Catherine King
Ballarat · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“NSW Government has been working to develop an engineering solution and a procurement process in parallel. That's not normally how it works, but they've been trying to expedite that as quickly as possible to work out the way forward. There's been a detailed and careful process to do that because we know we can't take shortcuts with this.”
“I thank the member for Calare for his question, and I also acknowledge the member for Macquarie for her advocacy. She's been in my office consistently about this on behalf of the Blue Mountains community.”
“They will then work with my department on a specific funding request, but I spoke to Minister Aitchison on Friday to signal my support for the Commonwealth assisting in what we know is a very significant piece of infrastructure not just for the Blue Mountains but also the member for Calare's community.”
“It's a little bigger than Navigators, with around 350 households, and I was there last week to celebrate beloved local postie Lyn McNight, who has been delivering the mail for 27 years.”
“We're continuing to invest across the country in transport routes from road to rail, whether it be the completion of Metronet or, today, the start of construction of the new Swan electric ferry fleet. The Suburban Rail Loop and North East Link in Melbourne are providing critical links across Melbourne's suburban network.”
“When considering the Ballarat electorate, you might think of the City of Ballarat itself, with its gold rush buildings, its gardens, our lakes, Sovereign Hill and many proud local manufacturers, like McCain, Mars and Haymes Paint, or our cafes and restaurants, which will soon be battling it out again for the annual Ballarat's Best Pie com…”
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“I'm not sure that they'll be pleased to know this, but there are now electric utes in Australia. More ranges are expected to be offered, but they're still around. The traditional ute still exists as well. Through the work of the transport portfolio, we are continuing to both deliver the infrastructure Australians need and ensure our transport systems continue to move. My electorate, of course, is also a very special place I want to talk about. It's one of history, diversity and opportunity, from Daylesford and the spa country in the north, the proud communities of Shelford and Teesdale in the south and the city of Ballarat itself, the home of Australian unionism and the Eureka stockade right in the middle of Ballarat.”
“We had a pipeline that was simply underfunded and under-planned, resulting in us having to find an additional $33 billion if we were to deliver every project on the pipeline. We cleaned up that mess, making sure every project in the pipeline is properly planned and able to be delivered. Our investments in transport are also demonstrating what can be achieved when we have a sensible government focused on delivering for Australians. Our support for the administration and subsequent acquisition of Rex Airlines has helped to keep flight prices down and provide choice for regional Australians. Likewise, our new vehicle efficiency standard is increasing vehicle choices for consumers while helping to bring down emissions. Those opposite claimed that NVES would destroy the weekend and that we were banning utes.”
“When this project is complete, South Australians can expect to bypass 21 sets of traffic lights and cut travel times by up to 40 minutes during peak hour. In the ACT we've seen the first section of tracks laid for light rail stage 2A, marking a major milestone in extending the network to Commonwealth Park. In the Northern Territory, contracts have recently been awarded to continue sealing the Tanami Road, with works to begin in the coming months. Shovels are in the ground across the country. It's possible because we did the hard work of cleaning up the infrastructure investment pipeline. Of course, when we came to government back in 2022, we walked into a mess, frankly.”
“In Queensland, our historic investment in the Bruce Highway is making the road safer and easier to travel. Just over a year ago, I joined the Prime Minister in Gympie to announce the additional $7.2 billion investment in the Bruce to improve the highway north of Gympie to Cairns. It takes our government's total investment in the Bruce up to more than $17 billion, and construction is underway from Mackay down to Dohles Rocks. It was incredibly exciting also to be in South Australia late last year to see the arrival of the tunnel-boring machines to help build the $15.4 billion non-stop North-South Corridor. I know the minister at the table is very excited about that project in her home state.”
“In Victoria, I was pleased to recently attend the start of early works on the Sunshine Superhub—the next step in building the Melbourne Airport Rail link—much anticipated. Like high-speed rail and Western Sydney airport, a rail link to Melbourne Airport has been talked about for a long time. Under this government, it is starting to be delivered. In Western Australia, we've just heard that the construction of METRONET is complete, with the final—23rd and concluding—project, the new Midland Station, now open to passengers. The project has been transformative: 72 kilometres of new passenger rail and 23 new stations stretching right the way across Perth, changing the way many Western Australians travel. It's unlocked new business opportunities, new housing and new community infrastructure as well.”
