that the Prime Minister promised to reduce power prices by $275 in 2025—a promise made almost 100 times. On the final sitting day of the year, can the Prime Minister finally give a straight answer and just admit that he misled the Australian people? Opposition members interjecting— The SPEAKER 53517 Order! Members on my left! I ask all members— Government members interjecting— The SPEAKER 53517 Members on my right will cease interjecting! Members on my left, if any of that behaviour continues, people will simply be issued with a general warning. I ask all members to show more respect and decorum in the House and to follow the standing orders that we're all obliged to follow of not using props in the chamber. 14:03 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler The once great parties of the Liberal Party and the National Party are reduced. They've gone from being either the party of government or the party of alternative government to Play School, while the person who was deputy prime minister when they committed to net zero is outside doing a press conference, reporting his defection from the National Party. But, of course, they've come a long way since those golden days of caring about energy policy and the environment under Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce, when they stood up and committed to net zero, when they acknowledged that the climate wars were causing a failure of investment. The SPEAKER 53517 The member for Cowper is now warned. Mr ALBANESE R36 My learned colleague up there, Phil Coorey, had this to say: … in reality, the climate wars of the past two decades— The SPEAKER 53517 The member for Groom! Mr ALBANESE R36 They're all outside watching you go down to 42! This is what Phil Coorey had to say: … in reality, the climate wars of the past two decades, caused primarily by recalcitrance from the conservatives, is the reason why the energy grid today is such a dysfunctional and costly mess as it tries to play catch up. That is what that radical journal, the Australian Financial Review, had to say! Today, instead of having tactics committee meetings in the morning now, the coalition have the equivalent of a paper YoGo, trying to paper over the cracks, where the Leader of the Opposition, who doesn't support the policy she's been out there spruiking, supports net zero—and said she did from the day it was adopted—and half of those opposite support net zero and half of them don't, and where the National Party have proudly said they are now leading and the Liberals follow. This is what the leader of the Nats said: 'This isn't the first time the Nats have set the policy agenda and the Liberals have followed.' Indeed, that is right. Environment 51 14:07 Ms JORDAN-BAIRD 316021 Gorton My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering stronger environmental laws that benefit our economy and protect Australia's unique natural environment? What have been the obstacles to reform? 14:07 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler I thank the fantastic member for Gorton, who campaigned so strongly in the lead-up to the May election—even though some of those opposite thought it was a seat that was about to fall. Congratulations on the outstanding result. I didn't visit Gorton during the election campaign; I was busy in Deakin and Menzies! I apologise for that to the member for Gorton. This is a win for business, a win for the environment and a win for the country—delivering more investment, more jobs, more housing and more infrastructure, and safeguarding something that is a source of great national pride: our pristine natural environment. The current laws aren't just obsolete; they're an obstacle. In 2000, the median approval time for a project was 48 weeks. Today, it's 118 weeks. That means investors walk away and costs rise. The Samuel review was commissioned by the coalition and then ignored. They treated the recommendations with contempt—no surprise, given their betrayal of the Morrison-Joyce legacy on net zero. But while they're fighting each other, this Labor government is delivering a national environment protection agency; delivering more jobs, more renewable energy and more houses; delivering for workers in the forestry industry; and delivering for our national interest, our people and our jobs, our industry and our environment. I thank all those in industry and in the environmental groups who engaged so constructively with the government to get this done. Australia does not have to choose between a stronger economy and a cleaner environment, because our government is delivering both. We are giving greater certainty for business, which will drive investment and lower costs, but we are also making sure that we do so in a sustainable way. This is a government that is focused on delivery. We said we would deliver this legislation this year and we have, today, in the Senate. We'll pass this legislation through the Senate, we'll receive it back here this afternoon, and we'll get this reform done. Economy 52 14:10 Mr TED O'BRIEN 138932 Fairfax My question goes to the Prime Minister. With inflation running well above the RBA's target band and markets indicating the next rate move will be up, the Treasurer's economic failure is exposed. With 28 days until Christmas, what does the Prime Minister say to struggling mortgage holders paying $1,800 more in interest in December and every month thereafter than under the coalition? Government members interjecting— The SPEAKER 53517 Order! Members on my right. Ms Bell interjecting— The SPEAKER 53517 The member for Moncrieff interjected nine times during the last answer. I'm going to ask the member for Moncrieff to assist me with the House, if she's a team player. The Prime Minister has the call. 14:11 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler My goodness, Mr Speaker. The shadow Treasurer, of course, had coverage of the nuclear policy that was going to cost $600 billion and deliver something in the 2040s. He was so good at that that they've now put him in charge of their economic plans. What he came up with then was the revelation that there was this thing called COVID that flattened economies globally, that led to a cash rate of 0.1 per cent, that led to interest rates around the world declining, throughout every advanced economy, and that led to emergency measures, supported by the opposition, with me as leader, being responsible and backing measures, including to keep people in work—unlike what they would have done, each and every day—and he has the hide to ask: why isn't everything the same as it was under COVID? That is what he's had to say. The truth is that, when it comes to interest rates, there have been three decreases this year. The SPEAKER 53517 Order! The deputy leader has asked his question. Mr ALBANESE R36 Inflation is half of what it was when we came to office. Employment has 1.2 million additional Australians in jobs. Wages have had eight consecutive quarters of rising, not falling, like occurred under them. Mr Ted O'Brien 138932 Real wages have gone down, haven't they, Jim? The SPEAKER 53517 Order! The Prime Minister will pause, because— Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER 53517 Order! The Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the Treasurer are welcome to take their conversation outside. Order! The SPEAKER 53517 Order! Well, the deputy leader is now able to leave the chamber under 94(a). The member for Fairfax then left the chamber. The SPEAKER 53517 Order! There is far too much noise. We're going to take the temperature down. Mr ALBANESE R36 He's off to say g'day to the member for New England, Mr Speaker. They were on 42, now they're on 41. We'll see if we can get them into single figures by 10 past three. What we have been doing is delivering cost-of-living measures to make a difference to people—whether it's free TAFE, lifting wages, making sure that medicines are cheaper, making sure across the board that people can see a doctor through increased investment in Medicare, urgent care clinics or paid prac for nurses, teachers, social workers and midwives. More than a million Australians who, today, have been registered will be receiving text messages in coming days to cut 20 per cent off their student debt. All of these measures were opposed by those opposite. (Time expired) Universities 53 14:15 Mr NG 316052 Menzies My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to help Australians with a student debt? What has been the response? 14:15 Mr CLARE HWL Blaxland I thank my good friend the mighty member for Menzies for his question. In the wee small hours of this morning, between 3 am and 6 am, when I hope most of us were still tucked up in bed, something very big happened. One and a half million Australians had their student debt cut by 20 per cent—and, next Thursday, it's all going to happen again. Another 1½ million Australians will have their debt cut by 20 per cent. This is the biggest cut to student debt in Australian history. To give you an idea of just how big this is, for the average Aussie with a student debt, it means $5,500 off their back, off their debt. It's all automatic. You don't have to do a thing; just wait for the 'ding'. As the Prime Minister said, the text message will come next week. But it is also important to know why this has happened. There is one reason that this has happened, and that's this man here. It's because of this Labor Prime Minister. It's because he promised it, because he fought for it and because he believes in it. It's because he believes that young Australians deserve a break and because millions and millions of Australians voted for it. As one very smart National Party MP—or potentially a former National Party MP—said, 'My kids are paying off a university debt and I reckon they voted Labor.' I bet they did. But, even now, there are still members of the Liberal Party who think this is a bad idea. On Monday, the member for Goldstein described celebrating this as 'despicable'. You've got to ask yourself: what sort of planet does this mob over here live on? It explains why there are now 42 of them over there and why the seat that Tony Abbott once represented—or Malcolm Turnbull or Julie Bishop or Bronwyn Bishop or Brendan Nelson or Alexander Downer or even Sir Robert Menzies himself—are now located up there. Young Australians see them, and they see through them. They know that the Liberal Party no longer represents them and they also know this: it's this Labor government and this Labor Prime Minister who cut their debt by 20 per cent. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS 53 DISTINGUISHED VISITORS Acknowledgement 53 14:18 The SPEAKER 53517 I am pleased to inform the House that in the northern gallery today are representatives of the Movember National Youth Action Council, who are here to raise awareness of the importance of youth member-led mental health initiatives. Welcome to our friends from Movember. Honourable members: Hear, hear! QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE 53 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE National Security 53 14:19 Ms LE 295676 Fowler My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. Minister, my community would like to know, were you or any government minister at the airport when the ISIS affiliated women, also known as ISIS brides, arrived back in Sydney in September? 14:19 Mr BURKE DYW Watson No. Medicare 53 14:19 Ms RYAN 249224 Lalor My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. What actions is the Albanese Labor government taking to strengthen Medicare? Why is this government so determined to deliver better health care for all Australians after a decade of cuts and neglect? The SPEAKER 53517 The member for Fisher will leave the chamber under 94(a). When people are asking questions, everybody, particularly a former speaker, should absolutely know that sitting that close to me is the absolute red line. Members have got to be able to ask questions in silence for the respect of the parliament. The member for Fisher then left the chamber. 14:20 Mr BUTLER HWK Hindmarsh Thank you to the member for Lalor for her question and her support for a stronger Medicare. There are now 29 Medicare bulk-billing practices in her electorate that are bulk-billing all of their patients all of the time, as well as the Werribee urgent care clinic that's seen almost 30,000 patients, and early next year there will be a new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic in Werribee as well. This government is ending the year as we began it—focused on a stronger Medicare and cheaper medicines. In just the first sitting week of this year, the government announced a landmark women's health package, listing, for the first time in decades, new contraceptives and new menopause treatments. Since then, more than 550,000 Australian women have saved tens of millions of dollars at the pharmacy counter because of that decision. Just a couple of weeks after that, the Prime Minister announced the largest ever investment in bulk-billing in Medicare's history. Already, well over a thousand general practices have gone from charging gap fees last month to bulk-billing all of their patients this month, and that number is increasing every day. That same day, we promised more doctors into the system. This year we've trained more junior doctors as GPs than ever before, and next year we'll break that record again. Just two weeks after that announcement, we announced 50 more Medicare urgent care clinics. Three are already open; 47 will be announced before Christmas and will be open in the following weeks. Then four out of five Australians will live within a 20-minute drive of an urgent care clinic open seven days a week, with extended hours and fully bulk-billed. All you'll need to take is your Medicare card. If that's not enough, two weeks after that, the Prime Minister attended the Pharmacy Guild conference and announced our latest wave of cheaper medicines measures: freezing the maximum script price for pensioners all the way to the end of this decade and slashing the maximum amount that general patients pay at the pharmacy counter to just $25 on 1 January—the same price it was way back in 2004. This was the most comprehensive health policy package any party has taken to an election since Bob Hawke promised to introduce Medicare in 1983, and we are delivering on every single thing that we promised because, for this party, for the Australian people, nothing is more important than a strong Medicare. Energy 54 14:23 Mr WOOD E0F La Trobe My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Under Labor, the number of Australian families on financial hardship claims has surged by nearly 50 per cent. Australians, including families in my electorate of La Trobe, are hurting. What is the message from this minister, who works part time, to more than 200,000 Australian families struggling to pay their power bills and cutting back this Christmas because of Labor's broken promise to bring down power prices? 14:24 Mr BOWEN DZS McMahon I thank the member for the question. My message to his constituents and to the people of Victoria is that we will continue to work without reservation to put downward pressure on energy prices by introducing more of the cheapest and most reliable forms of energy. The fact is that in Victoria the wholesale price of electricity in May 2022 was $233 a megawatt hour; it is today $77 a megawatt hour over the last quarter. The retail increase in Victoria that wasn't known for the 2022 election— The SPEAKER 53517 The minister will pause. The member for Cowper was warned within three minutes of the start of question time today. The warning continues right through; it doesn't wear out. If you are on a warning—I don't know why this is so hard—do not interject. It's pretty simple. So, I'm asking to ask you to leave, because you've shown disregard to the chamber. The member for Cowper then left the chamber. The SPEAKER 53517 I'm just asking everyone to show a little restraint. The SPEAKER 53517 Member for Lindsay, I'm asking you as well not to interject anymore. The minister in continuation. Mr BOWEN DZS Thank you, Mr Speaker. The retail increase in Victoria that wasn't known before the 2022 election, which should have been known, was $61 for households and $270 for small businesses. Six coal-fired power stations totalling 6.8 gigawatts announced their closure under the former government—Morwell, Anglesea, Hazelwood, Yallourn, Loy Yang B and Loy Yang A—with the first three closing in that period. There was no plan to replace any of them. The previous government's big scheme, the Underwriting New Generation Investments program, or UNGI, delivered exactly zero gigawatts for Victoria under them. By contrast, four gigawatts of renewables and 1.2 gigawatts of large-scale storage have been added in Victoria since May 2022. A further 2.8 gigawatts of renewables and 1.8 gigawatts of storage capacity in Victoria have been selected under our government's Capacity Investment Scheme. So: under our Capacity Investment Scheme, 2.8 gigawatts of renewables and 1.8 gigawatts of storage for Victoria; under their UNGI scheme, zero for Victoria—to be fair, zero for everyone, but, given that the question was about Victoria, zero. And I'm very pleased to report that, as of today, 139,629 Australians have installed a cheaper home battery, and 23,845 of those have been in Victoria, with that state now having 500 megawatt hours of new home battery capacity since 1 July. So, what our government is doing is delivering for the people of Victoria and repairing the damage of 10 years of denial and delay that the previous government inflicted on the people of Victoria. Taxation 55 14:27 Mr LAXALE 299174 Bennelong My question is to the Treasurer. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering tax relief for Australian workers? And how does that compare to other approaches? 14:27 Dr CHALMERS 37998 Rankin As a key member of the economics committees of this House and our caucus, the member for Bennelong knows that responsible economic management is a defining feature of this Labor government—creating jobs, getting real wages growing again and rolling out cost-of-living relief. Tax cuts are a really important part of that, because they recognise that when Australians earn more they should keep more of what they earn as well. That's why we cut taxes last year. It's why we're cutting taxes next year and why we're cutting taxes the year after that. Every taxpayer is getting three tax cuts because of this Labor government. That means we are returning bracket creep. We're getting average tax rates down. And it means a fairer tax system for workers and especially young people. It means about 50 bucks a week back in the pocket of the average worker. When the shadow Treasurer gives speeches about bracket creep he really ought to mention that those opposite voted against these income tax cuts. The Leader of the Opposition said she'd absolutely roll them back. They took a policy to the last election to raise income taxes on all 14 million tax-paying workers. That means that if they'd won the election and if they'd had their way, 14 million Australians would be paying more tax. Bracket creep would be worse. Average tax rates would be higher. Tax to GDP would be higher as well. But they still had bigger deficits and more debt. That's why it's so extraordinarily dishonest and hypocritical that the shadow Treasurer didn't mention any of these facts at the Press Club yesterday. No wonder nobody takes him or them seriously on the economy. They haven't changed a bit and they haven't learned a thing from the election. I wanted to tell the House about something the housing spokesman from that side said yesterday. Get a load of this! In the Canberra Times yesterday I read: 'The Liberal housing spokesman said his party should focus on tax cuts for wealthier Australians. "We should be looking to cut the top rate," he said. "Frankly, lower income earners often don't pay a whole lot of tax in this country".' They would be paying more tax if those opposite had won the election. Doesn't that just say everything? We are the party of lower income taxes, higher wages and less debt. They are the party of lower wages, higher taxes and bigger deficits. We are the party of responsible economic management, and they are a shambles. Whether it's our tax cuts and their approach to them, whether it's the historic reforms to the EPBC Act that the Prime Minister, Minister Watt and Minister Gallagher secured today, two things are really clear: we finish this year focused, united and delivering; they finish the year divided, divisive and in disarray. Energy 55 14:30 Mr CHAFFEY 316312 Parkes My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Will the minister, who works part time, apologise to Australian families and businesses for the government's broken promise to cut electricity bills by $275 by the end of 2025—a promise that was made almost 100 times? 14:31 Mr BOWEN DZS McMahon I thank the honourable member for his question. He's from New South Wales, and the wholesale price of electricity in New South Wales in May 2022 was $320 a megawatt hour. For this quarter it is $90 a megawatt hour. The retail increase that was hidden by then-minister Taylor in New South Wales was $227, or 14 per cent, for households and $1,130 for small businesses. I wonder whether the member for Hume cares to apologise for hiding that increase before the last election—for deliberately hiding it from the Australian people? I could print out the instrument he signed to change the law to hide the increase and distribute it to the caucus. I'd need a lot of paper—not 40 but 94—but I could do it. We could all hold it up—the instrument that the member for Hume signed to hide the increase in power prices before the 2022 election. Seven coal-fired power stations in New South Wales, totalling 11.3 gigawatts, announced their closures under the former government, including Liddell, Mount Piper, Eraring, Bayswater and Vales Point B. Do you know how many gigawatts minister Taylor's UNGI scheme delivered for New South Wales? The member for Eden-Monaro is onto it—none! Zero gigawatts were delivered under the UNGI scheme. By contrast, 5.7 gigawatts of renewables, one gigawatt of large-scale storage and one gigawatt of firming gas have been added in New South Wales since May 2022. A further 5.4 gigawatts of renewables and 1.2 gigawatts of storage in New South Wales have been selected under our Capacity Investment Scheme. That's what delivery looks like for the people of New South Wales. The SPEAKER 53517 No, Member for Parkes, the minister was being directly relevant. You couldn't be more directly relevant—reading facts and figures about the price of energy when he was asked about the price of energy. I've been crystal clear about points of relevance and taking points of order on relevance. If he was talking about something else he wouldn't be directly relevant, but, of course, he was. Housing 56 14:33 Ms BYRNES 299145 Cunningham My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to build more houses for Australians? Are there any risks to the delivery of these homes? 14:33 Ms O'NEIL 140590 Hotham I thank the member for Cunningham for her question. We are so lucky to have her powerful voice representing regional Australia in our caucus, as are so many regional MPs behind me representing the Labor Party. We're in the middle of a housing crisis that's been cooking for 40 years. The answer is: we've got to build, build, build. But to build we first need to approve. For so many housing projects that we see around the country, it takes much longer to get approval to build a home than it does to actually build one. This is one of the things that our government is working to change. This is a really important day as we take a big step forward in reforming Australia's broken environmental laws. Australia's new environmental laws will reduce approval times for housing, in some cases from years down to weeks. A faster yes and a faster no will give home builders the certainty that they need. Opposition members interjecting— Ms O'NEIL 140590 Those opposite continue their yapping as usual about the views of industry, but I want to let them know that the Property Council have come out fiercely supporting these changes today. They said, 'These new laws give businesses greater certainty, support better environmental outcomes and speed up housing supply.' Housing remains a really important challenge for our country, but there are some great green shoots of progress that we're starting to see. Our government is delivering 55,000 much-needed social and affordable homes. We've got building approvals in Australia today up 15 per cent on where they were a year ago. We've got a million households around the country benefiting from our almost 50 per cent increase to Commonwealth rent assistance, and we've seen 59,000 construction places taken up as part of fee-free TAFE. I was asked about risks to delivery, and there are many—not as many as there were earlier today!—and they sit opposite me. Those opposite had a prime opportunity to use the power that they have in this parliament to help us fix Australia's environmental laws, but what did they do instead? They decided to be completely irrelevant and focus on their favourite activity, which is undermining each other at every single turn. We have got an opposition so divided they are organising separate, clashing drinks events for different leadership contenders. My support sits with the member for Lindsay— The SPEAKER 53517 The member for Reid is now warned. We'll hear from the Manager of Opposition Business. Mr Hawke HWO On relevance, the minister was asked about housing, and she's not addressing housing at the moment. New South Wales built fewer houses this year than last year, so maybe she can get back to the topic. The SPEAKER 53517 The minister was asked: 'Are there any risks to the delivery of these homes?' I want to make sure, for that part of the question, she's making her answer directly relevant, and she'll need to talk about the risks, not just opposition policy. She'll need to answer the question that she was asked about. Ms O'NEIL 140590 I think it shows, very clearly, part of the problem—that those opposite can't see the massive division that they bring to this parliament every day and the risk that that poses to good government across our country. We have seen something extraordinary happen today, which is the member for New England calling it quits. When Barnaby thinks there's too much drama, you know the wheels are really falling off. The SPEAKER 53517 The minister will refer to all members by their correct titles. Energy 56 14:38 Mr TEHAN 210911 Wannon My question is to Minister for Climate Change and Energy. This week the minister said he was 'focused like a laser on energy prices'. Minister, when will Australians see a $275 reduction in their retail power bills? 14:38 Mr BOWEN DZS McMahon I thank the honourable member for his question. We agree; energy bills are too high. That's why we're working so hard to get them lower. That's the whole point. That's what this government understands. We're doing that by introducing more supply into the system, reversing the situation where four gigawatts of dispatchable power left the grid and only one gigawatt came on. We're reversing that and making sure more energy is connected to the system. We're providing short-term bill relief in the meantime—something we've done three times and the honourable member opposed three times. It takes some gall to oppose energy bill relief and then come in here and demand that energy bills be lower. We recognise that energy bills are too high. We recognise there's more work to do to see that roughly 30 per cent reduction in wholesale prices in the last quarter flow through to bills. Australians aren't seeing that yet in their bills. We want to see them receive that as soon as possible. That's why we're reforming the default market offer. That's why we're introducing solar sharer—so that as many Australians as possible can access three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day. You've got to be pretty negative to oppose free electricity in the middle of the day, but they find a way. They are actually opposed to Australians having a right to free electricity. That's how negative those opposite have become. I know how hard it is in opposition. We get it. We know it's tough. But at least find something you can support. If you can't support free electricity, what can you support? Workplace Relations 57 14:40 Ms LAWRENCE 299150 Hasluck My question is for the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How has the Albanese Labor government delivered for Australian workers this year? How does this compare to other approaches? 14:40 Ms RISHWORTH HWA Kingston I would like to thank the hardworking member for Hasluck for her question. Since the Albanese Labor government was first elected, we have been working to deliver higher wages. Just a few months ago we passed legislation to protect penalty and overtime rates, delivering on our election commitment. This means all those workers relying on these rates over the Christmas period can be reassured that, under this government, their penalty and overtime rates are protected. This year our government advocated to the Fair Work Commission for a wage increase for our lowest-paid workers, meaning that over the course of this Labor government minimum wage earners are, on average, more than $9,000 better off. Our world-leading gig worker reforms are delivering platform delivery drivers in Australia minimum standards, including life-changing pay increases. This year we have also seen our determination to reinvigorate enterprise bargaining paying off. We are now seeing the highest number of employees on record covered by enterprise agreements, and these agreements are delivering substantial pay increases. Our government has delivered early educators and aged-care workers a well-deserved pay rise, finally recognising the important work that they do. This year, we've also extended the right to disconnect to all workers covered by the Fair Work Act so more people can turn off their phone and spend important time with their loved ones, particularly over the Christmas break. Our government is getting on with delivering our commitment to get wages moving. I will compare that to those opposite. Before the last election, we did have a coalition plan—you may have missed it—and that was to force working women into part-time, job-sharing arrangements, cutting their take-home pay. They also promised to rip away the right to disconnect, wanting people in this country to work longer for less. And, of course, they promised to repeal important reforms that are delivering better wages for Australian workers. Despite the coalition's plan being thoroughly rejected by the Australian people, we now have the Leader of the Opposition reheating last year's Christmas leftovers. When asked whether she would roll back our measures that are delivering better wages and conditions, she said she would look at it all. Everything is on the table when it comes to those opposite. While those on the other side continue to fight and squabble for just one job, this Labor government is fighting for well-paid jobs for every single Australian. Asylum Seekers 57 14:43 Dr RYAN 297660 Kooyong My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. In the last three months the government has signed a secret MOU to pay Nauru at least $2.5 billion to house an undisclosed number of asylum seekers. Allegations of corruption have been made against multiple members of the Nauruan government, and it's been reported that Australian bikie gangs have won contracts to manage security on Nauru. Minister, is it your position that the opacity, wastefulness and cruelty of these arrangements reflect well on this country? 14:44 Mr BURKE DYW Watson I want to deal really specifically and very directly with the final part of the question about why the arrangements we have with Nauru are really important for Australia to have. On the issues that the member raises with respect to some of those contracts, when I last met with the President of Nauru, David Adeang, who I have dealt with since 2013, when I was previously immigration minister, the various allegations were taken seriously by him, and I trust that the government of Nauru is dealing with that. But why these arrangements are in place is for a very good reason. Let me go back, first of all, to 2013, when I was previously minister for immigration. At that point, through our arrangements with Papua New Guinea and Nauru, we took the number of people who were risking their lives at sea by boat in just three months to be cut by 90 per cent. That would not have been possible without those arrangements. When I first came into that portfolio, the boats were at the highest rate they had ever been. There was a real human cost in that. I had 33 people die on my watch, drown at sea. The youngest of them was a baby. His name was Abdul Jafari. Today he should be 12. He should be 12 today, but he's not. To make sure that we have a pathway to stop that trade in misery is an important and decent thing for Australia to do, in the same way as the more recent arrangements, which were referred to in the question as being about asylum seekers. There was no mention in the question about the fact that the particular people we're talking about are people who have committed serious crimes in Australia. It's a bit of a big detail to leave out, because these individuals have had their visas cancelled for a reason, and Australia has to be a country where visa cancellation is meaningful. When we had the High Court decision on NZYQ, we had a situation where, all of a sudden, for some people it meant that, if your visa was cancelled, you would have to return to your country of origin or go somewhere else, but for others, visa cancellation would, in fact, be meaningless. They would live in the community in the exact same way, and that's not the way to run a serious immigration system. As a nation, it is right and proper that any country is able to have control of its visa system. Almost everybody in Australia on a visa is a good guest in this country, respects this country, and is welcome here. But, when people have their visas cancelled—and there are some extraordinary levels of crime for people in that particular case load—it has to have meaning. If we can't return them to their country of origin, then I am grateful that the government of Nauru has given us a pathway for third-country resettlement arrangements, which were put through this parliament. Health Care 58 14:47 Mr REPACHOLI 298840 Hunter My question is for the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. What has the Albanese Labor government done to repair and rebuild our aged-care workforce? Why was this necessary? 