Melissa Price
Durack · Liberal Party · Australia
“That dream is born out of the pride they have in watching their current sporting heroes on the national and international stage created by major sporting events. I turn now to the legislation before us, the Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Act 2014.”
“However, whilst some may claim that it might create efficiencies, it does so by trading off on transparency. Members of parliament will only see the decisions once they are law. This debate is not whether indicia or images should be protected or not, because they already are, and, of course, we all agree they should be protected.”
“These include the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup, the 2022 Men's T20 World Cup and the record-breaking 2023 Women's World Cup. There are also other major events in the future to be recognised by this act, such as the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“When our athletes wear the green and gold, they carry millions of Australians with them literally on their back. The merchandise worn in stadiums, around the world and in schoolyards are symbols of aspiration and of national pride.”
“In Senate estimates, Australian Sports Commission CEO, Kieren Perkins—another superstar—confirmed that circa 2,000 athletes currently receive direct athlete support. However, they have no certainty that their scholarships will continue beyond today.”
“Instead of backing grassroots sport, Labor is more interested in protecting their bottom line and creating more uncertainty for the organisations delivering these programs. The coalition supports the protection of indicia and images for major sporting events.”
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Every one of 360 lines we hold for Melissa Price, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 4 of 8.
“We in this place have the power to send our men and women in uniform into harm's way, and with that power comes an enduring responsibility to use our authority to properly support our defence personnel and to really care for our veterans. It was a really deeply moving reminder that our obligations to those who serve do not end when the uniform comes off. They continue in the systems that we build, the laws that we pass and the way we treat veterans and defence personnel throughout their lives, particularly when they are at their most vulnerable.”
“Evidence before the royal commission made clear that some ADF members delay or avoid seeking care because they fear the impact on deployability or career progression. Simply from a wellbeing and suicide prevention perspective, encouraging early, trusted access to care must be paramount. Legislative settings should reduce barriers, not create new perceived risks. Defence will still be able to access operationally necessary information through existing mechanisms or with the member's consent where required. On Monday, many of us in this place attended the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. During the ceremony, it was noted just how important it is that this parliament maintains a direct line of sight to the War Memorial.”
“While the opposition will not stand in the way of amendments that protect entitlements and ensure the framework works as intended, we will continue to hold the government to account for incomplete legislative delivery. The opposition has moved an amendment to remove the mandatory legislative requirement to notify the Chief of the Defence Force when a serving member lodges a Veterans' Review Board application or accesses non-liability healthcare. We strongly believe that decision should rest with the serving member, not be hardwired into legislation. Automatic notification to the Chief of the Defence Force risks reinforcing perceptions of career risk and stigma, particularly around mental health.”
“These are precisely the kinds of details that matter deeply to veterans and families, particularly at times of illness, loss or transition. However, it must be said that this is now the second miscellaneous measurements bill required to complete or correct the government's original reform package. Quite simply, it's just not good enough. These provisions are not new or unexpected. They are core implementation details that should have been resolved in the primary legislation. Veterans, their advocates and their families deserve certainty and stability in the law, not rolling fix-up bills. Legislative patchwork risks undermining confidence in a system that reform was meant to simplify.”
“The bill clarifies review and appeal rights under the new framework, ensuring veterans retain access to internal reconsideration and external merits review through the Veterans' Review Board, with onward appeal pathways preserved. It establishes clearer rules for claims and decisions that straddle the transition date, reducing legal uncertainty and the risk of inconsistent outcomes. The bill also addresses important practical matters, including dependent compensation where death occurs after the transition date but relates to earlier service; the application of funeral benefits; education assistance for students and dependants; impairment and additional disablement payments; and the preservation of allowances and decoration payments so that recognition based support continues uninterrupted.”
“That is why we supported the primary reform legislation and why we continue to support the objective of a single ongoing framework under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. A unified scheme has the potential to reduce duplication, improve consistency in decision-making and make entitlements, claims and review pathways easier—not harder but easier—for veterans and their families to understand and access. This bill is largely technical and consequential in nature, but these amendments—well, they matter. They go to how the system functions in practice, how fairness is preserved, and how confidence is maintained during what is a significant transition.”
“I rise to speak on the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025. At the outset, the opposition supports the passage of this bill. We do so because these amendments are necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the veterans reform framework and to allow the transition to a single, simplified compensation and rehabilitation system to operate effectively from 1 July 2026. For too long, veterans and their families have been forced to navigate a fragmented system spread across multiple acts of parliament, each with different rules, thresholds and processes. The coalition supported the royal commission's interim recommendation to simplify and harmonise these arrangements precisely because complexity creates stress, confusion and, all too often, injustice.”