“We are a purposeful government doing the cautious, diligent work to build the infrastructure Australia will need well into the future. We've learnt the lessons from previous projects, such as the disastrous rollout, frankly, of Inland Rail, which was announced with no idea about where it would start or end or how much it would actually cost. High-speed rail is the example of the kind of project a serious government can deliver. Of course, it doesn't stop there. This year we'll see the opening of the Western Sydney International Airport to freight and to passengers. Started 12 years ago, under the then infrastructure minister and now prime minister, Sydney will finally have its much-needed second airport.”
“Together with my good friends the member for Paterson and the member for Newcastle, I announced $659.6 million into the two-year development phase that will ensure that the high-speed rail Sydney-to-Newcastle line is construction-ready and ready for a final investment decision by the government. High-speed rail is ambitious, but its benefits are enormous. The business case, which I also released at the time, shows that the economic activity generated by the high-speed rail Sydney-to-Newcastle line is around $250 billion, with 99,000 jobs expected to be created from building this line, stretching from advanced manufacturing to increased tourism opportunities, and 160,000 homes will be unlocked along the line.”
“I'm very fortunate to serve in a portfolio where Australians can see the government's investments every day: on the roads they drive; in the trains, buses and planes they catch; and at airports that they go through. We're continuing the work of delivering these crucial investments through our infrastructure investment pipeline, which is worth over $120 billion over the decade. It's going to be a big year for infrastructure fans out there, and, I have to say, it's already been a pretty big month. I was incredibly proud to be able to announce in Newcastle the next phase of high-speed rail.”
“That's what these MYEFO appropriations bills do, and it shows you what this government is committed to. The government is focused on easing cost-of-living pressure for Australians now and looking forward to what Australians will need into the future, because unlike those opposite we're not focused on the past. We're not stuck in reprosecuting old ideologies over and over again, solely intent on tearing ourselves apart. We're not trying desperately to revive old policies soundly rejected by the public, as they did—and continue to do—with their $700 billion nuclear energy policy. We are focused on the things that matter to Australians today.”
“Under these changes, from 1 July this year, the 16 per cent tax rate, which applies to taxable income between $18,201 and $45,000, will be reduced to 15 per cent, and from 1 July 2027, this tax rate will be reduced further to 14 per cent. We estimate that, on average, that's $50 back in your pocket each and every week. These appropriation bills mean more support for our domestic and international security, with additional funding going towards strengthening our social cohesion and safeguarding Australia's domestic interests from anything that might threaten our peace and prosperity. In my portfolio, it means addressing cost pressures and continuing to build the critical infrastructure and transport projects that Australians rely on each and every day.”
“The last time it was that cheap was back in 2004, well over 20 years ago. They also mean the launch of 1800MEDICARE, a 24/7 service which provides expert health advice, referrals and reassurance to people calling about their healthcare needs. It is expected that around 250,000 Australians will avoid an unnecessary trip to the hospital emergency department each year because of the health advice and services provided through 1800MEDICARE. This includes up to 130,000 free urgent telehealth GP services each year by the end of the decade. These appropriation bills also mean a tax cut for every taxpayer. Only this government is delivering a further two rounds of personal income tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer, adding to the first round of tax cuts that commenced back in 2024.”
“In my electorate of Ballarat, more than 1,000 batteries have been installed—that's 1,000 households who in many instances have seen their energy bills reduced to zero. Interest continues to grow in the program, and that's why in MYEFO we announced the program will be expanding from $2.3 billion to $7.2 billion over four years, which is expected to see two million Australians install a battery by 2030, delivering around 40 gigawatt hours of capacity, doubling our election estimate of one million batteries and increasing by almost four times the expected capacity. These bills also mean that Australians have access to cheaper medicines. On New Year's Day Australians woke up from their celebrations to the news that general patients would now pay no more than $25 per PBS script.”