14:47 Mr RAE 300122 Hawke I thank the member for Hunter for his question, and I thank him for the work that he's doing to improve the health of men all across our country, including through his most recent and certainly most successful hair removal experience. When we came to government, we inherited an aged-care sector crippled by a decade of neglect, a workforce stretched to breaking point, wages that failed to reflect the skill and professionalism of the job and a system held together only by the dedication and sheer hard work of its workforce. Let me say this clearly: aged-care workers are the backbone of our system. They are skilled, compassionate professionals who show up every day for our loved ones. They deserve a government that shows up for them, and that's exactly what this Albanese Labor government is doing. While those opposite spent years fighting amongst themselves, dividing, delaying and denying the royal commission's most urgent calls, we got on with the job of rebuilding the workforce that older Australians rely upon. We've delivered the biggest pay rise in the history of aged care. So far, there have been four rounds of fully funded pay rises recognising aged-care work as the professional essential work that it is. Today, the average registered nurse is making $28,000 more than they did before, meaning the award has increased by $550 a week. These are life-changing numbers. There is no better cost-of-living help than a pay rise. Valuing workers isn't just good policy; it's how you deliver better care. We've also made 24/7 nursing and aged-care homes a reality. Getting nurses back into nursing homes is now a legislated requirement met by nearly every facility in the country. We have introduced mandatory care minutes and strengthened regulations so every older person receives the safe, person-centred attention and care that they're entitled to. This is about lifting standards and lifting the status of the workforce. We have invested in a pipeline of workers for the future, funding thousands of free TAFE places, retention payments and scholarships alongside better migration settings for targeted roles. Workforce shortages don't vanish overnight but the difference is this: we have a plan and we are delivering on it side-by-side with the incredible aged-care workers who make this system run, not at their expense. After a decade of division and drift, we're delivering renewal. While those opposite look for the next fight, this Labor government will keep valuing workers, lifting standards and building a system that gives every older Australian the dignity and the respect that they deserve. Economy 58 14:50 Ms LEY 00AMN Farrer My question is to the Prime Minister. In his self-described year of delivery, and after 3½ years of Labor, the Prime Minister has delivered the largest decline in living standards in the developed world—lower productivity, more debt, higher inflation—and now, as many economists warn, the real prospect of high interest rates. Prime Minister, on this final sitting day of 2025, will the Prime Minister finally take responsibility for all these failures? 14:51 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler We have reduced debt, reduced the interest that would have been paid on debt, because we turned the budget deficits of those opposite into a budget surplus in our first year. We turned their budget deficit into a surplus in our second year and produced a reduced deficit in our third year. Our economy is growing very unusually across the developed world but we have had zero quarters of negative growth. Inflation is down to half of what it was under those opposite. Interest rates have come down three times this year. Wages have increased eight quarters in a row. They are growing at the fastest pace since 2012, the last time Labor was in government. We had the lowest average unemployment rate of any government in 50 years, with 1.2 million additional jobs—three out of five full-time and four out of five in the private sector. We had the smallest gender pay gap on record. We had fewer days lost to industrial disputes compared with those opposite. We have a record number of small businesses, we have solid business investment and we've delivered a tax cut for every taxpayer, which, combined with the wages growth, means that people are earning more and keeping more of what they earn. Those opposite want people to work longer for less. If they had their way, wages would be going down, people would not be able to work from home and tax cuts would not have been delivered. That was their platform that they went to the election on, and they managed to combine all of that with higher deficits. Higher deficits were what they proposed. We have rolled out cost-of-living relief for every single household, energy bill relief, cheaper child care for 1.1 million families, cheaper medicines that have saved Australians more than $1.5 billion, free TAFE for 725,000 enrolments, the largest increase in rent assistance in 30 years, and student debt relief for more than three million Australians, all of it opposed by those opposite, all of it opposed by a coalition that's just too busy fighting each other to fight for Australians. Cybersafety 59 14:54 Ms FRANCE 270198 Dickson My question is to the Minister for Communications. What threats does Australia's social media minimum age law face, and how is the Albanese Labor government fighting to put parents and kids before platforms? 14:54 Ms WELLS 264121 Lilley I thank the member for Dickon for her question and for her ceaseless commitment to fighting for north-side parents and north-side children. Exactly one year ago today parliament responded to a call from more than 120,000 Australian parents fed up with the predatory grip that social media had on their children. Parliamentarians of all stripes put politics to one side and came together to prioritise the safety and the wellbeing of our kids. In doing so, we sent a strong message to Australian families: we hear you and we've got your back. And we sent a stronger message to the social media companies: time's up. Over the past 12 months, the Albanese Labor government has been focused on delivery: tabling the rules, publishing the regulatory guidance, working with platforms to ensure compliance and delivering a national awareness campaign to help prepare parents, carers, teachers and students. We're doing our job of delivering and we stand ready to defend any legal challenges that come our way on behalf of the 120,000 Australian parents who asked us to pass this law and to protect their kids from the harms of social media. But while Labor delivers, the threats to these laws have come from parliamentarians who voted for these laws to happen. For the past six months, the shadow minister for communications and her far-right co-conspirators have done everything they can to erode trust in the law they passed. Yesterday, coalition senators were doing the dirty work of the social media platforms, co-signing a bill to repeal the bill and throw Australian kids to the sharks. They are dog-whistling about needing a digital ID to access social media, despite the fact the Senate passed a coalition amendment which prohibits platforms from requiring ID and any company caught forcing users to hand over their ID faces fines of up to $10 million. In a comic sign of events to come, yesterday the shadow minister for communications threw her previous coalition leader under the bus, saying that, in hindsight, she probably would not have supported the law. There's a predictive text feel to their chaos, but we will not accept that chaos misleads young Australians. If the current Leader of the Opposition supports protecting children from the harms of social media, then she should stand up and join the government in backing Australian parents and making sure this law is a success. Anything short of that is a complete capitulation to big tech and to even bigger political threats. The SPEAKER 53517 Order! Member for Barker, I reminded the House yesterday about those comments. They are disrespectful. Fossil Fuel Industry 60 14:58 Dr SCAMPS 299623 Mackellar My question is to the Minister for Resources. Minister, more than 80 per cent of Australia's gas is used for exports, tripling domestic gas prices and doubling electricity prices. In 2011, Santos's Gladstone LNG joint venture signed export contracts, despite not having sufficient gas reserves, forcing gas to be diverted from the domestic market. Can the minister confirm that this egregious export contract will not be extended beyond 2031 when it expires, as recommended by the ACCC? 14:58 Ms MADELEINE KING 102376 Brand I thank the member for Mackellar for her question and I refer to the contents of that question. As the member would be aware, the government is undertaking a review of the gas market. The intent of this review is to carefully examine how our gas policies work for our economy as part of the all-important energy transition, which I know the member supports, unlike those opposite. The review is examining the effectiveness and coherence of existing regulatory mechanisms to identify improvements, with the aim of creating a long-term, stable regulatory environment. The Minister for Climate Change and Energy and I have been working closely on this for some time. It is nearing its conclusion, and we will speak more about that in due course. It is helpful, to answer your question, to go through the guiding principles around the review: to secure supply of gas for Australians—a very important objective—to support the transition to net zero; and that Australia will remain a reliable trading partner, supporting energy security in countries like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and of course the Republic of Korea as well. In relation to KOGAS and Gladstone LNG, I would note that KOGAS is a co-owner of GLNG and, indeed, has invested a billion dollars into the Queensland economy to build that facility. The arrangements you speak about expire in 2031, and all I can say about those arrangements is that whatever arrangements occur at that time will have to meet the obligations and requirements under Australian law. Queensland: Infrastructure 60 15:00 Mr HOLZBERGER 88411 Forde My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to deliver the infrastructure Australians need? What other approaches to infrastructure are there? 15:00 Ms CATHERINE KING 00AMR Ballarat I thank the member for Forde for his question. I always love visiting his part of the world. Queensland's beautiful beaches are ready made, but we do know there's work to do on the roads and rail across the state, and our government is delivering. For decades, it's been clear to anyone who's sat in a traffic jam next to Movie World that a north-south alternative to the M1 is required. Over 210,000 vehicles routinely use the M1, on the busiest days, between Coomera and Nerang. I'm pleased to share that the fix is here; the Coomera Connector is coming. The new four-lane, four-kilometre section of the Coomera Connector, which will be inventively named the M9, will provide a vital alternative route to the M1 for locals between Coomera and Helensvale. I look forward to opening this much-needed project with my good friend Minister Brent Mickelberg and the member for Forde next week. I'm proud to be working with Brent on our $7.2 billion investment in the Bruce Highway, with construction already getting underway. The beef roads, where work has finally started—we've finally got that project off the ground, upgrading key cattle freight routes across Central Queensland. Construction on the Rockhampton Ring Road, which we had to put millions of dollars more into to deliver because it was short-changed by those opposite—only Labor is delivering the Rockhampton Ring Road and the Mackay Ring Road, two massive projects being delivered by a federal Labor government in partnership with the Queensland government. Planning is underway for rail improvements between Logan and the Gold Coast and for better rail links to the Sunshine Coast, where work is already underway on upgrading the rail between Beerburrum and Nambour. Minister Mickelberg and I also worked with the Brisbane City Council to deliver Brisbane Metro, and all three levels of government are now collaborating on the business case to see it expanded even further. It's a new way of doing business between federal and state governments. We actually work together. I know that is a foreign concept to those opposite. We work with our state colleagues. When those opposite were in government, they didn't just fight with each other; they also antagonised the states. They called Western Australians 'cavemen'. They talked down premiers who disagreed with them. They cut funding to key projects like Brisbane's Cross River Rail. Really, it's been only a Labor government that's really invested significantly in Queensland. We know Cross River Rail has been going well. This prime minister invested in it as infrastructure minister. Those opposite froze indexation to road maintenance, leaving potholes all across our national highway network—decades worth of potholes that we're now having to clean up. This government is building the infrastructure that Australians need and fixing up the mess left by that divided opposition opposite. The SPEAKER 53517 I give the call to the member for Riverina. Mr McCormack 219646 I just suggest an extension of time for the minister so she can talk more about coalition funded— The SPEAKER 53517 Resume your seat. Nice try, Member for Riverina! Minister for Climate Change and Energy 61 15:04 Mr BATT 315478 Hinkler My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How many meetings of the National Security Committee of cabinet, which deals with important energy security issues, does the minister, who works part time, expect to miss while he's overseas at his full-time job as president of COP negotiations? 15:04 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler I'll take the question as the Chair of the National Security Committee. It's actually a breach of the law to talk about what happens at the National Security Committee. Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER 53517 Order! When the House comes to order—I know it's the last day, but we're going to get through this—I'd like to hear from the honourable member for Boothby. Albanese Government 61 15:05 Ms MILLER-FROST 296272 Boothby My question is to the Leader of the House. As the parliamentary year draws to a close and we move towards the Christmas season, what are the different approaches to delivery that have been taken so far in the 48th Parliament? 15:05 Mr BURKE DYW Watson I thank the member for Boothby for the question, because the approach to delivery could not be more stark. We have in this 48th Parliament, since the election and because we have an Albanese Labor government, cut 20 per cent of student debt. Because we have an Albanese Labor government, we have cheaper medicines. Because we have an Albanese Labor government, we are protecting penalty rates for Australian workers. Because we have an Albanese Labor government, we have five per cent deposits for first home buyers. To add to that today, because we have an Albanese Labor government, we have long awaited environmental reforms and, I might say, Australian content obligations for streamers. This approach to delivery you see in the work of the parliament—for other members of parliament, the approach to delivery would be better represented at Christmas time by the movies that people watch at the end of the year, such as the great Christmas story A Christmas Carol. I suggest they all watch a version of it—probably the Muppets version of A Christmas Carol—and, in doing so, don't focus on the tragedy of Tiny Tim— Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER 53517 Order! Ministers on my right, just allow the Speaker to deal with this matter. The Leader of the House can resume his seat. There's only one point of order that you could be rising on, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, Member for Wannon. Mr Tehan 210911 It's on relevance. This is about delivery. You can talk about delivering on energy bill relief, but not about movies. The SPEAKER 53517 It was a very broad question, Member for Wannon, and you're not to abuse standing orders like that. I'm feeling generous because it's Christmas time. When the House comes to order, the Leader of the House will continue. Mr BURKE DYW In A Christmas Carol they should watch out for the ghosts of Christmas past, because we had two of them today. We had the ghost of Christmas past with their former prime minister referring to Liberals today as having 'insane conversations about energy'. He said: … energy policy should be determined by engineering and economics, not ideology and idiocy. The other ghost of Christmas past was the member for New England, who was the deputy to Malcolm Turnbull and decided to declare today that he will refuse to join any political party that will have him as a leader. The SPEAKER 53517 The Leader of the House, you've got a minute to go, but I ask you to resume your seat. The Leader of the Opposition. Ms Ley 00AMN Following on from your frequent rulings, my point of order goes to the order of the House. This garbage is out of order. The SPEAKER 53517 This places the Speaker in a difficult position, because the question was so broad, but I'm going to ask the Leader of the House to conclude as quickly as possible. Mr BURKE DYW It won't be long before they move on from that movie. With Love, Actually we'll have the member for New England turning up at Queensland doorstep for a different party holding a sign saying 'To me, you are perfect.' But while those opposite are watching, the Leader of the Opposition can spend that time watching Home Alone. Housing 62 15:10 Ms CHANEY 300006 Curtin My question is for the Prime Minister. The average house price has gone from four to nine times the average income in the last 25 years, locking younger Australians out of a home. If this government is trying to address the housing affordability crisis, are your policies aiming to increase, plateau or reduce house prices? 15:10 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler What we are doing is increasing supply. What we want to do is to provide more social and public housing, and that's what we're doing through the Housing Australia Future Fund and that's what doing through Housing Australia. In addition to that, we're trying to provide more private rentals, and we're doing that through our build-to-rent incentive as well. It was blocked in the Senate by the 'no-alition'. That was stopped when the coalition and the Greens combined to be the 'no-alition. Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER 53517 Order! We've dealt with this matter before. The Prime Minister was referring to the 'no-alition' as a collective group, rather than the coalition. If he'd referred to the coalition as the 'no-alition', I would, as I have done before, ruled it out. It's going to assist the House if that term is not used. The SPEAKER 53517 I said it would assist the House if it could not be used— Mr Hawke HWO Well let's see if it assists the House. The SPEAKER 53517 Order! When the House comes to order, the Prime Minister will be heard in silence. Mr ALBANESE R36 Mr Speaker, they've had a bad day. I understand that. I'll tell you, what would also assist houses—not just this House—is this government's policies being implemented. That's what we're doing, whether it be by increasing social housing, increasing private rentals, increasing home ownership through programs such as our shared equity scheme and our five per cent deposit— The SPEAKER 53517 The Prime Minister will pause—the member for Curtin, I'm going to deal with it the way I did the member for Parkes. The Prime Minister has completed his answer, but he was being directly relevant. When you ask a broad question like that, he is addressing the topic of the question. Defence 62 15:12 Ms CLAYDON 248181 Newcastle My question is to the Minister for Defence Industry and the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs. How is the united Albanese Labor government delivering critical defence capabilities to keep Australian safe, and how does that compare to other approaches to national security? 15:13 Mr CONROY 249127 Shortland I thank the member for Newcastle for her question. The Albanese government is united and working hard to deliver the capabilities our defence force needs to keep Australian safe. Importantly, we are accelerating delivery at the same time as growing Aussie jobs. This is in stark contrast to the Liberals and Nationals, who aren't listening, have no ideas and are focused on themselves. We've delivered naval strike missiles, Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles to the Navy years ahead of schedule, increasing their range tenfold. We are more than doubling the Navy's warship fleet and we've selected the Mogami class frigates months ahead of schedule, with the first frigate to be delivered in 2029. Our first frigate will be delivered five years ahead of the coalition's planned first new warship, and we'll have delivered four new warships when they had planned to deliver one. We've committed to continuous naval shipbuilding in Adelaide and Perth, delivering tens of thousands of new jobs. In contrast, the Liberals closed two shipyards, slashing thousands of jobs and secretly cutting $20 billion from the defence budget. We're increasing the budget by $70 billion. That is what a responsible, united government does. I'm asked about alternative approaches. We saw it on display by the last government and continued in the opposition leader's thought-bubble of a defence speech last week. It was a thought bubble so empty that the shadow minister for defence didn't even know about it. It was a speech that lauded Scott Morrison's commitment to producing guided weapons in this country. There's only one slight problem. Under the Morrison government, they produced zero missiles. The only thing they produced was media releases. I've got news for the opposition: you don't defend the nation with media releases or Top Gun music. In contrast, we're building two missile factories and we'll be producing missiles by the end of this year. That is what a united government does. The other insight of the opposition leader was that we need to invest in drones and autonomous systems, and I couldn't agree more. That's why we've allocated over $10 billion to do that, and that's why we're repairing the damage her government did when they cancelled the country's only armed drone project. By contrast, we've built the Ghost Shark factory, growing hundreds of jobs in Sydney and delivering to the Navy. The truth is that we're getting on with the job of supporting the ADF by growing the defence industry workforce. Only one side of the parliament can be trusted with national security, and they're sitting right over here. Energy 63 15:16 Ms PRICE 249308 Durack My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. The Vinnies WA CEO Ann Curran has delivered this damning assessment of life under Labor: The demand for our support services, particularly for Emergency Assistance, is greater than ever before. She said: Not only are people struggling to pay their rent, but they don't have enough money left at the end of the week to buy essentials such as food … Can the minister who works part-time confirm that the government's failure to deliver its promised $275 power bill cut has ruined Christmas? 15:16 Mr BOWEN DZS McMahon I thank the honourable member for her question. We would agree with the chief executive officer of Vinnies that energy prices are too high. That's why we're working hard to reduce them. That's why we're working so hard. That's why we're working hard to ensure more energy supply in Western Australia. Two coal-fired power stations in Western Australia announced their closures under the former government, Muja A and Muja B. Minister Taylor's scheme, UNGI, delivered zero gigawatts for Western Australia. In contrast, 1½ gigawatts of renewables and 1.2 gigawatts of large-scale storage have been added in Western Australia since May 2022. A further half a gigawatt of storage in Western Australia has been delivered under the Capacity Investment Scheme. I'm pleased to tell the House that 15,825 Western Australian families have installed a cheaper home battery since 1 July—in many instances, reducing their bills to zero or getting a rebate instead of getting a bill. They're actually getting money in their bank account rather than getting a bill. That is the difference that delivery makes. We have much, much more to do. We intend to keep going with that task, to repair the 10 years of delay, denial and dysfunction of those opposite. Environment 63 15:18 Ms TEMPLEMAN 181810 Macquarie My question is to the Prime Minister. How have the government's EPBC reforms been received? 15:18 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler I thank the member for Macquarie for her question. Of course, she represents a beautiful part of Australia, the Blue Mountains, which is such an important part of our environment. It links in the urban community of Sydney with the magnificent Blue Mountains area. Indeed, Graeme Samuel is the person who was commissioned by the Liberal and National party government. They chose to commission the report; they ignored it. But finally it's taken this government to put it in place. This is what he had to say today: 'The summation of my position now is one of relief and total elation. Because at long last, after just over five years, the review recommendations are being implemented in total. What we've got now is progress.' That is what Graeme Samuel had to say. The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies said, 'AMEC has been working to support the best deal possible, and this is it.' It went on to say: 'The agreement finally unlocks progress on reforms industry has sought for as long as anyone can remember. The minerals industry will be a primary beneficiary of these changes.' The Australian Industry Group said in an article titled 'EPBC reforms strike the right balance between development and the environment': The reforms before Parliament to fix our primary environmental laws, while not perfect, provide much needed clarity for essential development and necessary protection for our environment. The Property Council of Australia said: This reform ends years of uncertainty and delivers the most significant overhaul of environmental laws in a generation. … … … … that gives businesses greater certainty, supports better environmental outcomes and speeds up housing supply. The Housing Industry Association said: These … reforms would make a marked difference in turning the dial on fast tracking new approvals and clearing the massive backlog of approvals awaiting the green light. Dr Ken Henry said: The Australian Parliament has done its job and restored national leadership to environmental protection and repair. The Urban Development Institute of Australia said: 'The progress of the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 signals that critical and long-awaited reform is finally underway.' We made it very clear we wanted to negotiate across the board. Unfortunately, the rabble opposite couldn't get their act together. But we have got this done. Parliamentary Procedure 64 15:22 Ms SPENDER 286042 Wentworth My question is to the Prime Minister. Many constituents complain to me that question time is 'question time', not 'answer time'. That is driven by the standing orders that don't actually force real answers from the government. They say to me that it means that we don't hold the government to account in the same way that they expect us to in this House. I ask the Prime Minister: have you considered reforming question time to give a greater expectation of answers and a narrowing of relevance so we can get better answers in this House? 15:23 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler I will see if the Leader of the House—that was a job I used to have—might want to add to the answer. One of the things that has improved, I think, from the reforms in the parliament while I was Leader of the House is the limit on time. That wasn't always the case. There's a limit on time in asking the question and in answering the question as well. One of the things you might notice, Member for Wentworth, as I draw your attention to the time on the clock, is that one of the things I have done is not shut down question time after an hour. Indeed— Opposition members interjecting— Mr ALBANESE R36 If those opposite want me to shut it down in an hour, I will take that on board. But what I have done is take, on average, questions every single day I'm here. Every single day all my ministers are here. We are actually the most accountable parliament in the world. If I speak about parliaments in the G20, President Prabowo has not answered a question and Prime Minister Modi has not answered a question. In the United Kingdom, with the Westminster system upon which we're based, there's Prime Minister's question time for one hour once a week, and the questions are on notice. There is no parliament in the world in which a government is more accountable than this government—Australian governments of both persuasions. That is just a fact across the board. One of the things that we do is make sure, as well, that we've ensured that standing orders have been amended so that the crossbenchers get a fair crack. That's something that we have done. This question is an example of that. Labor Government 64 15:25 Ms WITTY 316660 Melbourne 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? 15:25 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler I thank the member for Melbourne for her question. It's been a delight to visit the member for Melbourne's electorate, including on the first journey of the Melbourne metro that will make such a difference to the entire system of Melbourne. What it will do is open up the capacity of the entire network. It opens on Sunday, and I know that there'll be a huge celebration there. That was something that we in government put $3 billion into that was ripped out by the former government. What winning successive elections enables you to do is deliver on the commitments that you put to the Australian people. Since 3 May we have been focusing on delivery—a stronger Medicare, higher wages, more secure jobs—making sure that people earn more and keep more of what they earn. We have been going through, one by one, and ticking off the legislative commitments that we have made to deliver for the Australian people—three million Australians having their student debt cut by 20 per cent, 16,000 first home buyers into their own home using our five per cent deposit, another 21,000 social and affordable homes on the way through the HAFF, tax cuts for every taxpayer next year and the year after, more than 130,000 Australians benefitting from batteries to make sure that the solar power from their roofs gets stored and their bills are decreased, higher wages, free TAFE, paid practice, incentives for construction apprentices and 50 more urgent care clinics. One in my electorate will open next month at last. I thank the minister for the final recognition of the electorate of Grayndler! There are more bulk-billing GPs, and, when we meet next year in February— Mr Tim Wilson IMW Talk about the ABC; they like that! The SPEAKER 53517 The member for Goldstein is warned. Mr ALBANESE R36 the 1800MEDICARE will be up and running, and every Australian will have access to cheaper medicines that come in in January. That is delivery in action, making a positive difference to people's lives. We define ourselves by what we are for. Those opposite define themselves by what they're against—usually each other. Even when they combine and make a decision, it's what they're against. They're against net zero, they're against our environmental reforms, they're against all these measures, they're against tax cuts, but they can't say what they are in favour of. When they're fighting each other, they're fighting against what Australians deserve. On that note, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper. STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER 65 STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Quick, Mr Steve 65 15:29 The SPEAKER 53517 I've just got a little bit of work to do, Members, before we leave. Before I call the Leader of the House and the Prime Minister and do the Leader of the Opposition—for all of us to do the end-of-year comments—I just want to inform the House that present in the press gallery today is Steve Quick, who's retiring after almost four decades in the federal press gallery, remarkably working for the same company, Channel 7, for his entire career. Steve began his career as a camo in 1988 at Old Parliament House, working his way up to eventually run the Channel 7 bureau at Parliament House alongside his colleague Mark Riley. I understand that Steve is highly respected by his colleagues in the press gallery, and will be greatly missed. On behalf of the House and all members, I thank Steve for his service and wish him all the best for his retirement. 15:30 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler on indulgence—Can I join with you, Mr Speaker. We had Steve Quick, along with his colleagues from the gallery, at the Lodge last night, and there his colleagues got me to present him with the work they had done putting together a compendium of handwritten messages expressing their love, in some cases, for Steve and for the extraordinary work that he has done. Steve has been in the gallery since 1988. He has been at Seven the entire time, which is quite an advertisement for Seven, it must be said, when you have that longevity and consistency with one employer. I know that, in that time, he has trained his camera on nine prime ministers, and he has covered 13 election campaigns and around 40 budgets, in different ways, across that period. I think, after all that, Steve has well and truly earned a wonderful retirement. One of the things about the pictures and the coverage that go into the lounge rooms, or the still pictures in newspapers, is that quite often the operators don't get seen. This is unlike Mark Riley, of course, who is the most prominent of the Channel 7 presenters. However, the work that they do behind the scenes is just as important. One of the things that I've found is the unequivocal courtesy and respect that every single camera operator in this building has, whether they be the still photographers or the people who shoot moving pictures and record us. They are incredibly dignified in the way that they conduct themselves. They are always there before the press conferences, because they're the ones who set them up, and they leave afterwards. When everyone else—the people in front of the camera and the people asking the questions—has gone, they're still there. And they are then going to the studios to make sure that the pictures make sense and to put it all together. Steve: I pay tribute to you, mate, and I thank you for the work you have done and the engagement I have had with you. I also think this tribute symbolises the respect held by all of us in this Chamber for the people behind the cameras. 15:33 Ms LEY 00AMN Farrer on indulgence—Thank you, Steve. I popped up to the bureau to say a personal thank you to Steve Quick earlier today. I did notice that he had a Liberal mug on his desk with 'Stronger Economy, Stronger Coffee' written on it—which I thought was very appropriate, and I associate myself with the mug. I also made the very good points that the Prime Minister has just made, which is that we see the journalists and we relate to the journalists, but we don't often appreciate the incredible work that is done by the cameramen and camerawomen. Steve shared with me that he's going to spend a bit more time on his hobby farm close to Canberra and look forward to retirement, but I suggested that he had a lot of wisdom that could probably be passed on to another generation, and we look forward to seeing it, in some configuration, back in the building. BUSINESS 65 BUSINESS Leave of Absence 65 15:33 Mr BURKE DYW Watson I move: That leave of absence be given to every Member of the House of Representatives from the determination of this sitting of the House to the date of its next sitting. Question agreed to. Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders 66 15:34 Mr BURKE DYW Watson I move: That standing order 31 (automatic adjournment of the House) and standing order 33 (limit on business after normal time of adjournment) be suspended for this sitting. Question agreed to, with an absolute majority. STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE 66 STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE Valedictory 66 15:34 Mr ALBANESE R36 Grayndler This chamber looks a bit different to how it did this time last year. I look around and I see a lot of new faces, and I'm pleased that they are still filled with excitement! During question time I asked the newer members if they wanted to keep going with traditional questions, and they had a different view from some in the gallery and some behind me on the front bench, who were quite happy to finish up a bit earlier than we did—and that is understandable, because they are, quite rightly, proud that they have the great privilege that very few Australians get to have of representing their electorates. To come here and serve our communities and our nation is an incredible privilege. As we prepare to return to our electorates and the very people who entrust us with being their voice in this place, it is worth reflecting on the responsibility and also the opportunity that being a member of parliament extends to us. We have the onerous responsibility of being worthy of the trust that our communities place in us by voting for us, regardless of which political party—or none—we represent in this place. We have a responsibility to do all we can to make this wonderful country of ours even better because of our presence. It's a road that doesn't end, even when you reach your destination. To serve our country as prime minister is the greatest honour of my life. I'd like to mention a few of the people who make all this not just possible for me but, indeed, a joy to be. Firstly, the caucus. I can't go past the words of a great son of Marrickville, Jeff Fenech: I love youse all! The delight, the capacity and the skills we have in this caucus are quite extraordinary, and the sense of solidarity that is there, with people working as a team, is something. As I said last night in a different place, it is the most united team I have seen in the Labor Party anywhere at any time. Since Federation, I think it's fair to say—and it would be hard to argue, given those of us who've read a lot of books of history—it has never been better than it is with the class of 2025. To the Deputy Prime Minister, my friend Richard Marles: thank you for your loyalty, for filling in for me and for the work you've done as Minister for Defence; it is quite extraordinary. You continue to be a source of counsel, and I have a relationship with you that is absolutely perfect between a leader and a deputy—a relationship of absolute and complete trust and faith. To the Leader of the House, Tony Burke: I said to Tony when I gave him this gig that it would be the best fun he'd have in this place—and he does it with diligence and does it very effectively. The changes that have been made to make this parliament function better are a credit to him. And his banter has got better as well! I didn't stay at the caucus and staff party last night because of my ongoing flu I've had all week, but I did hear the beginning of Blur, and 'Song 2', which was fantastic. I pay tribute to the fact the band are better, because, quite frankly, a few years ago they were awful; they really were! To my Senate team: Senators Wong and Farrell are both amazing. They get stuff done—along with the wonderful Katy Gallagher, as Manager of Government Business in the Senate. I sit in meetings quite often, and the Treasurer and I in particular say that we don't speak Senate—and I don't. I think I understand this place; the way that place operates is a bit different, but the Senate team do a magnificent job. When you look at our standing internationally, something that I see when I go to something like the G20 meeting, something that's reflected in what happened at the Conference of the Parties meeting in Brazil as well, our engagement internationally is one in which Australia's place is respected and trusted. We are a middle power that are punching way above our weight, and that's a good thing for our nation, because out of that engagement comes jobs for Australians—a real plus. To the Treasurer and the Minister for Finance, the financial team: they do an extraordinary job. We sit in ERC meetings for a long, long time. We've been sitting there again in the lead-up to the MYEFO. It's hard work, it is detailed work and the Treasurer works in a way that is quite extraordinary. He's across the breadth of everything that has to happen in government across portfolios, and together he and Katy make an extraordinary team. I thank you, Jim, for the extraordinary work that you have done. To everyone who makes this chamber work—the clerks, Hansard crew, ushers, Serjeant-at-Arms, all of you—thank you for the work that you do. To everyone who makes this huge building hum, especially our wonderful cleaners as well, who are just delightful. To all of the parliamentary staff: I thank you for the work that you do. I thank in particular the AFP detail, whose job is unfortunately becoming tougher with the rise in threats. We had drinks for the gallery last night. Normally, at the Lodge, people would just be there. Unfortunately, they did notice that I had members of my detail at different spots even in the Lodge. The truth is that there have been a number of arrests in recent times, including multiple arrests associated with my safety. They do an incredible job. They put themselves on the line, and I thank them for their diligence and also their friendship. I spend more time with them than I do with my cabinet colleagues, by definition. I haven't got to drive a car for four years, so it's going to be a problem, I think, when that starts! I'm a bit concerned that I was able to renew my license without having a test, but I was earlier this year. But they do an incredible job, and indeed they are friends as well. I look forward to hosting them at an end-of-year function, as I do to hosting the RAAF crew as well, who are just amazing and diligent and so good at the service that they deliver. To my department, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, under the leadership of Dr Steven Kennedy, and to all of the departmental heads and public servants who work right around the country: thank you for what you do. I look forward to once again going down to a function before Christmas at PM&C and thanking the people in my department personally. To you, Mr Speaker: the extraordinary job that you do has given you respect personally, which is really important, but what's more important is that you've lifted up the respect that Australians will have for this chamber by the way that you conduct yourself not just here when Question Time is on but in going around the electorates of people across the parliament. That was something that Tony Smith began and that you have accelerated across the board. I thank you for the work that you do and the other work that you do hosting. I've been to a number of charity events raising funds for important organisations, like Redkite, in your chambers, and I thank you for that. To my own personal staff, led by Tim Gartrell. To Liv and Bell, who look after my diary and look after me as well: I thank you for all of the work that my personal staff do. They work extraordinarily long hours. One of the things I'm quite proud of is I have a range of staff who literally started work for me last century, including Tim Gartrell. That says something about the relationship that we have, and I think it says something about the culture in my office. Culture comes from the top, and Tim Gartrell is a great chief of staff and makes it a great place to work as well. To Tim Murray and my electorate office staff in my wonderful community of Grayndler: it's a bit tough being in an electorate office for a prime minister because everyone thinks the staff are the government as a whole. They get every call from right around the country, and, tragically, they have had to put up with protesters who continue to be outside my former electorate office, which is now just a church, with flags and banners, and engage in hassling people walking down Marrickville Road. I say to the protesters: blocking people from accessing help and services does not send the message that you think it does. It undermines the position that you purport to support. To the staff at the Lodge and at Kirribilli, Kim and Adam and the other staff who look after those premises and host important events, such as the recent dinner that we had for the President of Indonesia, and who work in such a diligent way: thank you. I also want to acknowledge the press gallery. It was a pleasure to have you at the Lodge last night. This is a time when we speak about our families. To my fiance, Jodie: I thank you so much for coming into my life at an unexpected time. This job would be so much harder to do by myself. She is someone who is not a party or political person. Of course, she was born Labor and will die Labor—I'm not into mixed marriages! And, of course, she has a red eye and a green eye—also not into mixed marriages! Jodie has been thrust, in many cases, into a public role that she could not have expected a decade ago or six years ago, and she is so well liked. Everyone from President Macron to Prime Minister Starmer and others on the international stage asks where she is and if she's working full-time, which is what she does as well. She takes leave without pay to represent Australia. And I thank her for that. But, most importantly, I thank her for what she does for me to make my life so much better. To my son, Nathan, who turns 25 very soon: I'm not quite sure how that happened, I've got to say. But he is a fine young man. I look forward to the 'festival of Nathan', the 2025 version, in a couple of weeks. He is my best mate as well, and we have developed such a fantastic relationship. I know that he is friends with many of the people on this side, but people like David have also reached out and treated him with respect, and I thank everyone for doing that. It sometimes can be hard to have a really obvious surname as a young man trying to make your way in the world; he stands out. He is someone of whom I am very, very proud. As you return to your families and electorates across this great continent, I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas. For people of faith it's a particularly important time. I will go to an event, prior to Christmas, at St Mary's Cathedral with Archbishop Fisher, who has invited me, and I look forward to that. It is an important time, when people can rekindle their faith, think about their place in the world and remind themselves that, in the arc of history, they're small. That is something that is very important, particularly for Christians. For those who will be celebrating their faith and recommitting or just confirming their faith at Christmas time, remember the message of Jesus Christ and what that means about caring for each other as well. Once again, on Christmas Day, I look forward to being at Exodus with Reverend Bill Crews. It's a fantastic thing. It's the best example I can think of in my life where just doing something for someone else—that is, feeding people on Christmas Day—gives more to the people who are serving than the people who are being served, because it's delightful. Bill tells me that once again there are more volunteers who want to help on Christmas Day than they need, so they've had to say no to people helping out. It's a fantastic thing. To all those who are helping people on Christmas Day—all those emergency service workers who keep the hospitals running, aged care, people who are working on Christmas Day to look after others—I thank you as well. I wish everyone across this parliament a wonderful Christmas. I wish the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Nationals and everyone else here a merry Christmas. You do get time to spend with your family and with friends. I look forward to continuing to watch Australia humiliate the English cricket team, starting on Saturday with the PM's XI sorting out the English team at Manuka Oval. 15:51 Ms LEY 00AMN Farrer I'm pleased to add my remarks to these end-of-year statements. It has been an intense and demanding parliamentary year, but at this stage it is worth remembering and pausing to think about why we are all here. Every one of us, regardless of where we sit in this place, has been given an extraordinary privilege by the Australian people. When we walk through the door as new members of parliament, we come here with our hearts filled with hope, determination and strength, because we do want to make Australia a better place. While we have different philosophies about how that should happen, we all come together in this common purpose. It is indeed an extraordinary privilege. Representing the communities that we all do—150 across this country—is an honour that I know none of us takes for granted. I want to acknowledge that fundamental truth to begin with. To the Prime Minister: can I thank you for your remarks and for the courtesies that you have extended across the aisle over the year. We don't agree on a lot, but the ability to engage constructively in the national interest, required very much by our democracy, is appreciated by me. I wish you, Jodie and Nathan a safe and peaceful Christmas. To the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party—who hasn't made it back after the suspension—I thank him for his hard work as deputy. I thank the Manager of Opposition Business, the member for Mitchell, for his energy and support. I thank, of course, the deputy manager, the member for Page. In particular, I thank the Leader of the Nationals for forming the strong coalition that we have throughout this year and for our joint purpose and effort— An opposition member: Stronger than ever. Ms LEY 00AMN I like that—stronger than ever. I thank you, DLP. I thank the whips, who are often not seen and often not heard but incredibly effective. I thank the member for Casey, who is universally incredibly respected—perhaps not yet feared as much as he should be. Member for Casey, that will come! I thank the member for Fadden, who manages the Federation Chamber like clockwork—my appreciation to you. I thank the member for Bowman, who keeps everybody in check every day and is much needed by me and the team. I thank, in the other place, the extraordinary Senator Cash—who is unwell but very much still engaged in the business of the other place—Senator Ruston and Senator Duniam, who are absolutely invaluable in a chamber that the Prime Minister and I would agree is something of a mystery but nevertheless very important for our democracy. I also acknowledge my colleagues in the Liberal Party party room—every single one of you. Thank you for your hard work, your conviction and your good humour throughout the highs and the lows of this year. To my crossbench colleagues: I note that while we often differ sharply in policy, I value the civility and the conversations that we have had and the things we do have in common, because all members have things in common. The diversity of perspectives in this parliament is a reminder of the strength of our democracy. We vote every three years, but we are Australians every single day. I acknowledge the people who keep this place functioning. When we have a late night in our office, we often see them quietly moving about the corridors, doing incredible work: the clerks; the attendants; the Serjeant-at-Arms and her staff; all of the parliamentary staff who work long hours so we can do our jobs; and the AFP, who protect us and our families with professionalism and kindness. Thank you. It's a service that is never taken lightly. I acknowledge my own staff, led by my chief of staff, Dean Shachar, and every single one of my staff—because we say that it doesn't matter where you sit in the office; you're equally important. You might be the smiling face when the doors open in the morning or you might be the person who very rarely comes out of the area where you work, but you're still contributing, and it is not easy. So, I thank all of my staff. I thank my electorate staff, led by the incredibly capable Nicki Waldron, and my staff in Griffith as well, led by Sally Argent-Smith. Being an electorate officer is often no fun at all. You feel as if you're between a priest and a doctor. You don't know who's going to walk through the door, but you're always representing your member and your member's interests. It is a very important role. Sometimes, when our electorate looks to parliament, it seems like all the excitement and all the action is here—maybe some days it is—but I never miss an opportunity to say a very deep thank you to the people who work in our electorate offices. Above all, I want to thank and acknowledge the families of all of our members—our spouses and partners, children and loved ones. They carry a heavy burden so that we can be here. We miss milestones. They live with uncertainty. They put up with the demands of political life with far more grace than we deserve. To my own family, my three beautiful children, Paul, Georgina and Isabel, the greatest gifts of my life; to my six grandchildren, who I'm looking forward to seeing over Christmas—we get emotional when we talk about our families. We talk about ourselves a lot in this building, but we should never forget the Australian families who are beyond these hallowed halls who look to us for leadership and support. I always say, at this time of year, that I want to think of Australians who are working hard, who are struggling, who are doing it tough. And I want to I think of the Australians who are in separated families because, for them, Christmas can be pretty bloody awful. We understand that, and we care about that. In terms of the connections that you all can make with people who, for whatever reason, are putting on a brave face over Christmas but you know behind the brave face there's a bit of distress and uncertainty—make sure that you reach out to them. Of course, to the incredible emergency service workers—our police; our nurses; our doctors; our paramedics; our Defence Force personnel, standing by for so often what we see is an event that they're called out for over Christmas, serving here, serving abroad, unable to come home—and to the volunteers, who come out at Christmas because they know how much they're needed, we owe a debt of gratitude. Christmas, of course, at its heart is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. To Australians of Christian faith: I wish you a blessed and holy Christmas. And to all Australians, whatever your traditions or your celebrations: I wish you a safe, peaceful and restorative break. To you, Mr Speaker: I wish you a very merry Christmas. I look forward to returning in 2026, refreshed, energised and ready to continue to serve the people of this great country. STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER 69 STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Valedictory 69 15:59 The SPEAKER 53517 Before we conclude the parliamentary year, I too want to take a quick moment to formally acknowledge and thank some of the people who've been essential to our parliament this year. First and foremost, I want to thank and recognise the Clerk of the House, Claressa Surtees. I want to thank Claressa for her expertise and the guidance she provides to me and all members, alongside Deputy Clerk Peter Banson, through the department. Your support is invaluable. As the Prime Minister said, we welcomed 32 new members to the House this year, which was a huge amount of work in itself. So I give thanks to the work of the Department of the House of Representatives for the incredible support to all the new members as they settled into their important new roles. A thank you to the parliamentary attendants, Hansard, Broadcasting teams, Committee, the Table Office, the Serjeant-at-Arms—all of your work does not go unnoticed by the members in this place. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge Louise Milligan, a long-serving and highly respected member of staff who passed away just last week on 20 November following a long illness. Louise began her career with the Department of the House of Representatives on 14 November 2011 and dedicated 14 years to parliamentary service. Like so many people, she has made an invaluable contribution to the Committee Office as both a researcher and senior researcher. She was greatly valued by all those who worked with her. On behalf of the House, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Louise's family, friends and colleagues. To the Parliamentary Budget Office, led by Sam Reinhardt, and the Department of Parliamentary Services, led by Jaala Hinchcliffe: thank you to your teams for the support that you give to so many. To my colleagues and fellow members: to be chosen by you for this role and to sit in this seat again is a profound honour and deeply humbling. Thank you for another year of commitment and contribution, and, most importantly, thank you for the respect and kindness you've shown me. To all the occupants of the Speaker's chair, and especially the Deputy Speaker, the member for Newcastle and the member for Longman, who is the second Deputy Speaker: thank you for helping to maintain order in the House. I greatly appreciate your friendship, wise counsel and support. I also want to thank the Chief Government Whip, the Chief Opposition Whip and the National Party's Whip. Leader of the Opposition, I definitely see them, and I definitely hear them. Finally, my thanks to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Nationals, the Leader of the House, the Manager of Opposition Business and, of course, the crossbench, who play an important role in this chamber. It's been a massive year for all of us. I hope you each find some time to rest and recharge with your family and friends, and I look forward to seeing you again in the new year for another huge year. Merry Christmas! STATEMENTS 70 STATEMENTS Personal Explanation 70 Mrs McINTOSH 281513 Lindsay I wish to make a personal explanation. The SPEAKER 53517 Do you claim to be misrepresented? Mrs McINTOSH 281513 I do claim to be misrepresented. The SPEAKER 53517 You may proceed. Mrs McINTOSH 281513 Today in question time, the Minister for Communications badly misrepresented comments I've made regarding the government's social media ban. The minister told the chamber I said yesterday that, in hindsight, I would not have supported the law. That is incorrect, and the minister needs to tell the truth. I said that I want it to work the way it is intended for Australian kids. I fear the rushed nature, the drip-feeding of platforms and now the revelation that a digital ID might be required are causing doubt and uncertainty. The minister needs to stop doing PR trips to New York during a triple 0 crisis and make this work for Australian children. The SPEAKER 53517 Sorry, member for Lindsay, you can't add those things at the end. You just have to claim where you've been misrepresented and not give commentary when you use that. There has been far too much abuse of that process. STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE 70 STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE Lyne Electorate: Shark Attack 70 16:03 Ms PENFOLD 248895 Lyne I would like to extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the young woman taken today at Crowdy Bay in a fatal shark attack. Crowdy Bay is in my electorate, and, indeed, it's a beach that I know well. I spent many years there as a child. It's a tragic circumstance. This was at an unpatrolled beach at quite a remote part of the bay. It happened very early this morning. Details are scant, but I understand that it was a tourist with her partner, both in their 20s. Unfortunately, she died at the beach. A heroic passerby managed to put a tourniquet on the man who tried to save the lady. He's now in John Hunter Hospital. I've spoken to the president of the Crowdy Head Surf Life Saving Club. Some of their members were called out this morning to assist, and I know the ambulance and other people were also called. It's just a very tragic circumstance on the eve of the holiday season. Crowdy Bay is a very busy beach; it's closed at the moment. It's very sad for the entire community. I thank you for this opportunity to extend my condolences to everyone involved in the families who've lost a loved one. AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORTS 70 AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORTS Report No. 45 of 2024-25 70 16:04 The SPEAKER 53517 I present a corrigendum to the Auditor-General's performance audit report No. 45 of 2024-25, entitled Fraud and corruption control arrangements in Creative Australia: Creative Australia. Document made a parliamentary paper. DOCUMENTS 70 DOCUMENTS Presentation 70 16:04 Mr BURKE DYW Watson Documents are tabled in accordance with the list circulated to honourable members earlier today. Full details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings. MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE 70 MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE Energy 70 16:04 The SPEAKER 53517 I have received a letter from the honourable member for Farrer proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The failure of the Prime Minister to fulfil his promise to all Australians to reduce their power bills by $275 and the failure of the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, who is working part time, to deliver affordable energy for Australian households and businesses. I call upon those honourable members who approve of the proposed discussion to rise in their places. More than the number of members required by the standing orders having risen in their places— 16:05 Ms LEY 00AMN Farrer We heard much in question time today about delivery—the 'D' word—from the Prime Minister and his backbench, many questions and many non-answers about delivery. But I want to remind the House what the Prime Minister has actually delivered this year. What has actually been delivered is: a higher cost of living, higher power prices and higher inflation. And, sadly, Australians are looking down the barrel of higher interest rates next year. While we hear about the cost-of-living relief, there really is not anything that could come close to the pain that struggling households are experiencing, and I wish this Prime Minister and this government took these things seriously. Because instead of focusing on the things that matter, they are focusing on things that do not matter. The real issue that does not matter right now is the Minister for Climate Change and Energy and his traversing the globe in the interests of his new appointment as the full-time COP president, leaving behind a part-time energy grid. It is just not good enough. We have a plan that is affordable and responsible—affordable energy and responsible emissions reduction—because that is how you bring down the cost of energy in this country. We want to focus on energy because we understand in the Liberals and Nationals that when energy is unaffordable everything is unaffordable. Look at the trifecta of failures that we are facing: prices are going up, reliability is going down and emissions are flatlining. That is a trifecta of failure. While you look at the Labor party with targets they cannot possibly meet at a cost that Australians cannot possibly afford, you know that this energy policy is a train wreck. So instead of a minister dedicated to the task, what is he doing? He is receiving calendar invites from 180 countries in COP. He would be looking through them right now; he is not in the chamber. Where will he start? Maybe he will start with Azerbaijan because that is where the last president was from. And you might as well start with 'A' because there is a long list of countries to get through—180. He will check in with the president of Azerbaijan, and then maybe he will go to the Iberian Peninsula just to look at what happens to a full renewables grid when it crashes, but he will not see it quite that way. Then maybe he will squeeze in a visit to Davos for a fireside chat on hydrogen, over to Houston to lecture big oil, perhaps back to the Amazon, bring the band back together in Belem, and then triumphantly arrive at the end of the year in Turkiye. I don't know whether you arrive when you are a COP president. Maybe you have your entourage, there is pomp and circumstance— Mr Taylor 231027 A yacht. Ms LEY 00AMN Who knows, Member for Hume, there may be a yacht. There may be all sorts of things. But what we know there won't be is a focus—the laser-like focus he said he would have—on power bills for Australians. And it was pathetic to listen to him say' wholesale energy prices may be coming down', because we want to see your electricity bill. When you open it, we want to see a real reduction and we want to see a government that cares about that real reduction. How can we have an energy minister who is full-time? There is only one year before the next COP, there are 180 countries, so many countries and so little time. Ms Price 249308 He better get going. Ms LEY 00AMN Perhaps he is already on the way, member for Durack, because there is a lot of work to do. What a massive, massive failure. What we need to do is remind the Australian people, and I don't think they need reminding because they have heard these things from this Labor Prime Minister. He promised real and lasting plans for cheaper electricity, and they would cut power bills by $275. It was almost to the day—a couple of days—$275 this year, next year and every year. He promised that Australia could be the land of cheap and endless energy, that no-one would be held back, no-one would be left behind—and on and on. Ms Price 249308 We've never had it so good! Ms LEY 00AMN We've never had it so good! And do you know, with this $1 trillion debt—$50,000 a minute in interest on the national credit card, being so generous with borrowed money—you would think Australians would feel they had achieved something for this, but they don't. They are falling further and further behind, struggling, punished by a government policy that has not backed them in. But do you know what we didn't hear today? We didn't hear a delivery about something very important that the Albanese government has not done. It has not done anything around its Made in Australia policy. I want to take everybody back to the Future Made in Australia announcement. Future Made in Australia was 18 months ago. We all heard that there was $22 billion, there was a front door—does anyone remember the front door? There was a front door—it's a new bureaucracy. You go through the front door and you get something that enables you to be a business, an organisation, a manufacturer of something made in Australia. So I thought I'd check it out. I went on the website. How much of the $22 billion has been spent on the front door? Zero. Do you know what's happening on the website? They're in the consultation phase. Eighteen months later, they're in the consultation phase. The member for Hume, the member for Wannon and the deputy leader, who all understand energy really well, will recognise what I'm about to say. A few weeks ago I stood at Tomago Aluminium, in the same spot—I made sure it was the same spot—that the Prime Minister stood in January this year. He pointed to Tomago Aluminium and said, 'This is what a future made in Australia looks like.' He said that this aluminium smelter will be employing Australians for 40 more years, and he spruiked the big renewable energy transition. Anyway, when I was there, it was a completely different story. The Prime Minister was nowhere to be seen. The Tomago aluminium smelter was switched on in 1983. It has run 24/7 since 1983. You can't turn a smelter off. Not only that, but it's pretty much the best aluminium smelter in the world. The member for Grey is nodding, because he knows. He's got smelters in his electorate, and they're all on life support, or they've run up the white flag. And we don't have Made in Australia; we have bailed out in Australia, because under this government's energy plan you actually can't make things in Australia. So you didn't hear, in the year of delivery, anything from this government about Made in Australia. I'll tell you what we don't make in Australia anymore that we should be making in Australia. We don't make plastics—the sorts of plastics that go into packaging, agriculture and production. We don't make nitrogen fertilisers. We barely make any cement. We import nearly all our bitumen. We don't make any architectural glass. The housing minister's not here. She should be listening to this, because one of the reasons houses are so expensive is that everything in the house has to come from overseas, and everyone who was making steel and aluminium, glass and bricks has been punished by the safeguard mechanism under this government. You new members should really have a look at this safeguard mechanism, because it taxes you if you make emissions. So, do you know what happens? Someone else makes the emissions somewhere else in the world. Does the planet know the difference? Unfortunately not. But what we see here in this country is that there is no Made in Australia. Do you all want to live in a country that doesn't make things anymore—the things that are the modern building blocks of a civilised society? Look at how they've gone offshore. In fact, it's been estimated by experts that you listen to that in order for you, the Labor Party, to reach your 2030— The DEPUTY SPEAKER 248181 Just direct your comments to me, through the chair, please. And fewer interjections from that side, on the government benches, would be helpful. Ms LEY 00AMN Chair—to reach the 2035 targets, it will cost $530 billion from where we are now—it's already cost $75 billion, and it will be another $530 billion—to get, notionally, to the 2035 targets. But $150 billion of business, industry, manufacture will have gone offshore. I don't think the Labor Party understands that, and I don't think they really appreciate what their energy plan is doing to the things that really matter in this country, the things we care about. I'll tell you what we care about. We care about households, we care about small businesses and we care about energy bills. We care about families sitting at their Christmas dinner wondering what's going to happen next year with back to school and all the costs that they're facing. We've got a government that has delivered a higher cost of living, higher power prices and higher inflation—and, unfortunately, the possibility of higher interest rates next year. So we're coming back next year. We're energised. We're enthused. We're fighting hard for the Australian people, who are counting on us. The DEPUTY SPEAKER 248181 The member for Casey on a point of order? Mr Violi 300147 To the assist the House, the member for Hughes continues to interject, out of this seat. It's highly disorderly— The DEPUTY SPEAKER 248181 Take a seat! Honest to goodness, the interjections that were flying across—I have warned people— Honourable members interjecting— The DEPUTY SPEAKER 248181 I think interjections are disorderly whether you are in your seat or out of your seat, frankly. The DEPUTY SPEAKER 248181 Member for Cook, would you like to leave the chamber? No? Then please be respectful of the standing orders. I'm in the middle of responding to your member raising a point of order. Would you like to continue your comments as well, member for Bowman? I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have these kinds of conversations with you. I barely got to hear every second sentence from the Leader of the Opposition; I would have liked to have heard much more of her speech. I will now hear from government members, and I will take it in turns. I'd like to listen to you all. 16:16 Ms KEARNEY LTU Cooper We have the Leader of the Opposition taking the last MPI of the year