“I rise to support the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026 and related bills. These additional estimates appropriation bills provide the legislative basis for the Albanese government's policy decisions taken in MYEFO. MYEFO is often something that gets a bit overlooked in the wash, and I doubt there are many Australians there who are following the passage of this legislation closely today, but fair enough—it can be a bit of a dry topic. Let me tell you what those decisions mean practically. They mean that people across the country will continue to have access to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. In the six months following its establishment, this program has helped more than 250,000 households and small businesses cut their power bills and take control of their energy.”
“I would ask—and I do so, frankly, more in hope than in expectation given what we have seen from those opposite—that we all be responsible for helping our constituents to recognise that consistent supply means we should all continue to purchase fuel and use fuel in a measured and consistent way. When elected members and commentators intentionally spread fear in the community, that contributes to panic buying. Those opposite's irresponsibility in this case is there for everybody to see.”
“We do continue to have adequate supply of jet fuel, but we do expect that there will be some increase in relation to airfares. We do understand that this is challenging for many people and that people are feeling the impact of higher prices at the bowser. It's why we're taking immediate action to ensure fuel providers aren't taking advantage of the current conflict, and we've charged the ACCC with ensuring there is no price gouging at fuel stations. The ACCC also already monitors airfares and will continue to do this to ensure that airlines don't unfairly raise their prices. Now, just as this is not a commercial opportunity, it should also not be a political opportunity either.”
“I know, however, that Australians are concerned that a significant increase in demand for diesel has seen shortages, particularly in some regional communities. We are seeing some regional service stations struggling to replenish fuel supplies, with demand doubling and even tripling in some areas. I, along with Minister Collins, Minister Ayres and Minister Bowen, met yesterday with both the fuel suppliers and the peak of the transport industry to discuss these issues and to ensure that the key players are working together. I in fact met with Centurion, the largest WA transport provider, this morning. We'll continue to work with industry on how best to manage this, including our meeting with other transport providers tomorrow to ensure continued visibility of this issue.”
“I thank the member for Bonner for her question. Her electorate, of course, includes the Lytton Refinery, which is doing a lot of heavy lifting to ensure our country is fuel secure. I want to echo the minister for climate change's words: Australia is fuel secure because of the actions of this government. We take fuel security very seriously, and we also take seriously how critical fuel is in keeping regional communities and the transport sector moving. It's why we have made important decisions that have better prepared us for fuel shock, including the minimum stockholding obligation back in 2022 and ensuring that our two refineries remain open. I also want to be very clear that every scheduled delivery of fuel in Australia has arrived here as planned.”
“As you're aware, when we came to office we inherited, frankly, a project which had funded two parts of the highway, but the middle bit, which was not funded at all, would have required an 11-kilometre, $14 billion tunnel under the Blue Mountains. No government is proposing to do that. What the New South Wales government went and did is another study of the highway, to look at: 'Where are the projects that, sensibly, we can work on together?' We await the New South Wales government's requests, which we consider in each and every budget, in terms of what projects can be done on the western highway. But I think the priority, right at the moment, is: the New South Wales government want to get that road reopened as soon as they possibly can, and we'll work with them on what future projects are required.”
“Can I thank the member for Calare for his question and for his consistent raising of this issue on behalf of the people of Calare. As you're aware, you are correct. The Great Western Highway currently has damage, impacting travel along the highway. The New South Wales government has advised that both lanes of the highway are closed at Victoria Pass, following defects identified at Mitchell's Causeway and what is known as the Convict Bridge. It is an operational matter for the New South Wales government, in terms of trying to get that road reopened. It is a complex geotechnical issue. Engineers, as I understand it, have been on the ground since Thursday, and an abundance of caution is required when issues like this happen.”
“The Ballarat Football Netball League recently made the decision to exclude the Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club from the 2026 junior competition. The community and locals are understandably very distressed by this decision. I'm particularly disappointed that the 80 netballers who are ready to start the season haven't been provided yet with an option to play. Participation in team sport is so important for girls. While the league has put forward a plan for the footballers, there's been no alternative option for the netballers. I urge the league to review this decision and hopefully find a pathway for netballers from Woady Yaloak to play.”
“It's double the size of the old premises and features stunning art by local Wadawurrung artist Jenna Oldaker. Perhaps most importantly, this space is designed for young people by young people. I was lucky enough to meet 19-year-old Taylah Sims at the recent opening, and she was part of the project user group. Here is some of what she had to say about headspace Ballarat: For many young people, walking through these doors might be one of the hardest steps they ever take. But today, we've made that step just a little bit easier. This centre is more than bricks and paint. It's a message. A message that young people's voices matter. That our wellbeing matters. And that when we were invited into the process, we can help create something truly meaningful. And you have created that, Taylah, for thousands of young people across our region.”
“The $100 million Brewery Tap Road is in addition to our billion-dollar investment to upgrade the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs on the way to Melbourne. These will be critical upgrades. Under the former coalition government, these projects were in the too-hard basket for a decade, but the Albanese government is committed to doing something about them. Thirteen years ago, I attended the opening of headspace Ballarat. I don't think we knew back then how successful this service would actually be. In the last year alone, headspace Ballarat has delivered 4,800 appointments supporting young people. Last year, the Albanese government pledged an additional $72.7 million for headspaces, and $1.2 million of that funded a relocation of headspace Ballarat. It is a welcoming, fit-for-purpose and accessible space.”
“The Brewery Tap Road intersection at the Western Freeway on the outskirts of Ballarat is one of those intersections where you hold your breath as you go through it. There are adjacent businesses and busy side roads intersecting with this major highway. Locals have always known how dangerous this spot is, and I get regular emails about near misses that have been there. It is a complex intersection, and it won't be easy to fix, but we are investing $100 million towards the upgrade for planning and early works. Victoria's Big Build is currently undertaking consultation. At their recent drop-in session, 90 locals attended to contribute their suggestions and experiences. I thank everyone who has engaged so far. Local knowledge is important in determining the best solutions to projects like this.”
“Perhaps those opposite could explain to me how the policy was going to make it easier for women to rejoin and remain in the workplace. I checked the party's election review that's tabled. I haven't had a chance to get a copy, but I understand lots have. What about the absolute cracker from the now shadow treasurer. When he was asked about whether the burden of child care falls on women, he said: 'I can't deny that. You know as well as I know that it's not my choice that women have children; it's genetic.' This is what those opposite think of policies that are actually there to support women—same old Liberals!”
“When workplaces genuinely support these measures, women are more likely to remain in the workplace, progress into senior roles and, of course, build their superannuation. These are all actions this government supports and has taken through policies like our three-day childcare guarantee and our decision to expand paid parental leave to six months, and we're paying super on it. I wish I could say the same for those opposite. Do you know how Senator Hume described some of these policies? The work-from-home policy was welfare and patronising. In fact, we should actually congratulate Senator Hume because today is the one-year anniversary of the disastrous working-from-home policy proposed by that crack economic team opposite, the Leader of the Opposition and Senator Hume. I'm sorry we didn't get you a cake for the anniversary.”
“Fifty per cent of large employers have an average total remuneration gender pay gap of 11.2 per cent, down from 12.1 per cent last year; and 54.7 per cent of large employers have reduced their pay gap in the last year. Across the economy, the ABS gender pay gap has now been brought to a historic low, with the gap being reduced to 11.5 per cent. When we came to government in 2022, it was at 14.2 per cent. In addition to measuring progress on the gender pay gap, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency has identified key measures that can be taken to boost women's economic participation. They include strategies to ensure gender equality on governing boards within the organisation; paid parental leave and other supports for working parents; and, flexible working arrangements, like the ability to work from home.”
“I particularly thank the member for Sturt for her question and for her work in shining a light on how this government is supporting Australian women. And just briefly, on indulgence, can I give a hi to Johnny, an 11-year-old who's come here from Ballarat with his parents because he loves parliament. Apologies, we're a bit rowdy today. I remind those opposite that women don't just make up over half of this government; they also make up half of the Australian population. You wouldn't quite know it from looking at that side of the House, though. The release of the latest employer gender pay gap figures from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency report this morning demonstrate that this work is well and truly bearing fruit.”