in what sounded like a desperate leadership-saving speech. We have leaders on this side who don't need to make leadership-saving speeches because we're respected around the world as leaders. Australia is stepping onto the world stage with credibility and purpose, and those opposite cannot stand it. They cannot stand that Australia is respected once again as a powerhouse around the world for change and for good—that we have a government that understands both climate change and affordable energy, and that we're united, coordinated and actually delivering. Instead of celebrating Australia's world leadership, the coalition is wandering around with their heads in the sand—sandhills filled with denial, delay, dysfunction and division. They're the Ds that the Leader of the Opposition should be talking about. The tail is wagging the dog, with the Nationals calling the shots, and the Liberals are letting it happen. Meanwhile, this government is building the modern energy system Australians deserve. The Liberal Party once claimed it would 'meet voters where they are'. Well, Australians overwhelmingly support climate action, clean-energy jobs and cheaper renewable power. The problem for the Liberals is that they've walked away from every one of those priorities and are wandering in a wasteland. They abandoned their commitment to net zero by 2050—a commitment backed by business, by agriculture, by energy investors and by the vast majority of Australians. Just months after promising to stick with it, the Leader of the Opposition dumped the target entirely. They are so far away from where Australians are it's beyond belief. Their argument that they can walk away from net zero while still honouring the Paris Agreement simply doesn't stack up. The treaty requires countries to show progression and ambition. Backsliding breaks trust, damages our credibility and holds back our national economic interest at the very moment that global markets are shifting. The coalition love to talk about power prices, but for a decade they refused to replace ageing coal plants they knew were breaking down and indeed closing down. When coal breaks down, your bills go up. Twenty-four out of 28 closures were announced on their watch. They left households exposed, the grid exposed and prices vulnerable—and now they want to lecture us on energy. Please! Because of that, we're now playing catch-up on the fact that of the mere 23 energy policies they announced, they couldn't land a single one. Their new plan boils down to two fantasies: (1) coal will magically last forever, and (2) nuclear reactors will arrive overnight—never mind the cost, the laws, the timelines, the geography or the expert advice. The experts are crystal clear: nuclear is the slowest, most expensive, least flexible form of energy. Every credible authority—the CSIRO, the Australian Energy Market Operator, Treasury—says the same thing: the cheapest new energy is renewable energy, backed by storage and transmission. The CSIRO's latest GenCost report confirms this again. No amount of political spin changes the economics or the facts, yet the coalition cling to nuclear like a life boat. Except it's not a life boat, it's a sketch on the back of a napkin. It won't deliver a single watt until the 2040s or the 2050s, and only after taxpayers foot a multimillion dollar bill. They claim they'll cut subsidies for renewables, but what they're really cutting is the cheapest energy available to Australian people. Investors know the truth. In 2024, two-thirds of global energy investments went to renewables. The market has chosen, and the coalition hasn't noticed. While they fantasise, we deliver. In just a few years, the government has supported around 1,000 Australians a day getting behind the wheel of a cleaner, cheaper-to-run EV or hybrid. We've just recorded the strongest year ever for electric vehicle sales. Big batteries are coming online at record speed. Transmission upgrades are underway across the country. Renewables have hit 50 per cent of the national grid for the first time. In September, renewables hit 70 per cent for half an hour on 81 per cent of days. We've green lit 111 renewable projects, enough to power more than 13 million homes. More than 1,000 home batteries are installed every day; there are more than 500 new solar households every day. That means that one in three households now has rooftop solar, more than four million installations. More than 120,000 household batteries have been installed since July alone. We're also reforming the energy market so consumers come first. That means stopping sneaky price-hikes by capping retailers to increase one a year, ensuring no customer pays above the standing offer when their discounted plan ends, banning excessive fees, guaranteeing fee-free payment options and putting a stronger obligation on retailers to support hardship customers. Our Solar Sharer plan will also require energy retailers to offer three hours of free electricity each day during the peak solar generation period. This is real reform, real action flowing directly into people's homes. We're not stopping there. We've launched the Solar Saver retail offers. We've made home batteries cheaper. We've capped gas prices. We've delivered bill relief, and wholesale electricity prices fell by a third last quarter. The Australian Energy Market Commission has warned that delays to collecting renewables and transmission will push prices up. That's why we're pushing ahead, not dragging our feet like those opposite. Let's not forget, when we came to government, the coalition had kept hidden from the Australian people a 20 per cent electricity price rise. They hid it from Australians and they want to lecture us about energy costs. Under the coalition, emissions flatlined for a decade. Under Labor, we're already 29 per cent below 2005 levels and tracking towards 42 per cent by 2030. We've delivered the biggest fall in non-land emissions ever recorded outside the COVID lockdowns. And now the world is taking notice! Australia has secured the presidency of COP31, not just a seat at the table, but chair of negotiations. Do we remember the empty rooms the former prime minister spoke to in Glasgow? That will not be us. We will be leading global climate negotiations from the end of COP30 through to COP31 in partnership with our Pacific family. We'll host a Pacific pre-COP. We will elevate the voices of those most vulnerable to climate impacts. We'll help shape the global agenda and Turkiye will host the summit in 2026—a partnership built on trust, respect and real diplomacy. This is leadership. This is what it looks like when a government takes climate and energy seriously. This is what it looks like under the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, who I believe is the strongest minister the portfolio has ever had, supported by an exceptional team, including the member for Fremantle and the member for Jagajaga. The opposition want Australians to be stuck with unreliable coal from the 1970s, nuclear reactors that won't exist for decades and rising power bills. Labor wants Australia to become a clean energy superpower with investment certainty, good regional jobs, energy security and cheaper, more reliable power for households. That's what Australians want. It's what they deserve, and it's what they will get from an Australian Labor government—an energy system that works for them, not one mired in chaos, denial and division. We will keep going. We will keep building. The coalition can either come with us or keep their heads in the sand, where they can only dream of the coordinated and wonderful action that this side of the House is taking. The Labor Party cares about Australian people. We know where they are, we know what they want and we are here to deliver it. 16:25 Mr VIOLI 300147 Casey Well, it is disappointing. I was looking forward to hearing from the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on this MPI about energy, but I understand he's quite busy. He has other activities. He has something else— An opposition member interjecting— Mr VIOLI 300147 He has to go look up Tripadvisor for Azerbaijan, yes. Although I must say— The DEPUTY SPEAKER 248181 I just remind the House about the disorderly conduct of interjections. Mr VIOLI 300147 I hit a nerve, obviously. You're hearing a lot about unity. They're breaching unity. As they say, beware those that protest too much. We saw the reports this week about the member for Parramatta. He's being shaped up as the new energy minister. He's going to fly in and save Minister Bowen, because he's quite busy at the moment. So I thought: what does the potential minister, the member for Parramatta, think about nuclear energy, because the minister was happy to talk about nuclear energy? Let me quote something that the member for Parramatta wrote prior to politics, when he was free to say what he thought. As we know, the Prime Minister sent that warning across the backbench, and, as we know, you're not individuals—you don't have your own views; you just follow orders. That was the warning the Prime Minister sent to his backbench. So what did the member for Parramatta say when he had to freedom to say what he really thought about energy? I'm going to quote the member for Parramatta: … nuclear power will be an essential weapon in the fight against climate change. For one thing, nuclear is cheaper and more reliable than renewable energy. Well, there you go. That was the member for Parramatta's contribution when he was able to give his contribution. He also said: Nuclear power is, on many criteria, also better for the environment than currently available renewable technology. Potentially, the member for Parramatta has visited agricultural land that is being destroyed by all these regional transmission lines and renewable power. Potentially, he's visited those pristine forests that are being destroyed for new transmission lines and for new energy generation that is happened all across regional Australia. That is perhaps the reason why the member for Parramatta believes that nuclear is better for the environment than renewable energy. I want to give some credit to the member for Hunter. The member for Hunter at least has the courage to stand in this House and say what he really believes. He spoke recently on energy and net zero and said that he would back any technology that stacked up financially, including coal and gas. He said he'd back any technology that stacked up financially. So we've got at least one member of those opposite that cares about their community and making sure they have affordable power, because that is the priority. You have to make a choice about what you focus on. The coalition are very happy to say we will focus on affordability and reliability for the Australian people. As the son of someone who was raised by a single mother, I'm not going to ask any single mother in my community to pay a dollar more for power than they have to. They deserve the right to have the cheapest power possible to power their house, turn the air conditioner on if they want to and make sure they can feed their family. I spent a decade working in the food industry. Energy is at the heart of every food product that is made in this country. It is in the cool rooms and the retail stores of the retailers that sell it. It is in the transport that gets it there. It is in the production of every product that is made by a food manufacturer in this country. It is in the raw materials that they have to pay more to buy. It is in the packaging that they use. It is in the gas that they need to create these products. When we talk about cheaper energy, we are talking about cheaper prices for every product in the country, and, at a time when this Treasurer cannot control inflation—it is at 3.8 per cent and getting worse—I have no problem standing in this House to fight for cheaper energy for my community and for every community across the country. It is a shame that those opposite have to follow orders and are happy to say to their communities: 'We do not care about prices. We are not worried about making sure we can bring prices down. We will follow the orders of the Prime Minister and Minister Bowen. If we don't we'll end up like the member for Chifley, the member for Isaacs or Senator Payman, who is no longer a member of the ALP because if you disagree you're kicked out.' 16:30 Ms FRANCE 270198 Dickson I completely understand why those opposite are so triggered and confused by our Minister for Climate Change and Energy's success on the world stage. Those opposite haven't seen success like that for years and years. This MPI really is a little bit embarrassing, right? Getting an exclusive role for Australia as President of Negotiations for COP31, closely directing the world's response to climate change, is something that those opposite could only dream of. It will give Australia the power to appoint cofacilitators, draft negotiation texts and issue decisions. Representing Australia on the world stage is in our national and economic interest. We understand that on this side of the House. Our neighbours in the Pacific are pretty happy with this appointment along with the pre COP meeting in the Pacific. We also know that serving ministers in other countries have held the same position previously. Actually, if those opposite had done their research, they would find that seven out of 10 since Paris in 2015 have been serving ministers. One actually was a Prime Minister. While we know that those opposite might find multitasking quite difficult, rest assured our minister can walk and chew gum at the same time just like the previous seven ministers from other countries. The opposition seems to absolutely love talking Australia down, but what this is really about is the coalition's absolute opposition to any action on climate change. What we're seeing here is what you could call the Nationals effect. The Liberals drop net zero to make the Nationals happy, and now they're talking Australia down to the world. Australians at the election made it very, very clear they want cleaner, cheaper, renewable energy. Most industrialised nations have committed to net zero emissions. Governments are setting ambitious targets and investing in cleaner technologies, and consumers are demanding more sustainable practices. Big businesses have shifted to net zero practices because if they want to be competitive and save costs they absolutely must. What would hurt Aussie families would be walking away from the table like those opposite have walked away from net-zero—shame! That would scare off investment, prolong ageing and unreliable coal and push up power prices. Renewable energy is not just an environmental choice. It is an economic necessity, embraced by families right across this great nation. The Albanese Labor government is delivering a responsible energy plan that creates jobs, provides business certainty and lowers emissions. We have acted to provide three rounds of power bill relief, and we've capped gas prices and invested in cheaper renewables—all of which those opposite have opposed. Wholesale electricity prices fell by a third last quarter. Nearly 140,000 homes and businesses across the country have installed batteries through our Cheaper Home Batteries Program, storing their sunshine, powering their homes and saving money off their bills. It's worth noting that the electorates with the highest uptake of rooftop solar are not necessarily the inner-city seats that you might expect but overwhelmingly regional and outer-suburban communities, many of them held by those opposite and the Nationals. Those households know it cuts bills and delivers cheaper, cleaner energy. In his address to this year's COP, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy made clear that net zero is the engine room of global economic growth. Australia is leading, with a 2035 target of up to 70 per cent emissions reduction, record renewable uptake and partnership with Pacific neighbours. My message to those opposite is: Do better. Be for Australia, not against us. 16:35 Mr TIM WILSON IMW Goldstein This time of year, as we tend towards Christmas, we all think about those who are less fortunate than us. We think about the struggling pensioners who are making tough choices about how they are going to make ends meet. They want to give presents to their grandchildren. They are looking at mounting bills. The electricity bill comes in and, as it rises by up to 40 per cent, they have to make tough choices. Some families and households have to make choices about whether they buy food or afford rent or pay their electricity bill or turn on the air conditioner. The same decisions are made by low-income earners and those on a fixed income. It's a challenge all around the country. So, while I understand the hectoring from members of the government in defence of not delivering on their $275 reduction on electricity bills, the lived experience of Australians from this is real. There are so many Australians who are doing it tough right now through cost-of-living pain and, instead of getting a $275 reduction in their electricity bill, promised by the Albanese government, they've lived with the reality of increases by up to 40 per cent. Small businesses are struggling. We have record small business insolvency. They've seen increases of their electricity bills by up to 80 per cent. It is no surprise that so many small businesses and so many households are doing it tough. We got data this week from the Australian Bureau of Statistics that talked explicitly about the problems with inflation. Despite the Treasurer crowing previously that he had combated inflation and we had gotten to an end, it persists. Also high interest rates are persisting. That's when people face tough choices about their future. It's easy for the member for Dickson to get up in this parliament and say, 'Yes, there is more rooftop solar on houses in some coalition seats.' I do accept that. Part of the reason is that people in low-income areas in particular live in apartments and they don't face the same options and choices as people who own their own homes. This is a debate about making sure low-income earners have choices and are able to afford fair pathways. People who live in apartments don't have those same choices, particularly when they can't afford upfront costs. I know the member for Dickson's answer when we have problems with cost-of-living pressures is, 'Let them eat solar batteries, let them eat solar panels and let them eat asbestos filled wind farms,' but that is not the answer. People need financial relief, and the only solution the government has is expenditure to push prices up. This isn't a plan that Australians need. Their answer is to just constantly talk about an energy transition that does not do what they claim it will do, which is push down prices. What we need is an energy addition which actually contributes to the future of our country by building new energy. Yes, we need to be technology neutral. We need to build a pathway for new generation that takes advantage of our existing networks and distribution and, of course, factors in emissions as well. That's because the best pathway to achieve lower emissions is to lower energy prices. When people cannot afford their electricity bills, concern around emissions falls by comparison. It's always been thus. It's a failure of this government to understand how important the link between energy prices and support for emissions cuts is. They go hand in hand. At the last election, the Australian people went and took on trust that this government understood these important issues, but what's become increasingly important for so many Australians is how much the government is blind and deaf to their concerns, how blind and deaf they are to the real financial pain that people are living. Their only answer has been to spend more money and borrow from the future to use debt spending and push up inflation, which has only perpetuated the problems that Australians are now living with. We just heard it from the members for Dickson, Cooper and so many other electorates. When Australians are saying that we need to confront the problem of electricity prices, the answer has been: let them eat solar panels. Let them eat batteries. Let them eat asbestos filled wind farms. This is not right. We need a pathway where we can get Australians to cheaper bills through energy addition. We need a pathway that gets cheaper bills now. More importantly, the cost of not doing so forces people on low incomes, which once upon a time the Labor party claimed they represented, to continue to live with the suffering and pain not just this Christmas but beyond and into 2026—and it won't be a happy new year. 16:41 Mr MATT SMITH 312393 Leichhardt The world is changing. The delivery of energy is changing. Whether you like it or not, it's changing. It's happening now. Coal-fired plants are done. Twenty-four of the 28 that closed did so under the watch of those opposite—finished. We understand there have been cost-of-living pressures. It has been a rough six or seven years, particularly for my electorate of Leichhardt. COVID hurt us. The inflation that jumped out the bottle afterwards hurt us more. It was at seven but is now 3.8. We are delivering on cost-of-living relief. We understand what Australians need. We also understand the opportunities that net zero presents to us: manufacturing, mining, the entrance to the world stage as a global power, a superpower for renewable energy and a leader in our region. This is a national security issue. The Pacific has never been more important, and those opposite sell them out every single day. It is disgraceful. The water shall not lap at the doors of our nearest neighbours, but let me tell you of the Torres Strait, Australia's most northern part, a beautiful place filled with beautiful people. Just this week the wakaid, or council of elders, from the island of Badu came down to talk to us about health. Uncle Bongo Sagigi, leader of the council of elders, spoke to me of climate change. When I visit Masig and Saibai, they tell me, 'We do not want to see our cemeteries inundated, the bodies of our children washed away, the bodies of the ancestors gone.' That is what net zero is about. That is the betrayal of Australia, of Australians. They deserve better. They deserve recognition. They do not deserve to have the water lapping at their doors. They do not deserve their cemeteries washed away. They do not deserve to mourn their children washed into the ocean. When you do not accept net zero, when you turn your back on them, you turn your back on Australia. If you betray one Australian, you betray them all. It is disgraceful. It was 2015 the last time any executive from the LNP went to the Torres Strait. You do not ask or seek out their advice. You don't care. You leave them alone to fend for themselves. Minister Kearney has sat with the elders on Badu. She has sat with the elders on Horn. She has sat with the elders on Thursday Island. Minister Wilson travelled to Saibai, sat with the elders and understood. Labor has committed over $74 million in seawalls. We are protecting our people, and we are working with the reef, the guardianship and the climate change excellence centre based on Thursday Island to create resilience for a world that is changing, for a world that you guys have left behind. We are getting on with it. Those walls are being built right now. They should have been built 10 years ago when Masig started to be inundated. But where was the opposition? It was nowhere—hiding. Ms Kearney LTU Making jokes. Mr MATT SMITH 312393 Making jokes—well, yes. You got your social media platform, didn't you? You got to hang out your little signs. Are you going to Masig? Will you speak to the elders? You will not. You can't even spell these places. You can't locate them on a map. You care little for these people—a people who have been here for generations, for tens of thousands of years, who have protected and taken care of their country, who have fished those waters, who have loved that salt water. The octopus god, Malo, lives there. And you betray them. Every time that you let the Nationals talk down net zero and every time that you take down renewable energy you betray the Torres Strait and everything that they stand for. 16:46 Mr KENNEDY 267506 Cook Last weekend I conducted almost 30 listening posts in my electorate, speaking to members from all across my electorate. I had a pensioner who could not pay his energy bill. We introduced him to Wesley Mission, and Wesley Mission paid his bill so that this man could continue to cool and heat his house and continue to cook food. There are pensioners in my electorate forced to make choices no pensioner should have to make—between paying an electricity bill or feeding him and his wife or between paying their car, filling up their car, or seeing family and friends. It's not just the pensioners. I was recently at FJP Manufacturing. In just two years, their electricity prices have gone up over 70 per cent. Their gas prices are up over 50 per cent. Phill, who runs it there—great guy, works incredibly hard—is a huge supporter of manufacturing in Australia and a huge supporter of trades. He's watched the number of his tradies go from seven to three, and he's worried it's going to zero. He talks about their declining revenues and their increasing costs, and he worries they're going to close that manufacturing plant one day and instead just turn it into another set of apartments. What will we make in this country? I worry because energy prices are up 40 per cent in just three years. While emissions are down 28 per cent since 2005, energy prices have more than doubled, and it's not surprising. We have a government that is obsessed with emissions targets. They're legislating for 2030; they're setting 2035 and 2050 targets, but where is the price target? Mr KENNEDY 267506 I'll take the interjection. If you're obsessed with the cost of living, where is your energy price target? Ms France 270198 Caps that you opposed. Mr KENNEDY 267506 Why won't you legislate an energy price target? You're running for the hills. You made one mistake in 2022—promising $275 off people's bills. We all know how that has gone. The pensioner in my electorate, the manufacturer laying off tradies—they are living the reality of this failed energy policy. Instead, you love the emissions targets, but you won't set a price target. You're running for the hills as fast as you can from $275 off bills. I would love it if you were able to come back— The DEPUTY SPEAKER DZY The member will resume his seat. The Chief Government Whip, the member for Lalor. Ms Ryan 249224 I ask that the member be asked to direct his comments through the chair and stop directing them straight at people. The DEPUTY SPEAKER DZY I thank the government whip. Member for Cook, direct your comments through the chair. There were a couple of points where you were directing questions to the bench on my right. For everyone, just ensure that all comments are made through this chair. Mr KENNEDY 267506 We heard the previous members talk about wholesale energy costs. I'm not sure whether they just don't understand or they're intentionally misleading the Australian public, but wholesale energy costs in New South Wales are less than half the bill. They're 40 per cent. But do you know what, Deputy Speaker? Australians don't pay 40 per cent. They don't just pay the wholesale costs. It's great to hear wholesale costs are going down, but Australians pay the full cost. They pay 100 per cent of their bill. Every time we hear the Minister for Climate Change and Energy talk about wholesale costs dropping, which he did three or four times today, it's less than 45 per cent of the total bill. What the pensioner pays in my electorate is 100 per cent of his bill. So I would ask the energy minister to start talking about total costs. Stop talking about the small part that's decreasing and actually talk about total cost, which we all know—which every person and every business in my electorate knows—continues to go up. It's time to either understand what a bill is made up of or stop misleading the Australian public. This week, we were plunged into darkness in Parliament House. I would ask that this energy minister stops plunging the Australian economy into darkness, killing Australian industry and running our manufacturers off this shore, and starts doing his job. 16:51 Ms JORDAN-BAIRD 316021 Gorton I'm really excited to speak on today's MPI. What interesting rhetoric we've heard in this chamber today! If the opposition thinks that leading the global transition to clean energy means that the Minister for Climate Change and Energy is only working part-time in his role, it clearly has no concept of what preparing Australia for the future and securing lower energy prices for the long term actually entails. We know that the coalition is not interested in preparing Australia for the future. They made that abundantly clear when they dumped net zero, against every piece of expert advice and even against consistent findings that included the cost of transmission and storage renewables being the cheapest form of new energy generation. We knew it when they were responsible for a three per cent reduction in Australia's emissions over nine years of government. We knew it when they said they'd solved the clean energy transition and then proposed to spend billions of taxpayer dollars on bringing nuclear energy to Australia. We know that they're not interested in doing what it takes to secure Australia's future. Otherwise, they wouldn't be objecting to Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy doing his job of not only representing Australia's interest in energy and climate at the highest level but grasping a rare opportunity to lead the discussion and help write the rules at COP31. This side of the House understands that reducing energy prices at home and tackling climate change is not something Australia can do on its own. In fact, the only people who think global energy decisions have nothing to do with Australian bills are those opposite. They don't realise that the energy situation we're in is a global issue. I applaud the Minister for Climate Change and Energy for going above and beyond in his advocacy for Australia's interests in energy and climate. We on this side of the House have always supported advocacy for Australia's best interests on the world stage. When we were in opposition, our party didn't just sit there grandstanding. We actually celebrated when the government was able to achieve real outcomes for Australia, which it did in some aspects of trade and diplomacy. So I'm really disappointed that those opposite have reacted in this way and that they haven't been able to put political pointscoring aside to recognise this rare opportunity for Australia to write the rules of energy transition. They're so focused on trying to tear this country down instead of building it up. The constituents of my electorate are profoundly hardworking. They often work long hours while juggling commitments to family and community. Every day, they go to work in hospitals, schools, factories, public transport networks and shops. For those opposite to speak with such contempt about this government's action on climate change is an affront to my community because my electorate knows that, if we don't act on climate change, we all suffer. If those opposite truly think that climate change won't affect working people, they are delusional. It's already increasing the severity and regularity of extreme weather events, which makes work more dangerous and more difficult. It makes it more difficult for the person working in train-track maintenance, sweltering in a heatwave. It makes it more difficult for the nurse that's treating more and more respiratory conditions which are related to poor air quality. It makes it more difficult for the small-business owner seeing ingredient prices rise because crops have been decimated by flooding. They claim to care about costs. During their decade in government, they had more than 20 different energy policies. At the last election, they proposed to waste billions of taxpayer dollars on a nuclear pipedream. The fact is that they have no idea what a long-term plan to reduce energy costs for Australians actually looks like. Sustainability doesn't mean just environmentally friendly; it also means economically viable. When we say we are building a sustainable energy system, we mean that we are building an energy system that is environmentally friendly and economically viable—two things the coalition's policy is not. On this side of the House, we understand the bigger picture when it comes to net zero and the clean energy transition. We understand that reducing the cost of living and making the transition to clean energy are not two different propositions. We have taken and continue to take significant steps to reduce household costs. We're taking strong action to provide energy bill relief to Australian households and businesses. As we head in the Christmas break, what have the coalition achieved? They've spent most of this year fighting amongst themselves and badmouthing each other. We've seen little tangible policy or meaningful scrutiny from them at all. Today they lost a member! If they want to know what it looks like to represent their constituents and Australia's interests part time, they only need to look at themselves. We on this side of the House, our government, will continue to work full time on building Australia's future. (Time expired) 16:56 Ms ALDRED 11788 Monash We have a crisis in this country. We have a crisis in this country on energy affordability, and we're staring down the barrel of a reliability crisis too. There are families sitting round the kitchen table right across Australia right now, from Berwick to Brisbane, from Melbourne to Mallacoota, and they are staring at an energy bill stuck to their fridge, wondering how they are going to pay that bill right now. This government has promised nearly a hundred times that we will see a $275 cut in yearly energy bills. They have not been good to their word. There are 200,000 Australians on energy hardship plans as we speak. I spoke to one energy retailer about a week ago, who said they're getting around 150 phone calls every day from people across their database seeking energy bill relief. They are seeking hardship plans. They cannot pay the bills that they have in front of them. And that is a crisis. It is a crisis for our food banks. It is a crisis, as the member for Cook said, for charities and volunteer groups that are set up to help people at very, very difficult points in their lives. This is an avoidable situation. Labor have induced a crisis that we're seeing in pricing Australian businesses out of the game internationally. It is hurting blue-collar workers in regional jobs. It is putting our manufacturing base so far behind the eight ball that they've got to work extra hard and extra smart just to catch up. We've got an energy minister who very kindly came back to the parliament this week. He's been traversing the globe, lecturing other countries. Given Minister Bowen's track record in Australia, you'd think he'd be best placed to talk to other countries only about how to flatline their decarbonisation efforts, only to pontificate about skyrocketing energy bills or maybe to share a few hot takes on how to use taxpayer funds to prop up a couple of select technologies while flatly resisting calls to put every available option on the table. I do hope, though, that, while clocking up carbon miles, Minister Bowen might take the time for a sideline chat to listen to what representatives from a few other countries, like France, Canada, Japan, India, Turkiye—I could go on—might be able to share with him on how to achieve energy reliability, energy affordability and energy sustainability. Minister Bowen might learn a few things, like how you can achieve all of those objectives on the table without shutting down coal early and while putting your foot to the floor on gas and making sure all options are on the table. That last bastion of conservatism, the Starmer Labour government in the UK, has seen under its watch what will be one of the largest nuclear power stations built in Europe. Meanwhile, in Australia, our businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water. I went to a major meat-processing business in my electorate last week. They employ 140 local people. This business is part of a sector that plays a critical economic role nationally. It is essential to my region. I met with this business, and the first thing they talked to me about was their energy bill. It's out of control. Over the last 12 months alone, electricity costs for this business have increased by 22 per cent, and they've increased by 27 per cent across the last 24 months. Gas prices have escalated even more significantly, rising 27 per cent in the last year alone and 46 per cent over the last two years. Combined gas and electricity costs for this business have surged by 24 per cent over the last 12 months and an extraordinary 35 per cent over the last 24 months. This is outrageous. This business is not Robinson Crusoe with its energy pain. It is an epidemic of escalating costs, and the government keeps telling Australians that we've never had it better. There's no news on when this government is going to deliver on their broken promise of $275 bill relief. Blue collar workers are hurting. Regional Australians are hurting. Working Australians are hurting. They deserve so much better than this government. 17:01 Mr ABDO 316915 Calwell Those opposite love nothing more than talking Australia down. While this government is strengthening our energy system, lowering wholesale prices and rebuilding our reputation in the world, their only instinct is to sneer, to undermine and to oppose. With our family in the Pacific, Australia has just secured unprecedented influence over global climate and energy deliberations. In 2026, Australia and the Pacific will co-host a special pre-COP, giving Pacific leaders and communities the global stage they deserve and ensuring the world sees the impacts and solutions of our region firsthand. That outcome strengthens our security, strengthens our economy and strengthens Australia's standing in the world, and the only response from those opposite is to try to tear Australia down. If your only focus is political pointscoring, you will never act in the national interest. We have an exceptionally strong climate and energy team. Teamwork, of course, is a foreign concept to those opposite. We've taken real steps to help: three rounds of energy bill relief, a gas price cap, and major investment in cheaper renewable energy while rebuilding a reliable modern grid after a decade of neglect. The Australian Energy Market Commission could not be more clear: delaying the connection of renewables and transmission puts upward pressure on electricity bills. This is where the opposition has completely lost the plot. They walked away from net zero. They walked away from investment certainty, and they walked away from Australia's place in the world. What they're really saying is that Australia should sit quietly and accept whatever the world hands to us. This government believes Australia should help write the rules, and that's why our minister has been asked to lead COP negotiations. We are Australia; we don't aim for second place. Those opposite can explain why they do. Our policies are built around Australian families and Australian industry. They spoke about manufacturing. In my electorate, the Ford factory delivered generations of secure, well paid work. When the industry needed support, the Liberals attacked our automotive industry. They issued ultimatums. They questioned its commitment and dared it to leave. And when Ford, Holden and Toyota shut their doors, those opposite applauded their exit. So, when they suddenly proclaim their love of manufacturing, when they get all hasty and lean their elbows against borrowed cars, we will not forget how they attacked Australian families, Australian jobs and Australian industry. And we will take no lectures from them about ministerial focus. Under this government, ministerial roles are transparent. Under theirs, Scott Morrison secretly swore himself into health, finance, Treasury, home affairs, and industry, treating ministries like Pokemon—'gotta catch 'em all!' The member for New England knows a thing or two about extra roles. Now he's off to join the circus that is One Nation, which is fitting, because they've always got a job for a clown in that reactionary outfit, and he comes cheap—really cheap. It took a sandwich press steak to get him over the line. I saw it came with a bit of Saxa salt. Imagine if it came with a bit of mushroom sauce—the big, tasty cookout with the cookers. You tasteless, tasteless bunch. Every coal breakdown, every bit of energy pain—it all comes on the back of their decade of denial. While this government takes action to reduce bills today and reform the market for tomorrow, those opposite choose slogans over solutions. Here's the contrast: while they sulk, fight, hold press conferences during question time and divide, we deliver. In the past year alone, we've delivered for Australian families. That's what this is all about—Australian families and Australian industry. This is about a $9,000 pay rise for minimum-wage and award workers, for Australian families; 24 weeks of paid parental leave with super on paid parental leave, for Australian families; and energy bill relief of $150 for every household, for Australian families. This is about a $10,000 bonus for housing apprentices, for Australian families; 30 per cent off home batteries, for Australian families; and paid placements for nurses, teachers and social workers, for Australian families. This is about aged care pay rises, expanded bulk-billing, a five per cent deposit for first home buyers, a 20 per cent student debt cut and, from 1 January, all PBS medicines being at $25 or less, for Australian families. That's what we fight for—Australian industry and Australian families. The SPEAKER 53517 The discussion has concluded. BUSINESS 80 BUSINESS Days and Hours of Meeting 80 17:06 Mr BURKE DYW Watson For the information of members, the Senate, before question time, looked like it was tracking really well, but the Senate has slowed down considerably. Whenever they finish, it'll then be the case—we have the environment legislation, and there's another package of legislation that comes on at about at item No. 5 in debate that also requires amendment, which will have to come back to the House. That being the case, the most sensible thing for us to do will be to not stay too much longer today. We will come back tomorrow, which will almost certainly be at 9 am. I know that people were scheduled to speak on the adjournment debate, so what I'll do in a moment is move a suspension of standing orders to allow that debate to occur as it would have, only it won't be a debate about adjourning the House; it'll just be five minutes on whatever you want. The speakers who were rostered to speak will get the opportunity to do so. Once that's concluded, Mr Speaker, it would suit the convenience of the House if you would then suspend the sitting, vacate the chair and return at the ringing of the bells at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. That's presuming that, at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning, the Senate's finished and we've had transmission, but I think our odds are much better than they would be tonight. I would have liked to have been able to give members certainty earlier today, but, as soon as I had all of this information confirmed, I privately contacted the Manager of Opposition Business. We passed a message through to the crossbench and, obviously, to yourself, Mr Speaker. I will say that that means we still got an extra day of sittings, so that's good! Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders 81 17:08 Mr BURKE DYW Watson I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent no more than six Members immediately making statements of no longer than five minutes each. Question agreed to, with an absolute majority. STATEMENTS 81 STATEMENTS Valedictory 81 17:08 Ms CHANEY 300006 Curtin On the last scheduled sitting day of the parliamentary year, I couldn't be prouder of the constructive, positive and accountable way my community and the crossbench have contributed since the start of the 48th parliament. After eight weeks of parliament, the crossbench is already showing its impact. We've had some good wins this year already. The crossbench rigorously interrogated the EPBC bill, collectively proposing 119 amendments. The House knocked back 118, but I was pleased that one of my amendments was accepted—to improve the transparency of the offsets fund. Tomorrow morning we're expecting the bill to come back from the Senate with additional amendments, originally proposed by the crossbench in the House, to protect forests and prevent fossil fuel projects from using the national interest process. Additionally, after fighting for the huge number of older Australians who are waiting, we saw 20,000 home-care packages brought forward ahead of the delayed implementation dates. After repeated demands by the crossbench in the last parliament, the Treasurer agreed not to tax unrealised gains in the new superannuation laws. After I'd tried to split the education bill to ensure the integrity of the higher education system without an international student cap, the government saw sense and did the same thing. After advocating for tax reform in the last term, it's now finally on the agenda, and, after its inclusion in the Economic Reform Roundtable, momentum is building. After I called for the establishment of an Australian AI safety institute to identify risks and support policymakers and regulators, the government announced a similar body would be established. As the government tried to undermine our freedom-of-information laws, it was the crossbench that proposed and debated amendments, drawing attention to the dangerous signs of increasing secrecy. It's now languishing in the Senate. Part of being a constructive crossbench is finding ways to improve or refine legislation. In the last eight sitting weeks, the crossbench has introduced 160 amendments to 10 pieces of legislation, drafted in consultation with experts and stakeholders. As a comparison, the opposition has introduced only 18 amendments to five pieces of legislation. The crossbench has introduced 10 private members' bills, ranging in topic from climate to gambling to ebike regulation to responding to robodebt. These put pressure on the government, showing that change is possible. My private members' bills were to ban AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse material, and to clean-up data harvesting in the postal voting process. Both demonstrate issues with clear solutions that the government needs to implement, but, of course, the most important thing to me is ensuring that the voice of our community is heard in Canberra and that the people of Curtin feel informed and engaged in our democracy. Since May, I've made eight Curtin submissions to committee inquiries, including recommendations on economic reform, productivity, aged care, Thriving Kids, net zero, the FOI Bill and electoral laws. We've held community events with Saul Griffith on electrification and Ken Henry on tax reform, a grants-writing workshop and an innovative online event using a new AI powered tool to all together community views on negative-gearing and CGT reforms. My community liaison team, Joe and Felicity, continue to go above and beyond for the constituents of Curtin, and, in the last five months, they have helped more than 250 people with their concerns with aged care, Centrelink, immigration and child support, as well as responded to nearly 2,000 emails. I'm so grateful that our team Chaney volunteers keep showing up—from a river clean-up to doorknocking and public pop-ups. On this last day of parliament, I want to particularly thank some team members. This year I farewelled Tony Fairweather and Louise Jones, who were foundational members of Curtin Independent and followed up with operational roles in my first term. Their integrity, vision, strategic insight and willingness to turn their hand to whatever was needed made the last three years and two campaigns possible. Thank you, Tony and Louise. My senior policy adviser Katherine Parkinson has been by my side since day one, making significant personal sacrifices, leaving her young children to travel with me across the country for every sitting week for 3½ years. I could not have survived these years without her humour, her intellect and her loyalty, and I will miss her terribly as she moves into her next, less travel-intensive, role. I'm hugely grateful to my whole team, my husband, my three kids, my extended family and the nearly 1,000 volunteers who gave up their time this year to keep Curtin independent. I'm also very grateful to the people of Curtin for the opportunity to represent them. Thank you for showing we can do politics differently in 2025. I look forward to 2026. Valedictory 82 17:13 Ms DOYLE 299962 Aston As 2025 draws to a close, I reflect on what a rollercoaster of a year it was—a huge federal election campaign in the first half, an amazing win and many things delivered in the second half of 2025 by this second term Albanese Labor government. I want to take this opportunity to thank the good people of Aston for re-electing me as their federal member on 3 May. It is such an incredible honour to represent you here in this place, and I assure you I do not take that privilege for granted. Our government has spent the past year working to strengthen communities and make everyday life a little easier by providing effective cost-of-living relief. For young people, this year has brought meaningful improvements in education and financial security. Our 20 per cent reduction to student debt has helped millions of Australians, including 21,439 people in Aston, with a HECS debt. This change has eased financial pressure for locals studying at nearby tertiary institutions or those beginning professional careers. Instead of entering the workforce burdened by debt, students and graduates now have a little breathing room, whether they are pursuing additional study, saving for a home or planning the next steps in their lives. For those in Aston aspiring to own their first home, policy changes this year have also had a real impact. With the introduction of the five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers, more residents in suburbs like Bayswater, Rowville, Wantirna, Knoxfield and Scoresby can now see a clearer path to entering the housing market. For many local families, this has shortened the timeline for saving for a deposit, making what was once a distant dream of homeownership a more achievable goal. Additionally, Australia's healthcare system has seen substantial strengthening, with the single biggest investment in Medicare since its establishment. The expansion of urgent care clinics nationally, alongside increased bulk-billing for GP visits, has ensured that Australians can access timely and affordable care. In the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, where families rely on a mix of local clinics and nearby hospitals, these improvements have contributed to better access to essential health services. More bulk-billed GP appointments mean fewer barriers for parents bringing children to the doctor, older residents seeking routine care and individuals managing ongoing health needs. These measures contribute to a more accessible and affordable healthcare environment for the entire community. Education and vocational training have continued to support opportunities and skills development across electorates like Aston. The ongoing expansion of free TAFE has opened doors for people looking to retrain, upskill or pursue new career pathways. Local students and workers have benefited from easier access to courses that align with key industries in the outer eastern suburbs, helping strengthen both their employment prospects and their region's economic resilience. Workers in Aston have also seen practical improvements to their financial security through the introduction of payday super, which ensures that superannuation is paid at the same time as wages. This change has been particularly meaningful for residents in casual, part-time or shift based roles. This year the Albanese Labor government has additionally committed to ensuring that working parents who experience the unimaginable tragedy of stillbirth or early infant death can continue to access the employer paid parental leave to which they are entitled. The Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025, which passed the parliament, makes that possible where it is consistent with an employee's terms and conditions of employment. At a time when cost-of-living pressures have been front of mind for families and small businesses, energy bill relief and tax changes have provided further support. Households across the Aston electorate, many of which have felt cost-of-living pressures, have benefited from additional assistance to manage utility bills, while tax adjustments have helped ensure that workers can earn more and keep more of what they earn. These measures offer both immediate relief and long-term financial stability. Furthermore, from 10 December 2025, the Albanese government's world-leading action to ban social media for under-16's will come into effect. The restrictions will aim to protect young Australians from pressures and risks that users can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. As we reflect on the year it becomes clear that the broader national reforms delivered have had real, tangible effects on the Australian people. From easing the burden of student debt to making homeownership more accessible and from strengthening Medicare to broadening education opportunities and supporting household budgets, these changes collectively contribute to the wellbeing and stability of families across my electorate. I want to wish all the people of my electorate all the very best over the holiday season. Stay safe when out driving. For those of you who celebrate it, have a very merry Christmas, and to all: have a happy new year in 2026. Valedictory 83 17:19 Mr VENNING 315434 Grey As the Christmas season arrives, it's time for family, reflection and festive cheer, and I extend my warmest regards to everyone in regional South Australia. It's a moment to appreciate the incredible contribution that all of you make to your community and to your country. As we enjoy the summer, I also hope the worst of the algal bloom is behind us and that the beautiful beaches and coastlines of Gulf St Vincent can recover. As I continue to be your representative in Canberra, I will fight to support you on this matter. This year in Grey we faced significant challenges. I mentioned the algal bloom, but we also spent much of 2025 in generational drought. This period was one of the toughest faced by South Australian farmers ever. It is my hope that the government will reflect on its response and that, the next time we face drought, farmers receive timely and meaningful support. A shared goal of my coalition partners and I is to strengthen Australia's position as a leading producer of high-quality food and fibre for domestic and international markets. To achieve this, we need to address some key issues. A focus is needed on the rising cost of energy, which impacts every single step of the supply chain. Ensuring access to affordable and reliable power is crucial for businesses of all types to remain competitive and indeed successful. We also need to make processes simpler and more efficient by streamlining rules and by reducing unnecessary red tape. We can free up businesses to focus on what they need, so we can free up businesses to focus on what they do best. As the member for Grey, I am acutely aware that those living in regional South Australia often feel left behind, so, while Christmas and the holiday season are a precious time that should be enjoyed by all, this time of year also brings into focus the inequality of services each of us outside of those who live in the city faces. Whether it be health care, aged care or child care, this government and governments all over Australia have significant work to do to ensure that nobody is worse off just because of their postcode. In the New Year, it will be a priority of mine to continue bringing these issues of inequality to Canberra. I am reminded of something I said during my first speech back in July. I spoke about the unwritten rule of the country, that when time gets tough, we don't retreat; we stand united. Whether it is fighting fires alongside a neighbour or rallying after losing a grand final, we show up. And looking back at the thousands of kilometres my team and I have travelled this year, from the dusty tracks of the far north to the beaches and farms of the Eyre and Yorke peninsulas, I can say with absolute certainty to the people of Grey: you showed up. This year I had the pleasure of attending countless amazing regional events. Who could forget the 54th Whyalla Show? Seeing 12,000 people flood the gates on a Saturday was a testament to the resilience and the pride of our steel city in one of its toughest years. I saw that same pride at the Crystal Brook Show, celebrating its 146the year. I remember standing at the 110th Port Lincoln Show having serious conversations about the harmful algal bloom in our waterways, proving that shows are not just about fairy floss but are vital forums for our primary industries. Of course, it was a real highlight to officially open the Yorke Peninsula Field Days at Paskeville in September, standing there with President Greg Stevens and the whole committee, looking out at the innovation on display, reaffirming what I have always known—our farmers are indeed the best in the world. But we didn't just celebrate; we tackled the hard stuff too. I think back to the Coober Pedy RSL, standing alongside Leon Stevens. We listened to locals, rightfully angry about water costs and the unique pressures of remote living. That meeting reminded me why I am here in Canberra. As we close 2025, I am filled with optimism. We have challenges. Labor's cost-of-living crisis bites hard, and the seasons are uncertain. But I look at the strength of the people in Grey and I know they will persevere. With the right leadership in the right political will, I know better days are ahead. Merry Christmas and a safe and restful New Year to all in this parliament. See you again in 2026. Albanese Government 83 17:23 Ms TRISH COOK 312871 Bullwinkel As we approach the end of 2025, I rise to reflect on a year that has been defined not by talk but by action, a year when the Albanese Labor government has rolled up its sleeves and delivered real tangible changes for the people of Bullwinkel and for families right across Australia. When I joined this government I did so with a simple goal: to get things done. Looking back on the last 12 months, I am incredibly proud to say that is exactly what we are doing. This year we have tackled the cost of living head on, not with band-aid solutions but with structural reforms in every portfolio that are making life easier for everyday Australians. We know that education is the key to opportunity, but, for too long, student debt has been a burden weighing down our younger generations. That's why I'm so proud that, this year, we cut student debt by 20 per cent. That's affecting over 13,000 students in Bullwinkel alone. For the students in my electorate, whether they are studying at our new hubs in our regions or commuting into the city, this is a massive weight off their shoulders. It means that three million Australians are now seeing their debts reduced, making it that little bit easier to save for a home deposit or start a family. We have also moved to secure the future of Australian workers through our payday super reforms, with a simple principle: if you work the hours, you should get paid the super not in three months time but on payday. By passing legislation to protect payday super, we've stopped billions of dollars in unpaid super from slipping through the cracks and ensured that every hour of hard work today counts towards a dignified retirement tomorrow. This government has also shown that it can lead with both economic responsibility and deep compassion. There is no better example of this than Baby Priya's law. No parent should have to worry about their financial security while grieving the loss of a child. By amending the Fair Work Act to ensure that employer funded paid parental leave cannot be cancelled if a child is stillborn or passes away, we have corrected a heartbreaking injustice. In health, we have continued our mission to strengthen Medicare, the bedrock of our society. We have made medicines cheaper, easing the squeeze on household budgets at the pharmacy counter, and we are seeing the results of our historic investment in bulk-billing with the Medicare urgent care clinics. In Bullwinkel, we look forward to opening a Medicare clinic in Mundaring in the very near future. But I want to save a special mention for the reforms that I believe will stand as a defining legacy of this term. We are moving into the grand finale of the parliamentary year with our historic environmental protections soon to pass. I have to say that, being in this chamber and sitting in the last sitting, passing the reforms through the lower house was one of the proudest moments I've have had since joining this place. I was reminded of why I put my hand up for this job. I joined the Labor Party to be part of the solution, to push through the noise and to deliver reforms that matter. Our Albanese Labor government is doing just that, and we have the grit to continue to deliver. Finally, I want to say some thankyous to my team, particularly Amira Nunn, who has accompanied me to Canberra on all these occasions and has helped me with the organised chaos that is life as a new MP. Thank you to my team back home, who have finally been shifting into my electorate office six months after I was announced. I can finally take some of that stuff out of the car and put it at a permanent desk. I also want to thank the people of Bullwinkel for electing me to this position to be the voice for them—for the people in the foothills, the hills and the regional areas. We have cut debt, protected super, supported grieving families, strengthened Medicare and fought tooth and nail for our environment. Now we're getting on with the job, and I can promise the people of Bullwinkel that, in 2026, we won't be slowing down. Thank you. Volunteering 84 17:28 Mr TEHAN 210911 Wannon As the Christmas period advances on us all, I want to give a shout-out to those people who'll be keeping us safe over the summer. I'd like to start by giving a big shout-out to all the CFA volunteers in my electorate, who will be, once again, doing their thing for the community—volunteering over a period when a lot of people are on holidays and enjoying the festive season. They'll be there making sure that the community is kept safe. Last year, they did an extraordinary job, because the Grampians were on fire for a large part of the summer. Day after day, night after night, they were out volunteering alongside the professional firefighters, making sure that our communities were kept safe. And I know they've already been out making sure that they've done their minimum skills training. They've already been out making sure that backburning is occurring and that our roadways are safe and have been burned accordingly to make sure that our communities are kept safe. There's been untold pressure placed on a lot of our volunteers through the unfortunate policies of the Victorian state government, especially the fire services levy, which is, I think, the most draconian tax that any state government has placed on volunteers since Federation. Even though they've been copping that, they're still volunteering again in vast numbers to keep our communities safe. To all the CFA volunteers: a huge thankyou for what you do and for what you'll do once again over this summer period. I also acknowledge what our surf lifesavers will do over the summer. I have some of the most wonderful surf lifesaving clubs patrolling one of the most difficult coastlines in Australia. It's not called the Shipwreck Coast for nothing. They will be there making sure that everyone, whether it be locals or all the tourists who flock to our beaches right over the summer period, is kept safe, whether it be at Portland, Port Fairy, Warrnambool, Port Campbell, Apollo Bay, Lorne or Anglesea. Right across the coastline, to all the surf lifesaving clubs and to the many, many more that I haven't mentioned: a huge thankyou to all the volunteers who'll be patrolling and saving lives. They literally will be saving lives over the summer. What our surf lifesavers do is extraordinary. I will also give a shout-out to the wonderful community organisations that will be doing their bit over the summer. For most of us, Christmas is a wonderful time of year—a time to catch up with family, a time to celebrate everything that's good about our great nation—but there are those who'll be going through very difficult times this Christmas. They'll be calling on services, whether it be the Red Cross or others, at this time of year. To all those wonderful volunteer organisations who make sure that families have got food on the table when they otherwise wouldn't or are offering protection to those who might have had to leave home due to domestic violence or for other reasons: the work that you do on behalf of our community, making sure that there is a little bit of joy for those in desperate need over the Christmas period, is extraordinary. On behalf of my community and all the communities in Wannon, I say a huge thankyou to all those charitable organisations for what you do. You see it during the year. St Vincent de Paul comes to mind for all the charity work that they do, especially at Christmas. The work that they do is extraordinary. More often than not, their wonderful volunteers will take time on Christmas Day not to be with their families but to go and make sure that those families who are in need will have that little bit of joy. To our CFA volunteers, our surf lifesavers and those who work in our charitable organisations, I say a huge thankyou for what you do and what you'll do over this summer period. Our communities are better for the work that you do. Environment, Cybersafety, Health Care 85 17:33 Ms KARA COOK 316537 Bonner This week is a landmark moment for Australia's environment and our future prosperity. Tomorrow the Albanese government's historic environmental law reforms, the most significant overhaul of our national environmental laws in 25 years, will pass in this parliament. These reforms will deliver what Australians have long called for: stronger protections for our environment and faster, clearer decision-making for the projects our country needs, such as housing, renewable energy and critical minerals. This means there will be a new national environmental protection agency, Australia's first independent environmental regulator, ensuring stronger compliance and enforcement. It means there will be national environmental standards—clear, consistent rules to protect the environment across the country. It means there will be a crackdown on high-risk land clearing by the removal of outdated exemptions so all industries will play by the same rules. It also means greater transparency, with major projects required to disclose emissions and emission reduction plans. It also means water protections being maintained for coal and gas projects. And, for business and communities, it means faster decisions through a new streamlined assessment pathway; less duplication, with improved agreements between federal and state governments; and regional planning to give certainty with clear-go and no-go zones. I'm proud to support reforms that protect what's precious, unlock economic opportunity and build a stronger, more sustainable Australia for future generations. We also know that there is no going back to a world without technology. The internet has given us a wealth of knowledge that can be used for good. Unfortunately, social media has often not been social at all. It's been harnessed as a tool for bullies. It's created spaces for peer pressure. It's been an avenue for scammers. Worst of all, it's been a tool for online predators targeting our most vulnerable. Seven in 10 young Australians have seen content that they shouldn't be exposed to online. This includes sexist, misogynistic and hateful content. It includes content that's sexually explicit, depicts dangerous online challenges or promotes violent behaviours. It includes content that promotes unhealthy living, body image issues and depression. By harnessing algorithms, we know that online platforms can target and manipulate children with toxic content. That is why the Albanese Labor government is backing laws that creates a new minimum age for social media. From 10 December, certain platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from holding accounts. We want technology that backs our kids' education and development, especially during the most important stages of life. We don't want it harming our kids by elevating dangerous content. As a parent, I'm aware of the harms that content, this type of content through social media, can create and also of the families of my community that have these concerns. I want kids in my electorate of Bonner to build real life connections. This law will protect them in those critical stages of development. I also know that families in my community want bulk-billed health services closer to home. We have opened 90 Medicare urgent care clinics across the country, and 47 more are on the way, including in my electorate of Bonner. The Carindale urgent care clinic will be opened in the coming months, and I can't wait to cut that ribbon. Already, more than 360,000 Queenslanders have visited a Medicare urgent care clinic, and the new clinic in Carindale will be the very first for my electorate. It will be open seven days a week with no appointment needed, and all patients will be fully bulk-billed. This is real and practical cost-of-living relief for my community and families in Bonner. I will always stand up for a better and more accessible healthcare system and for families in my community. That's why this urgent care clinic, alongside cheaper medicines, $25 for scripts from 1 January, supporting training more doctors and nurses, and tripling the bulk-billing incentive are so needed and much supported by my community. Labor is overseeing the biggest-ever investment in Medicare in the last 40 years. The pensioner in Wynnum Manly, the tradie in Tingalpa and the mum from Mansfield know the value of having affordable and closer health care where they live. Labor is delivering for them. In closing, what a great privilege it is to stand here in this place as the member for Bonner. I'm so proud to be in this place and representing my community. I wish everyone in my community a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year and I'll see you in 2026. Sitting suspended from 17:38 to 09:00 The House transcript was published up to 17:38. The remainder of the transcript will be published progressively as it is completed. The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Boyce ) took the chair at 09:30.