“We had to commission the independent Schott review to make sure that this wasn't a multimillion-dollar train to nowhere. I'm pleased that, as a result of the review, we've now turned the first sod at the Beveridge intermodal. We're prioritising building to Parkes so we can then start moving double-stack trains from Melbourne all the way to Perth. This, of course, was part of an infrastructure pipeline we inherited that was full of pet projects with no details beyond a press release. Delivering infrastructure takes time, and it takes a government that spends more time on the planning and design than it does on Sky News. That's why our government is entering this detailed planning process for high-speed rail to make it a reality.”
“There's a National Party one and a Liberal Party one, because, I assume, they don't actually trust each other. But their latest contribution was that the Commonwealth doesn't own a bulldozer and has no constitutional authority to just rock into states and start building dams or roads or rail projects. This is true, but it is a fascinating point to make when that is exactly what those opposite did with Inland Rail. When we came to government, we discovered that this approach to building Inland Rail was frankly just to start before they'd worked out where the line would start and end. They said it would connect the ports of Melbourne and Brisbane, but they couldn't tell us how. There was no schedule nor actual plan. What happened as a result was that the costs have blown out to four to five times what they guesstimated it would cost.”
“This is the steady, purposeful work of getting that design right so that we can make a future investment decision with confidence that we have all of the facts on this project. Our country is, of course, growing, and we know existing road and rail between Sydney and Newcastle is at capacity. Significant investment is going to be needed in the M1 and into rail if we do nothing because of the population growth through this fantastic part of the world. High-speed rail can absolutely be part of the solution to that. Stages 1A and 1B will be dedicated high-speed rail connecting Newcastle to central Sydney in an hour, allowing us to deliver more homes, spread jobs across the state and grow the economy of the Hunter. One of my shadow infrastructure ministers—you may not know there are actually two.”
“Thank you very much to the member for Paterson for her question. I was so pleased to stand with her and the member for Newcastle in Newcastle last week to announce that high-speed rail is a step closer. Our government is now entering the development phase for a line between Newcastle and Sydney. Teams will now go metre by metre, doing the detailed planning and design work required so that we can make a final investment decision to put shovels in the ground. We will be getting early contractor involvement to make sure we have got this project right, and there are industry briefings happening in April in Newcastle. We'll be designing the tunnels, getting the design of the stations right and understanding the signalling system that is needed.”
“Those are the words of your shadow Attorney-General, and I couldn't agree more—persistent undermining from day one. While the Liberals engage in the embarrassing spectacle that we see before us, Labor are getting on with the work, and we are working every day for the women of this country.”
“We've delivered pay increases in women dominated industries, like aged care and early education. We've delivered a tax cut for every taxpayer—90 per cent of women better off—and we'll deliver further tax cuts this year. But I wonder who was the shadow Treasurer, in fact, who decided that those opposite would vote against tax cuts, particularly tax cuts for women? It was, obviously, the member for Hume. But that's not all. He, of course, was also one of the architects of the opposition's 'return to work' policy and has also, in fact, been one of the chief opponents of affirmative action in the Liberal Party. I give you the smartest policy brain in the Liberal Party! And, in the last nine months, what we've seen is persistent undermining of the Liberal Party's first ever female leader—from day one. Now, those aren't my words.”
“Now, over 30 years later, you can see the results of that decision before you: a party and government that is full to the brim with bright, talented women contributing to our parliament and standing up for their communities. Do you know why it is important to have women in the room, making decisions—women in leadership positions? It's because of the difference it makes—the difference it makes to women. It means we can deliver not only for them here but out there, which is the most important thing we can do. Under this government, we have made significant progress with the gender pay gap, with a record low of 11.5 per cent. In 2022, we were ranked 43rd; we're now ranked 13th. We've expanded paid parental leave, and we're paying super on it. On 1 January we delivered three-day universal child care.”