Thursday, 27 November 2025

The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Boyce ) took the chair at 09:30.

CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS 87 CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS Health Care 87 09:30 Ms LE 295676 Fowler I rise today to speak for the people of Fowler and the wider south-western Sydney community who are increasingly feeling abandoned by this government's approach to health care. We hear the Labor government week after week boasting of a $6.1 billion record investment and strengthening Medicare. We hear about a universal card being the solution for all. I invite the Prime Minister and the health minister to come to Cabramatta and Fowler, not just during election time. Come and walk into a local GP's waiting room in Liverpool or Fairfield, because the reality here is vastly different from the rosy picture painted in the Canberra bubble. The truth is that a gold card doesn't mean a golden ticket to treatment. Just last month, my constituent Luis took a family member to Fairfield Hospital Emergency with a broken ankle. They waited six long hours, six hours of waiting in pain, because of a chronic shortage of doctors and nurses. Even worse—they had no equipment or specialist to treat the injury, and they were told to go to Liverpool Hospital. That six-hour transfer is the true measure of a 'strengthened' Medicare in Fowler. In Fowler, we face a silent crisis. Our heroic local general practitioners are retiring. No-one is replacing them. Young doctors are not coming to south-west Sydney. Why should they? A GP can set up practice in affluent suburbs in the east and north, charge a high gap fee and work reasonable hours. Compare that to a GP in Fowler. Our community has a high proportion of refugees and migrants. We have high rates of chronic disease, complex mental health needs and language barriers. Our people cannot afford gap fees. They rely entirely on bulk-billing. This government's incentives are a blunt instrument. They fail to recognise that a bulk-billing consultation in a disadvantaged area like mine is often far more complex and time consuming. The promised urgent care clinics are a bandaid. They may take pressure off an ED for a broken arm, but they do not manage diabetes or complex PTSD. They do not build the trust needed for vulnerable patients. Only a regular local GP does that. If we want to save universal health care, we must stop pretending that south-western Sydney is the same as the affluent east or north. I call on the government to introduce targeted geographical incentives for GPS operating in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage. I'm asking for a Fowler loading, a specific targeted incentive that says to every bright young medical graduate: 'Your skills are needed here. Your complex work will be valued and compensated.' Please don't tell my community you're investing billions in their health while their local clinics are closing. Fund the doctor, not just the card, so my constituents can get the care that they deserve. Valedictory 87 09:33 Mr CLARE HWL Blaxland It has been a big year in 2025, and I want to thank the people of my electorate of Blaxland for putting their trust in me again. It's the privilege of my life to represent our community in this place. I take the opportunity to thank them for their support, and, in particular, I thank the hundreds and hundreds of people who volunteered on my election campaign. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. In particular, I want to thank my team led by Korena Flanagan, Chris Zogopoulos and Christine Kalivitis for all of their help over almost 18 years now. In the case of Chris, it's even longer. I would not be here without you. This has been a year of wins. We've fixed the funding of public schools, cut student debt by 20 per cent and, in my local community after 12 months of hard work, we got Auburn Post Office back and reopened. But it's also been a year of losses in my community. We've lost some local Labor true believers, some dear friends of mine—Tony Re, a former school principal; Grant Lee, a former mayor of Bankstown; Uncle Rex Sorby, a great Indigenous elder; and Vanessa McNeill, a former Holroyd councillor. Local legend Laurie Ferguson, a former member of this place, has been really unwell and is still in hospital. Laurie, we're all here with you, Maureen and the whole family. I wish everybody here a very, very merry Christmas. This is a time that we spend with the most important people in the world—our families, our kids and our mates. Every year, on the Sunday before Christmas, I get together with the fellas that I played cricket with for years. We call it clay day, for reasons that I don't have time to explain here. We catch up, reminisce, talk about the old days and remember just how important we are to each other. To quote that old Irish proverb, 'We live in the shade of each other.' When I get together with my mates, I live in their shade for sure. So I give them a quick shout-out—Gav, Macca, Corz, Squirmer, Welster, Wyber, Bevo, Blobby, Beachie, Rinny, Choppers, George, Tink, Bert and Herbie. Merry Christmas, boys. Valedictory 87 09:36 Ms SHARKIE 265980 Mayo Merry Christmas to you, Deputy Speaker Boyce, and merry Christmas to everyone in the parliament. I would also like to, of course, extend those wishes to everyone in my community of Mayo. Christmas is a beautiful time in Mayo; we really do celebrate Christmas in style. I'd like to just remind everyone in my community that, even though we've had a lot of wet weather, the bushfire season is upon us, and it's not too late to be bushfire ready. We do have the algal bloom in South Australia this summer, but that shouldn't detract us from spending time on our beaches. It's not on every beach and it's not there every day. Our Mayo beaches and beachside communities are wonderful places to spend the summer. So I really do encourage everyone to go down to Victor, to Yankalilla or to anywhere in between. Do go along to our beachside townships. They really need our support this summer. I'd like to remind everyone in our community about road safety. Unfortunately, Mayo has a very high proportion of South Australia's crashes, so we need to make sure that we all slow down on the roads. And I think that that's a nationwide message: make sure that we all slow down on our roads so that we can be there for Christmas with our families. Make sure when you're in Mayo this summer, particularly over Christmas, to try and shop locally whenever you can. It is so important for our community. So many of our small businesses really are doing it tough, and we need to do everything we can to support them. I'd like to acknowledge everyone who's going to be working over the Christmas season—our emergency workers, our nurses, our firies and even those working in the service stations on Christmas Day, who never get acknowledged. Thank you for what you do for the rest of us, to make sure that our country keeps running. I would also like to acknowledge our farmers across Australia. There will be many farmers, particularly dairy farmers, who will be getting up and working on Christmas morning and working on Christmas night too. And they're not necessarily getting double time. I'd like to close by acknowledging my team. I have an extraordinary team. Many of them have been with me for several years. I like to think that all of us in here can sail across the water like ducks or swans, but that's simply because we each have an extraordinary team of staff doing the hard work. Those legs are paddling very fast underneath us. So I'd really like to acknowledge my team—those who travel to Canberra and those in my electorate office—and I wish everyone a very safe and Merry Christmas. Hotham Electorate: Christmas, Oakleigh Primary School 88 09:39 Ms O'NEIL 140590 Hotham I absolutely love Christmas, and one of my favourite traditions is our annual Christmas drawing competition in Hotham. Every year students from right across my electorate enter a competition for the cover of our annual Christmas card. I honestly believe I have the most talented and creative young people in the whole of the country living in my electorate, because you would not believe the entries that I get to be the judge of. Today I'm very excited to announce that our 2025 winner is Grace from Sacred Heart primary school in Oakleigh. Grace has made this incredibly beautiful Christmas drawing. She is only 10 years old, and we just cannot believe this. My staff and I keep looking at her beautiful drawing, just wondering where this brilliant talent comes from. We are so impressed with you, Grace, and your beautiful talents in art, and we're very excited to share your Christmas card with the entire electorate. It was a close fought thing though. We had a few runners up this year. Amelie from Brandon Park Primary School, Wheelers Hill; Violet from St Andrew's Primary School in Clayton South and Isla from Oakleigh Primary School, your wonderful entries will also be featured on this year's Christmas card. To all of the students who took the time to take part in this, I really want to thank you. Can I let you and your families know that we've set up a little art gallery in my office through the Christmas period and, if you would like to see your artwork on display, then please come and visit my electorate office in Oakleigh. Earlier this month, we had a really important celebration in my local community: the 150th anniversary of Oakleigh Primary School. This is more than a number; it's a testament to generations of learning, growth and community spirit that have come out of this incredible educational institution in my electorate. I want to give my thanks and acknowledgement to Principal Ruth Biddle, who is a very visionary leader in education right across the south-east. Ruth's leadership and her belief in every student's potential make this school such a special place. I want to acknowledge all of the teachers and the staff and families who gathered in their hundreds—on what was unfortunately quite a rainy day—in this beautiful school to celebrate what it's done for the children of my electorate. Oakleigh primary has been a cornerstone of Oakleigh since 1875. Back then, visionary locals put this school in place as a country primary school, but, of course, Melbourne grew up around it. Oakleigh primary has really been at the centre of everything critical that's happened to my local community over 150 years. Of course, the Greek influence is there with the Protypo Greek School, led by Principal Maria Gindidis, which has been a really important part of keeping Greek language alive in my community. I want to say congratulations to Oakleigh Primary School. I love you guys so much. Well done on 150 years. Let's go for 150 more. Beat the Beast Run4Rossy, Neighbourhood Watch Bayside 89 09:42 Mr TIM WILSON IMW Goldstein At just 31 years old, Chris Ross faced the devastating news of a motor neurone disease terminal diagnosis. Chris faced a choice and chose to live his life to help others fighting MND. With friends Josh Newman and Josh Webster, he launched Beat the Beast and Run4Rossy, an annual event raising awareness, hope and funds for MND research. Their bold mission was $1 million for a cure. Chris passed in August 2023, but his vision lives on. Run4Rossy, led by a dedicated committee including Chris's mum Karen Ross—a wonderful human being; Chris's brother, Ben Ross; chair, John McCluskey; Sian Davey; Lisa Bugg; Gaye Findlay and Erin Ford continues his incredible legacy. This year's Run4Rossy event was the biggest yet, partnering with FightMND to announce a research grant in Chris's honour. Every dollar raised supports this grant and brings us closer to a cure. Run4Rossy has raised $131,000 in 2025 and nearly half a million dollars since 2021.To help Karen and the team take more steps towards beating the beast, I've donated, and I hope others will too by going to www.beatthebeast.me/run-4-rossy. The best thing we can do to combat loneliness and support each other is to turn to our neighbours. Since 1982, Neighbourhood Watch has brought volunteer residents together to be the first line of safety for the community, and Neighbourhood Watch Bayside was founded a year later in 1983. Each volunteer is precious and sews a stitch in our community's social fabric. To thank them for their incredible service, two Saturdays ago Neighbourhood Watch Bayside held their big thank you picnic at Brighton's Ballilla. Hundreds soaked up fleeting sunshine, with live entertainment, local artists, classic cars, the local Lions Club of Brighton sizzling sausages and scones galore. To celebrate outstanding contributions, the inaugural Ken Beadle Award was awarded to Ken Beadle, the former Bayside mayor and long time Neighbourhood Watch champion. No doubt there will be many worthy recipients in the years to come. We thank all the volunteers, and also those that provide the leadership to Neighbourhood Watch Bayside, including their president and emcee, Phil Lovel, the event coordinator Geoff Bransbury and the event curator Michelle Laragy. I just want to say to everybody who's involved with Neighbourhood Watch—in Bayside and Glen Eira and Kingston, and across Australia—thank you so much for the wonderful work that you do. You keep our community safe. You keep us strong. More importantly, you keep us connected—particularly those who don't necessarily have full support or assistance from their family or friends. The work you do ensures that we all stay safe. Thank you very much. Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 89

Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025

09:45 Mr NEUMANN HVO Blair During the recent debate on the government's reforms of the national environmental legislation, I didn't get the opportunity to speak on the bills. So I want to take the opportunity to congratulate Minister Murray Watt and the Prime Minister in terms of the agreement that's been reached in relation to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and say a few words about the beneficial impact it will have for my electorate. The new streamlined assessment pathway will significantly reduce the timeframe for proponents to provide sufficient information upfront. It will provide an incentive to meet the standards upfront. It will deliver faster decisions, saving businesses time and money. New and improved bilateral agreement with the states will remove duplication for the assessment and approval of projects. The reality is that, in the Ipswich area, the current laws are holding up critical housing and road projects. Some housing developments in Ipswich have been in limbo for five years as a result of green tape and the EPBC approvals, delaying vital housing supply in the middle of a housing crisis. On top of this, the EPBC requirements and associated ecological assessments for the much needed Mount Crosby Road interchange upgrade on the Warrego Highway in my electorate—a major freight and commuter corridor—have seen the finalisation of the design pushed back by around 18 months. The laws are costing business time and money, and strangling the homes and infrastructure that we need. This was a big theme of a local Blair growth and productivity roundtable that I held in August this year, as well as of the Treasurer's national Economic Reform Roundtable. Going forward, the government's reforms will tackle the underlying causes of these delays while also delivering greater protection for nature. It's not an either-or. Indeed, what we're doing in my electorate will benefit both business and the environment. During the last election, I was proud to announce a $1.2 million commitment from Labor towards Goodness Enterprises' Koala Rehabilitation and Education Centre at the Goodness Chuwar Conservation Corridor in Tivoli, on the north side of Ipswich. This builds on our support for local environment groups and projects in Blair during the last term with the government's $76 million Saving Koalas Fund. We've invested $3 million in the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program to improve habitat for species like platypus and the Queensland lungfish and to improve the Bremer, Woogaroo and Brisbane catchments in the Ipswich region. You don't have to choose between the environment and business. It's not a zero-sum game. We need to get this done to deliver what the Australian people voted us in to do—establish a national environmental protection agency, strengthen protection for native forests and create a $300 million forestry growth fund to support jobs. These reforms are good for the environment. They're good for jobs, good for certainty and good for industry. I am very pleased to hear the announcement today by the Prime Minister and Minister Murray Watt. This will be a win for the environment, urgently needed housing in Ipswich, critical infrastructure and the national economy. Taunet Nelel Organisation, Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders Summit 90 09:48 Mr WOOD E0F La Trobe I recently had the great privilege of joining the Kenyan Australian community for the Taunet Nelel Organisation's third Cultural Fashion show. I've been to many of their events. This celebration was true to the Kenyan and Kalenjin heritage, and a fantastic display of culture, tradition and community spirit—all done in an alcohol free environment. I was deeply honoured to be joined by the elders of the Kenyan Australian community, who bestowed upon me the Ceremonial Elders Stick. I was also very privileged to be given a Kenyan name, Arap Kalya—meaning 'man of peace' in the Kalenjin language. It was truly a great honour. I am very humbled by this gesture. I thank the chairman, Charles Ruto; events director, Nicky Boit; and all the members of the Taunet Nelel Organisation for their warm welcome and hospitality. As always, was a fantastic event. The event was much more than a fashion pageant. It was about confidence, culture and character, giving our Kenyan Australian community a platform to share their talents, dreams and identity with pride, which is precisely what they did. These events help our youth connect with their roots, understand their heritage and build resilience. Congratulations again, and thanks to Taunet Nelel for three years of service to the Kenyan Australian community. I also had the honour of attending a welcoming event for the Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders Summit, known as PAELS. I acknowledge Her Excellency the Governor-General, the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC; the Pacific high commissioners and the great work they do; Reverend Tim Costello, who's done an amazing job with the foundation of Micah; Matt Darvas of Micah Australia; and the delegates who attended this summit. This was a very powerful reminder that the Pacific is one family. Our wellbeing is interconnected. Our futures are bound together by the ocean that links us rather than divides us. For four years now, PAELS has brought together emerging leaders from 16 Pacific nations and Australia. Many of these leaders are young people of faith and service, already leading today with courage and commitment. As I said to them, with the median age of the Pacific population being 23, they are not future or emerging leaders—they are the leaders of today. Their decisions to help shape issues such as climate resilience, economic development, security and social wellbeing are so important. The framework in the Pacific we see report offers a unifying vision of a flourishing Pacific, grounded in tradition and relationships. Again, I acknowledge the great work of Micah Australia, the Pacific Conference of Churches and DFAT officers for putting this event on. I was greatly honoured to meet all these Pacific island leaders doing incredible work. Women's Health, Vera's Water Garden, Medicare 90 09:51 Ms McBRIDE 248353 Dobell I am proud to have secured an endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic for the Central Coast. The clinic will be located within the Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre in Wyoming and is due to open early in the new year. It will provide multidisciplinary care for endometriosis and pelvic pain as well as support for women like me seeking support for perimenopause and menopause. Endometriosis affects at least one in seven Australian women and can have a devastating impact on their daily lives, with pelvic pain being similarly debilitating. The Albanese government is rolling out 33 clinics across Australia—a key part of the government's landmark women's health package—investing almost $800 million in funding to deliver improved health care and access for women and girls. Through the Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre, local women and girls will have a place where they can access the specialist care they need close to home. Sara Foster, CEO of the Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre, said: This investment builds on the strong foundation of care our team already provides and enables us to offer even more responsive, multidisciplinary, women-centred health services for women on the Coast to experience disadvantage or barriers to care. Summer on the coast just got even better with the reopening of Vera's Water Garden. I was proud to deliver $750,000 for this project as part of a more than $1 million revitalisation package for The Entrance. This funding has provided new water-play equipment and a zero-depth splash design. I'm delighted that the Central Coast Council listen to feedback from right across the community, including myself, and kept Vera. After all, there isn't a Vera's Water Garden without our much loved Vera. Vera has been watching over The Entrance foreshore for nearly 30 years and, with this investment and the strong community campaign to protect Vera, she'll be around for many more. I've heard from locals right across the Central Coast who have visited the Lake Haven Medicare Urgent Care Clinic—at its convenient location at the Lake Haven Shopping Centre—because it offers fully bulk-billed care over extended hours seven days a week. In fact, since opening in 2023, 27,000 locals have visited the clinic—locals like Marion from Warnervale, who said: After experiencing a deep cut on my hand, I sought treatment at the Urgent Care Clinic at Lake Haven. From reception through to treatment, the care I received was brilliant. I am grateful to have had access to professional and expedient care so close to home. That's why, at the election, as part of our plan to strengthen Medicare, I was proud to commit to expanding the clinic to meet growing need. Now we're delivering on that commitment with funding to grow the workforce, extend opening hours and remodel the treatment spaces. We're also opening a third Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the coming months to deliver care closer to home for people right across the Central Coast. Aged Care, Longman Electorate: Christmas 91 09:54 Mr YOUNG 201906 Longman I rise today to speak on a subject that most of us will deal with during our lifetime: ageing. Whether it be our own experiences or assisting our elderly friends and family members, most of us will deal with the aged-care system. As the member for Longman, I often receive negative feedback regarding the aged-care system. Whilst there are countless individuals who provide exceptional aged-care services, sadly not everyone has access to such services when they need them. The feedback I receive is often disappointing. Hearing stories of seniors who spend extended time in our hospitals due to a lack of services and spaces in nursing homes is not a sign of a functional aged-care system. Not only does this result in poor outcomes for our senior citizens; it also results in poor outcomes for the greater community, as hospital beds are limited. This temporary solution to the lack of adequate aged-care facilities, in conjunction with the government's decision to walk back their 2023 promise to provide better funding to hospitals, is only exacerbating the issues surrounding health and aged care. It's clear to me that something needs to be done to improve the aged-care system that will remove some of the strain from our hospitals. It's my hope that common sense will prevail and that these issues will be addressed as a matter of urgency for the sake of our senior citizens. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a merry Christmas and, hopefully, a more prosperous 2026. Christmas is a wonderful time, when people tend to forget about the challenges in life as they relax over the festive season and the new year. This, of course, is a great reflection on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, and one of his promises, of course, is that he will help alleviate the burdens of those who follow him. It's also the time of year when I often see the best in people in the Longman community—people putting the needs of others before their own and helping others less fortunate than themselves. The toy drive that grows every year, despite the difficult economic climate that many people face right now, makes me incredibly proud to represent this community. Our church community continues to flourish as they go about doing good, helping the homeless with meals and shelter, as well as victims of domestic violence and others doing it tough not just at Christmas time but all year round. I for one am grateful that Jesus showed us how people should treat one another, and I know that many people in Longman and around this great country will honour his sacrifice by attending church services this Christmas, and rightly so. Merry Christmas, everyone. My First Speech Competition 91 09:57 Mr DREYFUS HWG Isaacs It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate Olivia Carroll, who is with us in the chamber, on being awarded the winner of Australia's 2025 My First Speech Competition in the year 11 category. This national competition invites senior secondary students in years 10, 11 and 12 to imagine themselves as newly elected members of parliament as they deliver a short speech on an issue they care deeply about. It helps young Australians engage with our democratic process. Olivia is a constituent in my electorate of Isaacs, and I'm exceptionally proud of her achievement. She attends Kilbreda College in Mentone. I know that her school, her friends, her mum, Gail, and her late father, Paul, would all be very proud of her. I will now read Olivia's speech, which reflects the thoughtfulness, care and conviction she brought to this competition. She wrote and she spoke this: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I rise today on the occasion of my first speech to talk about an issue that is close to my heart—organ donation. Specifically, the need to encourage more Aussies to take just one minute to register as a donor. I know first hand the impact of organ donation, and the incredible joy and comfort it can provide families. My Dad became my hero not just in life, but also in death, by donating his organs and saving the lives of 3 people. My Aunty is a living donor, who selflessly donated a kidney to my grandfather, giving us an extra 5 years with him. These are just a few of the stories from over 7000 organ donors across the country. Still, we can't forget that over 2000 Australians are still waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. These are parents, children, friends, colleagues, and our fellow Australians. Real people hoping for a second chance at life. While 4 out of 5 of us support organ donation, only 36% are registered to donate. Worse still, new registrations dropped by almost 5,400 in 2024. There are no strangers in this country, only mates who we haven't met yet, and some of them are in desperate need of help. One minute. That's all it takes to register and give someone a second chance at life. Olivia's speech ends with a resounding call to action. I thank Olivia for her contribution to this competition and the maturity and care she has shown in raising such an important issue. Her speech is a reminder of the strength and compassion we see in young people across our country. It's encouraging to see students engaging so thoughtfully with national issues and with the work of this parliament. I again congratulate Olivia on this well-deserved achievement. Colvin, Mr Trevor, AustralianSuper 92 10:00 Ms ALDRED 11788 Monash Trevor Colvin was a lion of the Trafalgar community. Trevor was passionate about journalism and rose to serve with distinction at the Age newspaper. In 2023 Trevor relaunched a local paper that had fallen silent, the Traf District News. With every edition, he restored a voice to the town and provided a historical record for its generations to come. Trevor also volunteered at the Traf market, organised music events in the town hall and supported men's mental health. He was a valued member of the Great Latrobe committee. I saw Trevor only recently at the Warragul premiere of Just a Farmer, a film that spoke to the struggles of rural Australians—struggles Trevor genuinely cared about and worked to illuminate. Trevor will be missed by his daughters, Inga and Nareeda, and his wife, Susie, in whose arms he passed just days before their 39th wedding anniversary. Trevor's legacy lives on through his family and the Traf District News. Helen is a nurse from Warragul who cares for people with cancer at our local hospital. When her husband, Alan, passed away from a long and painful terminal illness last year, it took 256 days for Helen to receive her husband's death benefit from AustralianSuper. After many requests from Helen, AustralianSuper offered her $50.75 in compensation. That's $50.75 for holding over $200,000 for over eight months. Imagine the returns Helen could have received, the interest if she'd stuck that money in the bank. Worse still, Helen's husband Alan wanted to access the terminal illness early payout on that super before he died to gift to his children in person. The emotional toll inflicted on Alan in his final weeks fighting to access his own money is an absolute disgrace by AustralianSuper. Helen has since appealed the $50.75 compensation and been sent another letter from AustralianSuper avoiding any clarification or acknowledgement or the disastrous and distressing handling of her late husband's superannuation. I have sent letters on behalf of Helen to AustralianSuper. The cold arrogance, the defiance of human decency, is astounding. I have the question if there is a mandated minimum time in which superannuation companies need to pay beneficiaries after a death. The answer from ASIC is no. There is not a mandated minimum. It is as soon as practicable. I believe this should be reviewed. I am pleased that the Minister for Financial Services is in the Chamber to listen to Helen's story. To Helen: I will continue to fight on your behalf, because you deserve so much better. McEwen Electorate: Infrastructure 92 10:03 Mr ROB MITCHELL M3E McEwen I rise to celebrate sod-turning of two great local projects being delivered in our community by this government. First of all is the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct stage 2. It was my great pleasure last week to join the now mayor of the Macedon Ranges Shire, Kate Kendall—I congratulate her on her appointment—to turn the sod on stage 2 of the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct. Stage 1 already delivered over $29 million worth of much needed recreational amenities to the Macedon Ranges and the regional area. It includes a three-court sports stadium, a natural-grass AFL and cricket oval, a multifunction pavilion and a variety of associated indoor and outdoor amenities. Stage 2 is set to expand on these facilities significantly. The Albanese Labor government committed and has delivered $15 million of the $17 million for the stage 2 project. Mr Thompson 281826 Pork-barrelling Mr ROB MITCHELL M3E 'Pork-barrelling'—that's a great one! The project will nearly double the current sports stadium capacity, adding three more courts. The expansion also includes an additional AFL and cricket oval, two outdoor sports courts and improvements to carparking and landscaping, ensuring the precinct remains a world-class venue for sports and community activities. It is great news for our community. Stage 2 will ensure that we can accommodate more sporting participants and better recreational facilities for our growing community and enhance the Macedon Ranges as a regional community hub. We fought long and hard for this to get done. A generation of our kids missed out on sporting facilities because the former government for 10 years absolutely refused to fund this. In fact, not only did they go to three elections not doing it but the member for colour-coded sports sheets, Senator McKenzie, told the community, 'Put in an application,' and it never happened. They couldn't even find the decency to help this generation of kids in this region. But under an Albanese Labor government, it's promise made, promise kept. Another great example— An opposition member interjecting— Mr ROB MITCHELL M3E Well, maybe we'll look forward to you actually getting one right one day, but we won't hold our breath. We've also started work on stage 2 of the Yan Yean Road upgrade. This has been a much-needed project that has meant growing communities have suffered by not having access to the infrastructure they need. We know those opposite proudly talk about how they only gave Victoria seven per cent of infrastructure funding throughout their nine years which meant our roads crumbled and things weren't done. But, of course, when we got into government, we addressed that. We have helped fix that problem by giving stage 2 the funding that was necessary to get it done. This is a government that actually goes out and gets things done, and it's another part of our story where we can say that a promise made is a promise kept. The only way you get infrastructure into