“Can I thank the member for Chisholm, and can I say what an absolute pleasure it is to look at our backbench and our frontbench and see so many women representing their constituencies here in this place. It's not the first time that I've made this point in this chamber, but it bears repeating that the Albanese Labor government is the first female-majority cabinet with the first female-majority government in Australia's history. The gender equity within the Labor Party is a result of decades of purposeful work. I know we're still a day away from Friday the 13th, so I'll try not to spook those opposite—they're doing a pretty good job of doing that themselves this week—but I do want to mention affirmative action. In 1994 the Australian Labor Party first introduced affirmative action for women.”
“I invite the member: if you do want to come to my office at any point to talk to me about those matters, I'm very happy to do that. You know, I have a drop in clinic. In fact, I have one this afternoon; you'd be welcome to that. I'd be happy, if I have it, to provide an answer to the member then.”
“They tried to end bulk-billing and add the GP tax, a compulsory co-payment, and, as shadow minister for health, leading the charge, when I stopped that in the Senate, what we then saw was the then government decide that they were going to freeze the Medicare rebate and we basically saw bulk-billing in this country absolutely collapse. They have got form when it comes to health care. We know that the pretender, the person who wants to be the leader, has form on it as well.”
“It's what happens when you support women and when you support women to be in the room making decisions in a majority female government with a majority female cabinet, instead of undercutting women who are brave enough to put their hands up to lead. While we wait for the men in the Liberal Party to draw straws on who their next leader will be, we know exactly what their next leader and the one after that will do to Medicare, because they have form. Liberals always cut our health services and always cut Medicare, and that includes the health services and care that Australian women rely on each and every single day. They let the cost of PBS medicines blow out.”
“Since we announced that just last year, it has been delivering the results for women around Australia that they have been asking for for a long time. In just one year, women have saved $73 million on contraceptives, menopause and endo treatments. Seventy-one thousand women have had a menopause health assessment covered by Medicare. In March, 33 endo and pelvic pain clinics will be up and running all around the country, and by the middle of the year those same clinics will be providing peri and menopause care as well. PBS scripts are now capped, meaning every single woman accessing PBS medications is now paying less for their medicines. This is groundbreaking work that treats women's health with the seriousness that it deserves, and it doesn't happen by accident.”
“I very much thank the member for Gorton for her question. Her electorate is now home to 23 Medicare bulk-billing clinics, an increase of 10 bulk-billing clinics since we made our record investment in bulk-billing, the heart of Medicare. Both in the member for Gorton's electorate and now in my own electorate of Ballarat, more than 70 per cent of our GP clinics are now fully bulk-billed, joining more than 3,400 fully Medicare bulk-billed practices right across the country, and this matters. This matters a great deal to the accessibility of health care in this country, because we know general practice is absolutely at the core of Medicare. I also note that at least half of the member for Gorton's constituents have seen their access to health care improve as a result of the $792 million women's health package.”
“That means that double-stacked freight trains will be able to travel from Melbourne all the way to Perth via Parkes. Inland Rail is just another example of where the Nationals have started something without thinking through the details. Of course, it is now Labor, with 24 regional seats, that really is the party of the bush, and we are focused on delivery. While the newly re-formed coalition rail against each other on the airwaves, we're getting on with building the infrastructure that Australia needs. Australian infrastructure is on track, while the coalition remains continually off the rails.”
“In the regions, we're getting the basics right on Inland Rail, which under the Nationals was a train to nowhere. When the Nationals held this portfolio and started Inland Rail, they set off on a half-baked plan, with no idea how they were going to bring it to a close. That might sound a bit familiar—a bit like when they blew up the coalition and spent 17 days basically bickering with each other and not having a plan as to how to get out of it. They had no plan for a freight terminus in Victoria, and we had to come in and fix that mess. I'm happy to report that, late last year, with the member for McEwen, I turned the first sod on the Beveridge intermodal, which will be the Victorian terminus for double-stacked freight trains.”
“I thank the member for Boothby for her question. Last month we reached an exciting milestone for her constituents, with Adelaide's Glenelg line reopening over the Australia Day long weekend. In partnership with the Malinauskas Labor government, we removed three level crossings, replacing them with terrific new bridges. That is a big safety upgrade and will also mean faster journeys for drivers and smoother commutes for people catching these trams. Adelaide, of course, isn't the only place where we're making tracks on our infrastructure investment. Last month we saw the first new tracks being laid in the Canberra CBD—a big milestone on this city's city-shaping project and a great example of the progress that we're making. Stage 2A will deliver three new stops and pave the way for the network to be extended south of the lake.”