regional areas is to not vote LNP. Firman, Brother William (Bill), Leavers, Mr Ian, APM 93 10:06 Mr WALLACE 265967 Fisher Today I rise to pay tribute to the life and service of Brother William Firman. Brother Bill, as he was known to all, passed away in Launceston on 15 November 2025 after a short illness. He was 82 years old. Brother Bill joined the De La Salle Brothers on 13 January 1962 at the age of just 18. For more than 60 years, he dedicated his life to faith, education and service. Brother Bill embodied the Lasallian charism, placing the dignity of every young person at the heart of his work. His vocation was not simply a profession. It was a calling with humility and unwavering commitment. I had the privilege of knowing Brother Bill during his time as my headmaster of St Bede's College in Mentone. He was a truly remarkable man. Brother Bill was a man of deep integrity and quiet strength, and he enjoyed the profound respect of both students and staff. His leadership was marked by fairness, compassion and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of every boy in his care. Those of us who knew him saw firsthand the way he inspired excellence not only in academics and sport but most importantly in character. Brother Bill's passing is a great loss to the Lasallian family and to Catholic education in Australia, yet his legacy endures in the countless lives he shaped and the values he championed. I, and thousands of Australian men, am who I am today in large part due to the influence of Brother William Firman. Brother Bill impressed upon us the importance of our school motto, and it is something I continue to try and live my life by—'Per vias rectus', by right paths. On behalf of this house, I extend our deepest condolences to his fellow brothers, his family and the communities he served. May he rest in peace. Vale, Brother William Firman. I also want to acknowledge the passing of Ian Leavers APM. Ian was a frontline officer, a union leader and a steadfast advocate for the Queensland Police Service. His leadership was marked by conviction and an unshakeable commitment to those who wear our uniform. He brought that same passion to his roles as Queensland's first cross-border commissioner, working to address the real challenges facing border communities and improving the lives of countless officers and their families. I also want to recognise the toll that service can take. As someone who works closely with mental health advocates in my own community, I know how important it is that we talk openly about men's mental health and support those who carry heavy burdens on behalf of others. To Ian's family, friends and the Queensland Police Service: I extend my sincere condolences on behalf of this place. His passing leaves a real void, and he will be deeply missed. Vale, Ian Leavers. Chisholm Electorate: Community Spirit and Leadership Awards 94 10:09 Dr GARLAND 295588 Chisholm Last Friday evening, I was delighted to host my fourth Community Spirit and Leadership Award ceremony. Every year, I ask each principal from schools in the Chisholm electorate to nominate a student who best embodies the community-spirit intent of this award. The event is all about giving recognition to the many young people who make a positive difference in our Chisholm community. It was so heartwarming to read the many reasons why students were nominated for the award—students who display great kindness and compassion to their school peers, students with a passion for social justice, students who volunteer to support those in need, students who have a positive attitude to learning and students who are fantastic role models for younger students and display great leadership skills. These are the 2025 award winners: from Ashburton Primary School, Kalinga Berg; from Ashwood High School, Leah Reid; from Ashwood School, Roby Saab; from Avila College, Orlagh Hijner; from Brentwood Secondary College, Daniel Wojak; Burwood East Primary School, Isabella Ye; Camelot Rise Primary School, Tiara Grover; Emmaus College, Jaimeson Carter; Glen Iris Primary School, Alex Chen; Glen Waverley Primary School, Joshua Vani; Glen Waverley South Primary School, Raiden McAlister-Meehan; Hartwell Primary School, Olivia Avram; Highvale Secondary College, Alexia Bastas; Holy Family School, Lauren Bernardo; Huntingtower School, Mimi Roberts; Lloyd Street Primary School, Matilda King; Malvern Valley Primary School, Paige Mills; Mount Waverley Primary School, Srilasya Kappara; Mount Waverley Secondary College, Catherine Fardon; Parkhill Primary School, Saige Yew; Presbyterian Ladies College, Tanvi Nair; Sacre Coeur, Gabrielle Noonan; Solway Primary School, Jensen McLean; St Cecilia's Primary School, Michaela Jess; St Justin's Parish Primary School, Talia Iazzolino; St Mary's Primary School, Amalia Punch; St Roch's Primary School, Kimberly Cheng; St Scholastica's Primary School, Ellie Kavouris; Syndal South Primary School, Ameyaa Madhusudan; and Waverley Meadows Primary School, Keira Ternes. Finally, I would like to thank the following people and organisations for their support in making the ceremony such a great success. To the Principal of Avila College in Mount Waverley, Michelle Cotter: thanks for hosting the event. Thanks to the Cloud Concert Youth Orchestra for their string quartet, Allan, Carlos, Jame and David. To Waverley Enterprises for their catering—a great organisation that provides secure employment to people with disabilities in the area—thank you. Thanks to my wonderful staff, who work so hard with me for our community and to my state colleague John Mullahy MP, the member for Glen Waverley, for his assistance as MC. Congratulations to everyone, and merry Christmas, Deputy Speaker! The DEPUTY SPEAKER 299498 Thank you. McPherson Electorate: Community Events 94 10:12 Mr REBELLO 316547 McPherson Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of engaging with a wide range of groups across our wonderful southern Gold Coast community, each highlighting the strength, diversity and spirit that make our region so special. I recently had the pleasure of attending and presenting at one of the regular afternoon tea meetings hosted by Gold Coast Retirees Inc. This association plays a vital role in keeping our retirees connected, informed and engaged, and I thank the president, Mark Morrell, for his commitment to this initiative. I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with members about the issues that matter most to them and to acknowledge the invaluable contribution that they make to our community. Another highlight this month was joining the 90th birthday celebrations at Tricare in Clear Island Waters. It was an absolute joy to celebrate with residents—including Imelda, Jill and Ann, who each turned 90—as they marked this incredible milestone. Moments like these remind us of the importance of community, connection and celebrating the lives and stories of those who helped shape the Gold Coast that we enjoy today. I also had the opportunity to host the Mudgeeraba Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of discussion and collaboration at my office. Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and hearing directly from business owners about their challenges and their successes is essential in being able to best support them. Special thanks must go to the president, John Kennedy, his executive and all members who attended and continue to advocate for the needs of small businesses across our community. I recently welcomed the Australian Political Exchange Council's 37th delegation from the United States, giving them a glimpse of the very best the Gold Coast has to offer. The delegation included state legislators, mayors, senior government officials and policy leaders from across the United States. It was an honour to showcase our community, to exchange ideas and to strengthen the ties between our two nations. Finally, I had a wonderful visit to Arcadia College in Robina, where I joined a group of students and taught a civics class a bit about how to work as part of a team in federal parliament. I also discussed the role of a federal member of parliament and how the different levels of government work. Encouraging young people to participate in our democracy is something I'm deeply passionate about, and their curiosity and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. I'd like to also thank Arcadia's dedicated teaching staff, who have been shepherding students through their lessons on government and civics. Each of these moments reflect what I love most about representing the Gold Coast: the opportunity to connect with people, to listen and to play a part in strengthening our community. Thank you to everyone I've met in recent months. You continue to inspire me, and I'm proud to serve you. Workplace Relations: Amazon, Federal Parliamentary Interfaith Breakfast 95 10:15 Dr MULINO 132880 Fraser As we reach the end of the year, Black Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day sales are great for finding a bargain. However, I would like to reflect on the often forgotten people who make our holiday shopping possible. Workers for Amazon are highly casualised and work long hours while their multinational employer reaps billions in profits. Amazon Flex drivers earn under the minimum wage, in many cases, because there are no standards yet in place. In addition, there are so many instances of individuals recounting stressful incidents at work due to inappropriate practices. Amazon has been resistant to unionisation efforts, but the union movement, particularly the SDA and the TWU, are campaigning for change and have been fighting hard for workers' rights since Amazon opened in Australia. The government passed laws that make it easier for unions to put in applications to put appropriate standards in place. Amazon may lead in technology and innovation, but its approach to worker involvement and worker voice lags. Worker voice is not only fair; it adds to productivity and should be embraced. This week is Make Amazon Pay week. This is a call for the company to respect the rights of their workers and to engage fairly and transparently, and I back in that call in this chamber. It was a pleasure to attend this year's federal parliamentary interfaith breakfast with faith leaders from my community. This event is one of the most significant events on the parliamentary calendar, and I appreciate the opportunity to invite leaders from Fraser to parliament. Faith groups are extremely important in my electorate. They are so often intertwined with multiculturalism, providing a place to celebrate and preserve culture while also being involved with practical community services, supporting members of the community, and, particularly, assisting new arrivals settling in Australia. I recognise that people of all faiths are facing challenges. Strong interfaith relationships are essential for encouraging constructive dialogue between political, religious and broader leaders within the community and for helping to maintain unity among Australians. I thank representatives from faith groups who made the trek to Canberra: the Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan from the Quang Minh Temple, Fatih and Ayten Yargi from the Australia Light Foundation, Suad Ibisevic from the Australian Bosnian Islamic Centre, Father Lal Zin Thang and Jacob Thang from Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the Chin community, and Michael Pavleski from Saint Ilija Macedonian Orthodox Church. Our multicultural and multifaith community is key to Australia's success. I'm grateful to everyone from my community who attended this year's breakfast. More broadly, I'm grateful to all across our community for all that you do—day in, day out—to make our community that much stronger. Roads, Veterans 95 10:18 Mr BIRRELL 288713 Nicholls In the Nationals we often talk about bringing common sense to Canberra, and I can tell you that this is needed more than ever. The Albanese government doesn't seem to get regional Australia. They're trying to get farmers to pay for biosecurity, trying to tax unrealised capital gains in the superannuation accounts of farmers and small businesses, and threatening the viability of small pharmacies, which are often the only frontline health services in regional towns. Those attempts all failed, but the backflips are continuing. In another win for common sense, the proposal to drop the default speed on unsigned country roads to 70 kilometres an hour has been dumped. This was a bad idea created in Canberra without any understanding of how regional communities actually live, work and travel. It ignored the realities of regional life: long distances, freight, farm work, emergency services and families who simply can't afford to lose more time on the road. It was an idea so bad there was not only pushback from regional communities; regional Labor members didn't want it either. Instead of wasting resources on silly ideas, the government must invest in money to repair and maintain our roads. Regional drivers are fed up with dodging potholes, repairing busted wheels and slowing down at roadworks only to see them washed out after a couple of months. The second backflip, another win for common sense, came with Labor abandoning its attempt to weaken the integrity of the Defence honours and awards appeals system. I want to pay tribute to my colleague the member for Gippsland, a champion of veterans, for leading the campaign against those changes. Veterans who contacted me were worried, frustrated and feeling overlooked, and these changes would have stripped rights away from the very people who have served our nation. There are a number of people who wouldn't have received much-deserved awards had these changes been in place for some years. Thankfully, they're not going to be in place at all. These examples speak to a broader pattern of misplaced priorities and missteps from this government. Meanwhile, regional funding programs that should be providing practical help in our communities have been either scrapped or starved of new funding. People are coming to me in my community, saying, 'We really need this piece of infrastructure. We really need that,' and I say, 'Well, the cupboard is bare because there's no allocation in the growing communities program.' Regional Australia deserves better from this government. Menzies Electorate: Youth 96 10:21 Mr NG 316052 Menzies I rise today to speak about the extraordinary young people in Menzies. Over the past few weeks, I've been very fortunate to visit some of our local secondary and primary schools and even childcare centres as well as to host some young activists in my office. I'd like to thank the Minister for Education, Jason Clare, for visiting Box Hill High School with me and speaking with some of the school leaders from years 8 to 11. These young people had a particular interest in our under-16 social media ban and the implications of artificial intelligence. I was particularly impressed by how articulate and informed these students were and by how nuanced their views were on these complex issues. I also had the privilege of hosting a youth roundtable in partnership with the Centre for Multicultural Youth and the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, together with my good friend the member for Deakin. I would like to sincerely thank Carmel, from the Centre for Multicultural Youth, and Rana, from the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, for their commitment and tireless work in the multicultural youth space. Now, I'm sure that, like a lot of my fellow parliamentarians, if I had to do a media appearance, I would anticipate some of the questions and prepare accordingly. But there is no preparing for the questions a group of year fives will throw at us. Some went right to the heart of why we are here, like, 'If you could change one thing about Australia, what would it be?' Others went to how our democracy works, but I was also asked probing questions like: 'What is your favourite colour?' 'What brand of microwave do you have?' 'Can you share your salary with me?' I even visited some of my youngest constituents, at Creative Play Early Learning Centre in Bulleen, with Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth Jess Walsh. I'd like to thank the minister for coming out to Menzies to visit these young constituents. There I met with the director, Georgina, a passionate childhood educator who has been working in the industry for over 25 years. I was very happy to celebrate with her and her team the 15 per cent pay rise that will come into place on 1 December, delivered by the Albanese Labor government. For too long, our early childhood educators have not been properly compensated, and it was wonderful to see them recognised for the essential and skilled work that they do. When we arrived at the childcare centre, we found a small whiteboard with some questions three- and four-year-olds had prepared beforehand. Two that stood out were, 'How did you become an important person?' and 'How do you grow more bones?' I'd like to thank all the young people and children in Menzies for your engagement and curiosity. You are our future, and our future is in good hands. Gympie Gold Rush Festival 96 10:24 Mr LLEW O'BRIEN 265991 Wide Bay Queensland was doing it tough after breaking away from New South Wales in 1859, but everything changed in 1867 when prospector James Nash struck gold—75 ounces of it—at Gympie in Queensland. The discovery kicked off a huge gold rush that turned the state's fortunes around and led to the founding of Gympie, the town that saved Queensland and therefore the State of Origin! The Gympie Gold Rush Festival was created to celebrate this incredible history and the role the gold rush played in shaping Queensland. From its first event in 1973 right through to 2020, the festival brought the community together. Locals, businesses, schools and community groups all chipped in to create a lively mix of entertainment and activities that honoured Gympie's colourful past and showed off just how vibrant the town is today. For me, the festival is also a little bit special. It was one of the first places I took Sharon, my wife, in 1989 on a date, so I've got a special place for the gold rush. Unfortunately, the festival came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a lack of funding has stopped it from returning since. But the good news is that there's a real buzz about town to bring back the Gympie Gold Rush Festival in 2026, just in time for Gympie's 160th birthday celebrations in 2027. A passionate group of volunteers, headed up by my mate Mal Dodt, has formed to bring the festival back, and they're working hard. The plan is for a two-week celebration in October 2026 packed with sports, arts, entertainment and plenty of events that highlight the region's beauty and history, including a special Mary Valley Rattler gold rush train and finishing with the return of the iconic Mary Street parade and community celebration. Just like in the gold rush days, Gympie continues to attract people from all walks of life, drawn by the relaxed lifestyle, natural landscape and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Of course, putting on a festival like this takes funding and people power. I'll be working with the organisers to help with that so we can help bring this much loved event back and celebrate heritage of the town that saved Queensland. So please consider #can'twaitforgoldrush. Albanese Government 97 10:26 Ms MASCARENHAS 298800 Swan When Western Australia is strong, Australia is strong. But strength takes many forms. Sometimes strength is kindness; sometimes strength is about listening, and sometimes calling for help takes strength. That spirit was on display when federal cabinet visited WA. There were many visits that happened, which was phenomenal, and it was such a special moment to see some of the amazing ways that this Albanese Labor government is tangibly changing the lives of so many people. One of the highlights was the minister for the NDIS, who visited an organisation called Healthy Strides in East Victoria Park. It's a success story in WA, born from the vision of a woman called Dr Dayna Pool, who created a centre where kids with neurological conditions and other disabilities don't just access Australian-leading therapy; they access world-leading therapy. Her first participant was a boy with cerebral palsy, who is now a teenager. He spoke to the minister through his text-to-speech device and described the different therapy he was accessing and how the supports of the NDIS and Healthy Strides made his life so fabulous. He also talked about the death of his mother and how challenging that was but also how he was able to have the strength to continue to do his therapy and be an incredible young man, as it gave him the chance to do more for himself and participate more fully in life. One of the things that he talked about was how his mum just always said yes, as opposed to saying no, which I think is fantastic. We saw the power of scientific innovation and compassion and why the NDIS matters. The Minister for Social Services and the Assistant Treasurer joined me in my electorate at Advocare, the state's peak body for seniors, and we hosted a roundtable on financial abuse—an issue that is often hidden but has devastating impacts. We continued to have a conversation that began last term, which started the financial abuse inquiry that I instigated. It's more than listening; we're actually acting as well. We're doing so much work in this area, which includes reforms so that victims-survivors aren't left with Centrelink debts caused by perpetrators, and we are also boosting frontline support for victims-survivors. This week we saw that the government announced a $42 million increase for 1800RESPECT. This is because we know that this is a support line that so many people need, and we want to make sure that we continue to make a tangible difference to the lives of people across Australia and Swan. The DEPUTY SPEAKER 299498 The time allotted for constituency statements has expired. CONDOLENCES 97 CONDOLENCES Richardson, Hon. Graham Frederick, AO 97 10:30 Mr BURKE DYW Watson I rise to pay tribute to a former minister, former senator and dear friend who we've recently lost, Graham Frederick Richardson. I use his full name because Frederick was the name of his dad, and the experience of his father and the battles that happened within the postal workers union formed a very significant part of Graham forming a view of the importance of winning on the notion of how personal political fights can be and, effectively, a big part of his formation and decision to be involved in the Labor Party. People would know that Graham had been ill for some time, but his death was still unexpected when it came. Some years ago, he had some very major operations, but that was not the beginning of the challenges with his health. At the age of 16, there was a very serious car accident, and Graham had last rites twice. Both his parents died relatively young. Graham was always in a rush and always had a sense that he might not always be around. On my political formation, a big part of it—some of it happened through my paper run and some of it happened through my concern about a series of environmental issues. But of those environmental issues the one that I was most passionate about was the Daintree Rainforest. I had posters of the Daintree in my bedroom. I was writing to the then prime minister, Bob Hawke, as a kid still at school. And, eventually, when I joined the Labor Party, at my first branch meeting, the person who followed me up the street after I left thinking, 'I might never go back to that again,' was someone with a mullet, in jeans and a black T-shirt, by the name of Morris Iemma, who had just started working as a speechwriter for Graham Richardson. I saw a series of issues I'd been passionate about being delivered by Graham—the Daintree Rainforest and wet tropics. We all talk about the Daintree, but the world heritage listing went across the whole wet tropics. Don Henry from the Conservation Foundation used to refer to the meeting with Graham where the environmental groups were explaining that they really wanted to save the Daintree and maybe add some of these other forests to it as well, and it was Graham who leant back and said, 'It's an easier campaign just to do the lot at the start.' It was a controversial campaign. While the Daintree had its incredible significance of being that spot where rainforest and reef meet, you had some communities who were very angry of it. It's sort of a lesson in the culture of protest that in that legendary visit—Graham was always willing to confront people he disagreed with and give them his view; he would often, in speeches, acknowledge that not everybody in the room voted Labor, but he believed they had a right to be wrong, and he would defend that right—when he turned up at Ravenshoe, it looked to the TV cameras like an absolute riot against him. There were people shouting. It had that apprehension of the possibility of violence. Graham, rather than being intimidated by it, the moment he got into the car to leave, with the shouting and what most people would have thought had been a disaster, he turned—I think it was to David Tierney who was the one in the car with him—and said, 'Well, we've just won that debate in the public', knowing exactly how it would look on the TV screens. It wasn't just the Daintree but the lemonthyme forest in Tasmania, the southern forests and the work with Kakadu with respect to Coronation Hill. These are all legacies that will outlive Graham, are still there now and, as he would say, would even outlive his memory. These are conservation decisions that are around forever. But of course while that was the issue that in many ways had got me active when I first joined the Labor Party—and Graham was such a champion of it—the speeches at the New South Wales state conference were something different. Most people have never been to a New South Wales Labor conference. It is a gathering of more than a thousand people in the Sydney Town Hall. To give a sense of it: the seats are not facing the stage; they're facing each other. It is a conference designed for conflict. There would be the champion of the Left. Speeches would be given by John Faulkner, and he would say some terrible things about the group that I was part of. In fact, from time to time John Faulkner would conclude his speech by saying: 'And the next thing that will happen in this debate will be that Graham Richardson will follow me. I haven't seen the speaking list, but every time I've spoken in the last 10 years Graham Richardson has followed me.' And he would. We even had conferences that would get boring. When the conference got particularly boring, Graham and John would manufacture a fight just to keep the delegates interested and engaged. He had a way of expressing himself with absolute confidence and a way of asserting authority and power that he'd learnt from John Ducker and always attributed to John Ducker. It gave Richo a capacity to really be able to carry a majority. His description of what he expected of the delegates was always, 'You know who your friends are when they vote for you even when you are wrong.' There were a couple of occasions, including some resolutions—one in particular—that were fairly directly designed to stop someone from ever getting into the federal parliament. That fact that that's wrong is shown by the fact that that person is now Prime Minister of Australia. When Graham came back to the ministry in 1993 after the Keating victory he became health minister, and I had the privilege of being the most junior member of his staff. In working for Graham I saw that capacity to engage with everybody, whether you agreed or disagreed, and to find a way of getting your agenda through. Prior to 1993 and in terms of engagement with different organisations—and this is something that sounds difficult to believe—the then Labor government had got to the point where the health minister and the head of the Australian Medical Association, the AMA, didn't talk and hadn't talked for years. There was no communication at all. The Australian Medical Association would run ads against Medicare and against the government at every election campaign. In response, the approach of the then ministers was to simply say, 'Well, we don't need to talk to you; there's no point.' Richo decided that that wasn't the way to get things done and that if you wanted to have serious reform you needed to engage. But he had a technique. Every time a speech was being prepared for him—and Brett Gale, the speechwriter, and before him Morris Iemma, just had to put up with this—Graham would insist that every word of a speech be written out. The fully written speech would be there, and he would have approved the speech. He'd then wait until he got there and say to the audience: 'Well, I've been given a speech. You are not all good people, but you do not deserve this speech.' He'd bag the speech, put it to one side and then go. The AMA one was a little bit different. Every time Brett Gale wrote a version of the speech, Graham said to him: 'Not tough enough'—they were the biggest donor to the Liberal campaign—'You need to go harder.' It went through four or five revisions until it was a blistering attack—that he was there as the first Labor minister to turn up to their conference in years. Graham then, having distributed the speech to the media, embargoed against delivery, said his usual thing about how he wasn't going to use the speech. But, instead of bagging it, he said: 'There's a speech that I've prepared. You've got copies of it. You deserve it. But at some point we need to start working together. One of us has to take the first step, and I'm taking that now.' That method of engagement—of just owning exactly where he disagreed with people, being crystal clear about it, of not taking a backward step but also saying, 'If we care about Australia, we have to find a way to work together'—was something that was a real shift. I have to say in an extraordinary way I really learnt from Graham. I was devastated the day it was announced that he was resigning. For ministerial staff and electorate staff, as well, there is a real sense of 'what happens to me next?' on the day that the person you work for decides that they're leaving. Graham hit the phones and made sure that every single member of his staff was still going to be employed. He didn't have to do it but continued to do it. Some people on staff wanted books signed—one person asked for Machiavelli's The Prince to be signed—and I asked for a reference. Graham wrote me a reference. It said: 'Reference for Anthony Stephen Burke. Tony is a mate. Graham Richardson.' He assured me it was all I would ever need. After politics, Graham kept in touch with his staff. There were annual gatherings for some time. Once I got into parliament, on the toughest days, the phone would ring and it would be Graham. It'd be Graham taking you through the different challenges and how he thought you might be able to find a way forward. Of course, the other time Graham would always be on the phone—and sometimes you'd get him more than once a day—was whenever there was leadership instability, because Graham always had a view on what he thought the future of the party should be, and he was not backward in giving his views on that. Of course, he ended up post-politics with a wide variety of friendships, including on the other side of politics as well. Because of his work in recent years, I know that it's not just the Labor Party family that's grieving the loss of Graham. It's also people around the chamber and in the press gallery—in particular, his friends at Sky News. Graham had a knack of getting different groups of people together for lunches. Every group probably thought they were the inner circle because once he'd settled on a group, that would be the group that would meet for the regular lunches. And he'd always be there. He'd choose the restaurant, he'd order the wine and he'd hold court and then listen and try to get his best sense as to where people were up to and where they were at. His dear friends Leo McLeay and Peter Baron were the inner circle, and it would have meant the world to Graham that, at the moment that he passed, two of the people in the room there with him were Leo McLeay and Peter Baron. I've known Graham's family for almost as long as I knew Graham. You all knew when my birthday was because I announced it to parliament. When it was my birthday, I got a message that night from Richo, saying, 'We need to have lunch again.' And the next day he said who he was going to invite to the lunch, and, of course, it was the same group of us, where he pretended that we were the only lunch group that would get together. My birthday was on the Tuesday, the message about having lunch was on the Wednesday, and on the Saturday my phone lit up with 'Graham Richardson'. But it wasn't Graham on the phone; it was Amanda. And Amanda—it was only hours after they'd lost Graham—explained how suddenly everything had come on. The day before, for the first time—even though Richo had had, as I said, last rites back when he was 16; he'd had some terrible moments of health—he'd acknowledged he was dying. He died in the very early hours of that morning. But Amanda said that Graham was committed. No matter how much pain he was in—he wasn't living comfortably—he was determined to stay alive to see D'Arcy finish school. D'Arcy finished his final exam the day before, and Graham was able to deliver on that commitment. The friendships of the people who were around the table at Graham's lunches will all continue. My personal friendship with Amanda, and, I hope, her growing friendship with D'arcy, is something that I hope to carry for all of my life. The advice and the understanding of what can be achieved in this place was often achieved with Graham always wanting to maintain the facade of the tough, no-compromises politician, with the title of his book Whatever It Takes. But I've got to say that's not the person I saw. I saw the moments of deep disappointment. I saw the moments of frailty and working issues through. I also saw the moments where he knew but wasn't telling us that he was going to leave, and he decided the best thing he could do as health minister—while he still had the authority and all his colleagues and the expenditure review people putting the budget together thought he was staying—was to use all his political capital to try to get the best possible outcome for Indigenous health. And he did that. He waited for it to get through and, once the cabinet decision had been made on that, decided it was time to tap the mat. Australia is a better place because Graham Richardson decided to engage in politics, and the Labor Party has had a mentor who we have deeply valued and who was a strong character, a tough character and at times an uncompromising character. Graham would be the first to acknowledge he wasn't perfect, but I'm so glad we had him and I'm so glad that his family were willing to share him with Australia. God bless Richo. We miss you. All the best. 10:46 Mr TIM WILSON IMW Goldstein I'd like to, of course, follow on from the remarks of the previous speaker in paying respects to the life of Graham Richardson. On the Tuesday before his passing, my phone lit up. I got an SMS and it started with, 'Mate, you looked good on ABC News tonight. Hope you are well.' And I replied—and I hope he doesn't mind me breaching confidences—'Thanks, Richo. I still owe you lunch.' 