“It is true that our aviation assets are ageing. At our federally leased airports, we have firefighting terminals that are quite old, as well as a fleet of fire trucks. It's estimated it's about $8 billion worth of assets that need replacing. The government has made no decisions about how it is going to fund the replacement of those assets. Airservices has requested to explore whether there are opportunities for Australian super funds to invest in these assets, and I have suggested that that can continue, but the government has made no decisions about this. But I want to make sure that our firefighters—wherever they are, but particularly the ones that I have responsibility for, at Airservices—continue to be government employees always but that they also have the best possible equipment to fight fires at airports.”
“No matter how you were feeling or what was happening in the chamber, he could always put a smile on your face. I'm so sorry that he is gone. It is not how any of us ever expected to say goodbye to him. After a 40-year career, you would have expected that we would have had a retirement motion in the parliament. I know we were all just extraordinarily shocked over summer and just couldn't believe it. He's just been such a part of this place. We are so grateful to Luch for his long and dedicated service to this House and to the people of Australia, and I thank so much his beautiful family, including his daughter, who works in this building now as well, continuing in her dad's footsteps. We are so grateful that you allowed him all of the time that he spent with us.”
“Always extremely professional, he was the person you could rely on for absolutely everything. I think many of us remember back in late 2014, when question time coincided with a really big thunderstorm, a leak was spotted in the ceiling above the chamber, and Speaker Bishop remarked, 'I realise that leaking is a familiar problem for political parties; however, I think we need a bucket!' Within minutes, Luch had sprung to his feet and gotten a bucket to the floor of the chamber, rightly to the applause of all members. There was an iconic photo in the Age newspaper with Luch and the bucket, rescuing us all from imminent threat of getting very wet. Luch's unfailing good humour, kindness and absolute love of this parliament and the people who work here made him a joy for us all to be around.”
“It was really lovely to hear that story, and I've learned something new about the member today as well. I rise as well to join colleagues from across this chamber in offering my heartfelt condolences to the family of our very beloved Luch, a proud Macedonian. Like many others, I've had experiences of him sharing his culture and language through this place. My husband is Croatian. It's a similar sort of language and ideology, so on occasion he would attempt to compare and teach me words in Macedonian and vice versa. I've known Luch for my entire political career, first as a staffer—a very, very long time ago now—and for the past 24 years that I've been a member of this place. He knew this building and Old Parliament House that came before it like the back of his hand. He spent more time here than he would have done at his family home.”
“I am pleased to provide a further update and report that I have approved this project proposal for the release of $10 million of funding to Transport for NSW on behalf of the Mid-Western Regional Council. That money goes towards the planning works, scope, design and cost of delivering this project, so you should start to see planning work on that project. It's a project, as you have mentioned, with a very, very long history, and I'm pleased to provide that update.”
“I thank the member for Calare for the question, and I know he's been a long-term advocate for the Dixons Long Point crossing. We know how important the safety of regional roads and connectivity in our regions are. It is why we announced the investment of $10 million into the Dixons Long Point crossing. The crossing will provide a much-needed crossing between Mudgee and Orange. The member for Calare will remember he wrote to me about this last year requesting an update on that project. In October last year, when he wrote, I was able to advise that the Mid-Western Regional Council had submitted the final project proposal report to my department, and that then had an assessment undertaken.”
“So imagine my surprise, and I can see him interjecting, when I read comments from the member for Dawson, who at the time was an occupant of the opposition benches—he is now over there—that our investment, being jointly delivered with the LNP government and my good friend Brent Mickelberg—we work well together—that this money was 'just a stunt', with him saying: 'Let's be honest—this $7.2 billion was made purely for politics.' So, seeing as the member for Dawson thinks investing in Queensland is just a stunt, I thought I'd tell you about some of the delivery.”