'Ha-ha. Yes, you keep promising that.' 'Well, I do. I'm just pointing out I haven't forgotten,' was my response. And then I went on to say, 'Outside of a'—expletive—'show, how do you see our internal games at the moment?' I won't repeat what happened thereafter, except I finished my SMS exchange by saying, 'Hence I asked.' That certainly reflects the engagement I had with Graham Richardson: forthright, honest, private—apart from of course what's now read into the parliamentary Hansard. He was somewhat of a political—it's odd to say 'mentor' about somebody from the other side of politics. But he was somebody who actually sought me out and started to engage during his media career. I didn't know him at the time he was in this place. I only read about his political career well after it was gone. I have a dog eared copy of Whatever It Takes, not through a component of scholarship but simply because somebody gave me a second-hand copy when I was an adult. It's a reflection very much on the use and wielding of political power. But he was clearly a larger-than-life figure when he was in this place and down the road. You hear this from the speakers who have honoured his life and his legacy and his achievements as a minister but, more clearly, as a significant contributor to the labour movement. There's a certain fondness that I think we all must have when condolence motions are made from whatever side of politics, when you have a partisan who's held in such—I don't know whether it's rancour or esteem, or perhaps it's a mixture of both. There's nonetheless an affection and warmth because at least they were in the fight together. So I honour very much his legacy as a member of the Labor Party and his contribution to it, though, obviously, sometimes I probably disagreed vehemently with what he was fighting for. He used to regularly taunt me when he was doing his television shows on Sky News, sometimes when I was on his program and sometimes when I was not. He'd say, 'I don't know about that Tim Wilson. He could have potentially been a member of the Labor Party,' until he heard my views, and then he suddenly would adjust. But it showed that he was always prepared to have a laugh, have a go and, with a smile, engage on the important issues at the time. And so I always enjoyed his counsel and always enjoyed his friendship. So the question is: why did I owe him lunch? The reason I owed him lunch was that, in the lead-up to the 2022 election, we took a bet live on air about the result of that election. I lost the bet in more ways than one. But, as a consequence— A division having been called in the House of Representatives — Sitting suspended from 10:49 to 11:02 Mr TIM WILSON IMW I feel it's appropriate that this section of the speech begins almost in the spirit of Richo. I can imagine him saying 'since I was rudely interrupted by democracy, in continuation'. The question is: why did I owe him lunch? The short answer is that in the lead-up to the 2022 election, live on air, we took a $100 bet about the outcome. As I was saying, I lost that bet in more ways than one—let's just say that. When I went to ask for his bank account details on the eve of the election—because I was not oblivious to the realities of the situation—he said, 'Next time you're in town, buy me lunch.' Then, a few days later, I said, 'When am I going to honour the bet?' When it came down to it, I never really got to Sydney to be able to honour the bet. He SMS'd me more recently and said, 'Actually, I'll buy you lunch,' which was very kind and generous of him but, of course, I couldn't possibly do that—I'm a man who honours my debts. In that spirit, when his widow, Amanda, and D'Arcy came to parliament the other day for this motion, I extended that I still owed them lunch. I want to make sure that that is honoured. I extend my warmest condolences to both Amanda and D'Arcy. I understand how many members have regarded or made comment about the fact that Richo lived to make sure that he could see D'Arcy finish his secondary education, and that now he is going onto university. I'm sure he would have been enormously proud of that achievement. But whatever it is, and whatever contributions Richo made to this world, it was clearly a colourful life filled with rancour, contests, contribution and, of course, warmth and friendship. He was, nonetheless, a figure who I always found to be incredibly generous and supportive, who offered counsel and was incredibly warm, so I'll miss him. I pay tribute to him but also acknowledge that, one day, if I make it to heaven and he happens to be there as well—I promise you, Richo, that I will buy you lunch. The DEPUTY SPEAKER 291406 I understand it is the wish of honourable members to signify at this stage their respect and sympathy by rising in their places, and I ask that all present do so. Honourable members having stood in their places— The DEPUTY SPEAKER 291406 I thank the Federation Chamber. 11:05 Ms BYRNES 299145 Cunningham I move: That further proceedings be conducted in the House. Question agreed to. ADJOURNMENT 101 ADJOURNMENT Health Care, Corangamite Electorate: Infrastructure, Valedictory 101 11:06 Ms COKER 263547 Corangamite Summer is fast approaching. For most, it means time with friends, family and loved ones. Summer also gives us all an opportunity to reflect on the year that's been and the one that's coming. In May this year, the Albanese government returned to Canberra with a strengthened mandate—to continue to work to support Australians who are doing it tough, to keep building the infrastructure our communities deserve and to strengthen the services many people need. One of those services is Medicare. We've now made the biggest investment in the history of Medicare, $8.5 billion, to help ensure more Australians get bulk-billed so all they need is their Medicare card not their credit card. We're also supporting GPs, with incentives flowing to all practices that bulk-bill every single patient. Working alongside our investment in bulk-billing is our commitment to expand the Medicare urgent care clinic network right across the nation. In my region, we have the Belmont clinic, which continues to go from strength to strength. And soon, within weeks, Torquay will also be home to an urgent care clinic. This will mean less pressure on our emergency departments in Geelong and access to quality GP services across the busy upcoming holiday period—urgent care close to home for people right across the Surf Coast. This has been worth fighting for. It'll be open extended hours, seven days a week. This work is changing lives. So too is our infrastructure pipeline, particularly in my electorate of Corangamite. This year we hit milestones in some of the more transformative projects across Victoria. From Armstrong Creek Sports Centre to Surf Coast aquatic and health centre and stage 2 of the Barwon Heads Road, we have some great projects now under construction. One of these projects will make a particularly positive impact for young people in Armstrong Creek, with work now underway to deliver a permanent headspace on the Surf Coast Highway. This new facility will be right near the new sports centre, library and shopping centre, and it will be easily accessible via public transport with bus stops right there, next door. We know how important headspace is for young people right across the nation. Since coming to government in 2022, we've put a real focus on supporting headspace to make sure young people get the supports they need to thrive and live fulfilling lives. We know that nearly half of young Australians are experiencing high levels of psychological distress, and that's why we're backing headspace. It's also part of the reason why we're supporting sports clubs right across my electorate to build the infrastructure they need so that more young people, particularly women, can get involved in local sport. We know sport brings people together. It offers an opportunity for people, young and old, to rally around each other, to get through hard times and to have fun. But for that to work, sports clubs need infrastructure that's inclusive. This summer we're kicking off works on female-friendly upgrades to Spring Creek Recreational Reserve in Torquay with better changerooms so the footy and cricket clubs can better embrace the hundreds of young women keen to get involved in traditionally male sports. Our government has committed to delivering this upgrade. We've put in $700,000 to make this happen, and we're delivering. We are also doing some work with our communities to achieve some great things, like strengthening services to support the health and wellbeing of Australians. Closely linked to that is building the infrastructure that people need to bring them together. We're also giving Australians, young and old, the opportunity to thrive, succeed and lead safe and fulfilling lives with changes to our aged care system. To my communities across the Surf Coast Bellarine and Geelong region: thank you for your support this year. Stay safe and enjoy the summer. Remember to thank our surf lifesavers and our emergency service workers and ensure that, when you go into one of our magnificent businesses, you actually treat staff respectfully, particularly over the busy season ahead. To all those who are working when the rest of us are enjoying time with family: I wish you well. Have a great festive season. To my staff and my fellow MPs across the chamber: I wish you all the very best and a safe and happy time. I hope everyone gets the break that we need. Yates, Mr Raymond Leslie (Ray), Valedictory 102 11:11 Mr VIOLI 300147 Casey Last week my community lost a generous and beloved member of the Yarra Ranges, Ray Yates. Ray was truly immersed in community life. Some called him Mr Monbulk; others knew him as Mr Yates from Monbulk Primary School, where he taught from 1970s until 2014, retiring aged 74. He spent 28 years of that time as Principal of Monbulk Primary School and a total of 54 years in education. Many Monbulk locals had Mr Yates as their principal and their children's principal. He left a legacy, impacting so many lives and so many generations of the Monbulk community. His impact was so profound the Age ran an article on his retirement. It sums up his persona well. It reads: On Wednesday he stopped mid-interview to help a weeping preppy, strolling with him through the school he built; a school that was downtrodden when he arrived in 1974 but is now a robust institution and a point of community pride. … … … Arriving at school at 7am, he won't go home until after 6pm. Even then, Mr Yates never really goes away. After hours, the main phone number to the school is patched to his mobile phone. I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to visit Monbulk Primary School. It was wonderful to see the children and the thriving school that is an ongoing and everlasting legacy to Ray Yates. Ray also served as a shire councillor for 21 years and as the Mayor of the Shire of Lilydale. He was a Justice of the Peace, a foundational member of the Monbulk and District Community Working Group, secretary and treasurer of the Sylvan Glades Retirement Village and a longstanding trustee of the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. He was instrumental in establishing Japara Community House, was closely associated with Monbulk RSL and served as the president of Monbulk Rotary. Ray envisaged that having a community bank in Monbulk would generate opportunities for the entire community. He joined in 2012, serving as director, and he was instrumental in shaping the legacy of the bank which gives back so generously to our community to this day. He was board member and CEO of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council from 2011 to 2025, and he also supported the Kilsyth Youth Club and preschools and assisted local sporting clubs. Ray was a true champion of our community. He wasn't just a member of our towns; he was an architect of community life as we know it. His devoted public service touched every layer of community life. His legacy will live on in every organisation that he touched and in the strength that he left them in; in the connections that he helped forge; and in the countless lives that he improved. I was fortunate to get to know Ray over the last 3½ years as the member for Casey. Ray was a great source of advice. You could see the pride he had in the community. I remember a speech that he delivered on Australia Day, at an Australia Day breakfast in Monbulk, talking about opportunity and what it means to be Australian. You could see that principle come out in him and in the lessons that he taught us all that day. Ray gave so much back to our community. I want to extend my condolences to Ray's wife, Catherine; his family, friends and loved ones; and all those in our community who were privileged to know him. On Monday, we will gather to celebrate, mourn and pay tribute to Ray Yates. Thank you, Ray, for making our community a better place. Rest in peace. As we hit the final sitting day for the year, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year—here in parliament, and in my community of Casey. To the CFA volunteers I say: stay safe this summer. There are dangers, but we know you're well trained and you're well prepared. I want to thank all the community groups who have given so much to our community, particularly the food banks—who are going to be needed more than ever this summer—and our retail, tourism and agriculture workers, who don't get a break over summer. I want to pay tribute to you. I hope everyone does get a chance to rest, recover and spend some time with their families. I will finish by saying 'I love you' to my beautiful wife Rachel on our 15th wedding anniversary. It's poetic that I am up here in parliament. I could not serve our community in Casey without her and her support. I appreciate everything she's done for me and for the community of Casey. The DEPUTY SPEAKER 291406 That's got to be some runs on the board! Hussainzada, Ms Fariba, Hussainzada, Farzad, Afghanistan 102 11:16 Mr HILL 86256 Bruce Happy wedding anniversary to the member for Casey. Mr Violi 300147 Thank you. Mr HILL 86256 I speak with a heavy heart to acknowledge a tragedy that has deeply affected my community. Fariba Hussainzada and her six-year-old son, Farzad, lost their lives in the waters of the Dandenong Creek. Fariba, originally from Afghanistan, had been living in Australia for 10 years. She was a loving mother of three and, when her little boy slipped into the creek, she did what any parent would instinctively do. She tried to save him. Her bravery in that moment was extraordinary. Unfortunately, both mother and son lost their lives. This devastating loss has torn a family apart, leaving a four- and a one-year-old without their mother. The whole community—it's a tight-knit community in Dandenong, and a growing Hazara community—has been left in mourning. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Fariba and Farzad's family, and to the grieving community in my electorate. Please know that we stand with you in this time of grief. I'm proud to represent the largest community of Australians born in Afghanistan—of any MP in this parliament. Afghanistan is a diverse country. It is rich in cultural traditions and languages. Fourteen ethnicities are acknowledged in the national anthem, and they live alongside many other, smaller ethnic groups and tribes. Modern Afghanistan has a proud but complex history that is sadly marred by tragic cycles of violence. While there will never be a single view of history, no part of Afghanistan or Afghan society has been immune from violence or persecution—whether Pashtun, Hazara, Tajik, Uzbeks or any other of the ethnic groups. While Australia's relationship with the state of Afghanistan endures, Australia has no intention of accrediting a representative of the Taliban or establishing diplomatic relations with the Taliban. I'm pleased, though, to have formed a new Parliamentary Friendship Group for the people of Afghanistan. This group has been formed to express Australia's support for the people of Afghanistan, and to serve as a forum for parliamentarians to engage with advocacy groups—including those working on refugee issues, human rights, women and girls—and for international engagement on issues related to the ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan and across the broader region. Millions of Afghans have been displaced. I'll write shortly to all members and senators inviting them to participate. Afghans have long been a part of Australian society. The Afghan cameleers arrived from around 1860, and helped to explore and develop inland Australia and build our nation. While relatively small in numbers in Australia, subsequent waves of migration from Afghanistan have enriched our country, including people coming as skilled migrants, business migrants, students and—more recently, since 2021—humanitarian migrants fleeing bloodshed and repression from the Taliban. The Taliban remains one of the world's most medieval regimes, utterly repressing the rights of women and girls. They act against any reasonable or defensible view of human rights in the modern world. Since 2021, Australia has provided more than $260 million in humanitarian and basic needs assistance to Afghanistan, with a strong focus on women and girls. Almost 27,000 visas have been granted to Afghan nationals under the offshore humanitarian program, many to locally engaged employees who have worked with Australia's defence, foreign affairs and aid staff in Afghanistan for 20 years. Fulfilling the promise—as best we possibly can in difficult circumstances—to bring them to safety comes in the year that we mark the one millionth humanitarian migrant Australia has welcomed since World War II, a bipartisan endeavour over decades. I will always stand up, speak up and work with all parts of my community. Like any responsible leader in Australia, I've never sought and never will seek to weaponise ethnic or religious divisions. It's important that every political, religious and community leader sets a positive example of inclusion and working together for our young people. Let's hope that this friendship group allows us to recommit to working together here in Australia, in a spirit of trust, to build a positive future for the whole community and to do what we can with other nations to improve the lives of those still suffering outside our borders. I'll finish with a note of thanks to my staff. The bulk of the work of my electorate office still relates to the ongoing trauma of the Taliban in the Afghan community. People flood the office every day seeking to bring their families to safety. We do as much as we humanly can, but a lot of that burden falls on the staff. They speak Pashto, Dari, Hazaragi and Farsi. They do the very best they can, and I thank them deeply for the trauma that they endure. Energy 103 11:21 Mr WILLCOX 286535 Dawson Across this nation, families are sweating—not just because they can't afford to run the air conditioner, but because they fear the next power bill landing in their letterbox. Small businesses are closing—not from a lack of customers, but because their energy bills have become the silent partner taking the biggest cut. What kind of economy is Labor running when a cafe can afford coffee beans but can't afford the electricity to boil the water? Australian manufacturers aren't being beaten by better products. They're being beaten by competitors with access to cheaper power overseas and a government that makes them pay more to produce less. And, through all of this, Labor has gone to war with the very industries that keep this country running. They've demonised gas, and now they're trying to write coal out of Australia's economic future. Paget is one of the most important industrial precincts in Australia, and it sits in my electorate of Dawson. It's the largest industrial hub in Queensland, outside the south-east corner. Every day in Paget, thousands of highly skilled workers design, build and manufacture the heavy machinery that keeps our mines operating, our exports moving and our national economy afloat. If Paget stops, the coal supply chain stops. If the coal supply chain stops, billions in export revenue completely disappear. It is the engine room of regional Queensland. Let's not forget our future industries. Hydrogen doesn't appear from thin air. Its production requires a lot of energy. Critical minerals don't refine themselves. Advance manufacturing doesn't run on hope. They all rely on the energy backbone of coal and gas. Every engineer, every economist and every serious energy analyst knows this. The government knows it too, but they won't admit it. So I ask: why is Labor so eager to destroy the industries that pay for everything else? The future of our economy will not come from weakening the industries that have made it strong. It will not come from strangling regional hubs like Paget or vilifying the people who keep the lights on. It will come from energy that is affordable and reliable—that means gas, it means coal and, yes, it means nuclear. Let's talk about gas. I'll put this plainly: Australia does not have a gas shortage. This government has a vision shortage. We have the gas, but we don't have the leadership to extract it. Eastern manufacturers are paying international prices for Australian gas. Households are paying energy bills shaped by export indexes, not national supply. By gaslighting the nation, the Albanese Labor government has turned rhetoric into reality. The east coast faces looming blackouts due to intermittent supply shortfalls and surging costs. We need a coordinated national gas infrastructure strategy, a shovel-ready blueprint that treats gas as strategic capability and an economic enabler, not as an afterthought. Australians are being let down by this government. They were promised cheaper power. Instead, household bills have skyrocketed by 40 per cent. Australians were promised a $275 decrease in power. Instead, they're paying around $1,300 more. This government said that net zero would lower power bills. Instead, it has pushed them through the roof and delivered no meaningful emissions progress—none at all. Emissions today are exactly the same as when the coalition left office. So, after three years of slogans, nothing has changed, except power bills going through the roof. This government loves to hurl insults at anyone who questions their failing policies. But every general knows that where the flack is the thickest you're right over the target. We know we are on target with the coalition's cheaper, better and fairer energy plan. The question is no longer whether Labor's plan is working. The question is, will the government admit the truth before it's too late? I would like to acknowledge Mr Carl Walker, who's in the gallery today. Carl is a friend of mine and the chairman of Bowen Gumlu Growers Association. He's been the chairman for quite some time. We would really like to thank you for everything you've done, not just for Bowen Gumlu Growers but also for agriculture within Australia. You're outstanding. Albanese Government 104 11:26 Ms COMER 316551 Petrie The Labor government is delivering real change for Australians—not abstract promises, not slogans but concrete action that is actually directly improving the lives of locals in my community. For too long, young Australians have felt that the system has been stacked against them. They study hard, they do everything that's asked of them, yet they finish their degrees and walk straight into a lifetime of debt. That is why the Albanese Labor government introduced a major change that will make a significant difference. We are reducing student debt by 20 per cent. This is one of the most meaningful investments in young Australians in a generation. It is practical cost-of-living relief. It is acknowledgement that education should open doors, not close them. Very soon more than 22,000 locals in Petrie will be getting 20 per cent taken off of their student debt—no applications, no forms. You don't need to do anything. This is a one-off reduction that will be applied automatically by the Australian Taxation Office, and when the deduction is applied you'll get a text from the ATO letting you know. Labor promised to cut student debt, and now the Albanese Labor government is delivering. This is a game changer for more than three million Australians with a student debt. Labor believes in education. We believe it builds opportunity, equality and prosperity. Our 20 per cent reduction means that thousands of Australians will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. It means that teachers, nurses, tradies, social workers and community workers will all be able to move forward in their lives without the growing financial burdens holding them back. At the same time, we are strengthening our commitment to protecting the Australian environment. Our country is home to some of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. But we have watched biodiversity decline, native species disappear, habitat destruction accelerate, and the ferocity of storms increase. This is why we are proud to be introducing new, stronger environmental legislation. It creates clearer national standards. It restores accountability to environmental decision-making. And it gives Australians confidence that development, economic growth and environmental protection can be balanced responsibly. This legislation is not about stopping progress. It is about ensuring that progress is sustainable. It is about future generations inheriting the bush, the rivers, the reefs and the wildlife that define our national identity. It is about protecting the places that make Australia home. I want to thank all the environmental groups and community activists, such as ESRAC, the Queensland Conservation Council, Greenpeace and the Redcliffe Environmental Forum, for their ongoing contributions and support of these reforms, as well as the residents who raise their voices on these matters. I want to acknowledge the work of Minister Watt, Minister Plibersek and Special Envoy Kate Thwaites on these important, long-overdue reforms. Another critical issue facing our country is the impact of social media on young people. Every parent I speak with tells me the same thing: children are being exposed to content that they should never see. They are being targeted by algorithms no parent can monitor. They are facing bullying, exploitation and social pressures that previous generations never had to endure. The evidence is clear; social media is harming kids. So we are taking action. The government's upcoming social media ban for under-16-year-olds is going to let kids be kids. It ensures that children can grow up safely without being pulled into the online world that is not designed for their wellbeing. This reform supports parents, it empowers families and it strengthens the guardrails for our youngest Australians. We cannot reduce harm by wishing it away. We reduce harm by acting responsibly and decisively. While we focus on the next generation, we are also delivering for every single person who relies on our healthcare system. I'll just let you know that's every single Australian. When Labor came into government, bulk-billing was collapsing. Families were waiting weeks to see a GP only to be hit with fees they could not afford. That is why we tripled the bulk-billing incentive. It is why we have delivered the largest strengthening of Medicare since it was created. The results are speaking for themselves. Bulk-billing rates are rising once again. More families are seeing a GP without reaching into their pockets. This is what Medicare is meant to be—universal, accessible, affordable. It is the foundation of Australian life, and we are proud to be the party that built it, protected it and is now rebuilding it stronger than it ever was. To every student struggling with debt, to every parent trying to keep their children safe online, and to every Australian who wants their environment protected and our Medicare system strengthened: we see you, we hear you and we are delivering for you. Climate Change, Energy 105 11:31 Mr PASIN 240756 Barker I wish to draw the House's attention to a Federal Court judgement. It was a judgement of Justice Wigney, delivered on 15 July of this year, in the case of Pabai Pabai & Anor v the Commonwealth of Australia. It's significant for a reason that I'll make clear. The case involved a group of Torres Strait Islanders who argued that the Commonwealth had been negligent in not protecting them from climate change. Justice Wigney, helpfully, summarised the government's defence in this case—the defence, by the way, that was authorised by this government via this government's Attorney-General. Justice Wigney said: The Commonwealth, on the other hand, submitted that it had no control over the risk of harm to Torres Strait Islanders from the impacts of climate change. … It is not a problem over which Australia alone has any, or any significant control. … Australia's targets alone are unlikely to have any impact on climate change or the risks posed by its impacts. Well, well, well. On the one hand we have a government that at question time and at every opportunity tells us that, if we don't pursue these unrealistic and unachievable carbon emissions reduction targets, then effectively we will be facing bushfires, cyclones and all manner of climate risks. But on the other hand, quietly, away in the Federal Court, instructions are provided to counsel to make the very opposite submissions. I repeat: The Commonwealth, on the other hand, submitted— in a court no less, the Federal Court of Australia— that it had no control over the risk of harm to Torres Strait Islanders … This is a government that believes deeply in the maxim of 'do as we say, not as we do'. This has laid bare the hypocrisy of those opposite. I look forward to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy—if he can keep the lights on during question time—advising the House of how it is that the government made that submission to the Federal Court, when its rhetoric both at question time and at every other opportunity is directly the opposite. I also rise to draw the attention of the House—courtesy of a whistleblower in my electorate—to a proposed wind farm at Keilira in the south-east of South Australia and to highlight what I think are some true costs. The proposal would see 80 to 100 turbines of between five and seven megawatts rolled out across an 18,000-hectare patch—landholders have been contacted—and it would involve not only the turbines but also a high-voltage transmission line. The problem is the high-voltage transmission line doesn't exist. It would require a new 300-kilometre double-circuit 275 kV line from Mount Gambier to Tailem Bend, effectively. This proposal is south-east stage 2. ElectraNet previously built stage 1, Tungkillo to Tailem Bend, at a cost of $1.45 billion. That means this project would run to $5 billion to $6 billion. So, if constituents are wondering, the power bills are going up because these are the kinds of projects that have to be paid for. I'm concerned, in particular, that there's no rehabilitation bond required in these projects, unlike mining and gas projects. I'm concerned that the developer and, ultimately, the asset owner may not be liquid at the time that these turbines ultimately fall into disrepair. Others in this place have made clear that the cost per turbine for decommissioning, in today's dollars, ranges from a quarter of a million dollars to a million dollars. Of course, we know of the risks. There's blade rot, blade shear, PFAS chemicals, lubricants et cetera. We heard this week in this place that asbestos is present in some of the wind farm brakes. There have been concerns raised by Livestock SA, and I share those concerns. The bottom line that I want to deliver directly to potential hosts of these assets is: insist on a rehabilitation bond; get independent legal advice, and that doesn't mean speaking to the developer's lawyer; do your homework; and demand guarantees around soil, water and livestock protection. This is your asset, and you must take action to protect it. Question agreed to. Feder ation Chamber adjourned at 11:37