“We've seen the contempt of the WA Labor government, and now we are seeing it from the federal Labor government. Like the WA Labor gun law changes, it is the law-abiding WA farmers, pastoralists, shooting clubs and firearms businesses that will bear the brunt of this legislation, which will do nothing to confront the threat from radical Islamists or extremists in our community. I can't support this legislation.”
“Additionally, there is no legislative guarantee of compensation for hardship and loss of business, including the buyout of businesses deemed unviable. Rushing this legislation shows a contempt for Australia's one million gun owners. Guns have a real purpose for many in my community, whether they be farmers who need guns for pest management or their livestock, or for recreation, which I know they enjoy seriously in my electorate of Durack—they are entitled enjoy that sport. The coalition will not be supporting this legislation, but, unfortunately, it looks like some dirty deal has already been done between the Labor Party and the Greens political party. This will be just the latest in a long list of examples of the Labor-Greens alliance penalising regional Western Australia. We've seen this play before.”
“This legislation is simply a stunt to make it look like the Albanese government is taking action. Just slapping the words 'Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism' into the title of the bill doesn't mean that the legislation will have that effect. Who do we expect to actually hand back their guns under this regime? It will, of course, be the law-abiding owners like WA farmers, recreational shooters and hunters. It won't be the criminal gangs or anyone intending to do us harm. This falls well short of the Prime Minister's own stated goal of instituting a John Howard buyback. There is no legislative guarantee of fair-market value compensation for property surrendered, which would be consistent with the 1996 model.”
“I cannot support this Albanese firearms bill, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026. In Australia, we already have some the most restrictive gun laws in the world. You can't just go and buy a gun when you please. There are already restrictions, waiting periods, a genuine needs test and an intensive licensing regime. This bill risks punishing law-abiding citizens while failing to address the root cause of extremism and terrorism. The root cause of the Bondi terrorist attack was radical Islam; the government should be laser focused on combating that issue instead of going after law-abiding firearm owners. Antisemitism in this country has been building for some time, and we needed to take action a long time ago.”
“As we reflect on the horror and the implications of this terrible attack, let's also honour the Australians who put themselves in harm's way at Bondi Beach to prevent further loss of life and those who acted to treat the injured. We are very grateful to our first responders and to those innocent bystanders who acted to protect their fellow Australians. In doing so, some were injured and some lost their own lives. We must remember the good that does exist in this country and what the best of our country looks like. We must wrap our arms around the families of those taken far too early, those who were injured and those who are on the path to recovery. I thank the House.”
“When the Prime Minister called for action in his address this morning, I agreed with him. It's well past time for action, though, and time to address the root cause of this attack. To do so, we must acknowledge what that root cause is, and that is radical Islam. We need to realise that Australia is under no obligation to import ideologies that are inconsistent with Australian values. To the contrary, we are obliged to stop this importation of hate. Let's not paper over this tragedy, pretending this was simply a firearms issue or an isolated case of radicalism. It wasn't a law-abiding farmer who was behind this attack. It was a pair of radicals—one invited in and allowed to stay, and another who was born and raised here. Our way of life, and what we take for granted, is very fragile at the moment, and that is why action is needed.”
“At the Bondi memorial, he said: We came here from the Ukraine … and I named her Matilda because she was our firstborn in Australia. And I thought that Matilda was the most Australian name that could ever exist. So just remember—remember her name. It's clear from these words that when Matilda's family came to Australia they wanted to join us and to be Australian. They wanted to be a part of our culture and our way of life and to be safe. Compare that to those who are accused of taking Matilda's life. When you have people in this country who hate everything we stand for, who are antisemitic, who aren't tolerant, who are Islamic fanatics and who refuse to assimilate into Australian culture, this is what happens. This sort of violence should not happen here, but it will again if we don't address that.”
“Colleagues across the chamber have reflected on the victims of this terrible event. I want to pay special tribute to the youngest of the victims, 10-year-old Matilda. Many may have seen the photos of Matilda at the Hanukkah event, taken moments before the terror was unleashed, that showed the joyful girl she was. She looked to be having such a good time, enjoying the petting zoo, popping bubbles, getting her face painted and smiling with her sister for photos. Those photos paint a picture of what that celebration should have been about. Matilda's parents described her as a 'softie' who loved animals, practised judo and rarely wanted to be apart from her little sister. Beyond this, the most touching tribute came from her father when he described why they named her Matilda.”
“When the news broke that a shooting had occurred at Bondi Beach on the first night of Hanukkah, I think many Australians would have been shocked and horrified yet, sadly, not completely surprised because this has been building in Australia. While the gunmen targeted Jewish Australians, make no mistake: this was an attack on all Australians. This was an attack on our values and our way of life. Australians have often reflected that this is the sort of thing we've come to expect overseas. We've comforted ourselves by saying how lucky we are here and that an attack like this could never happen in Australia. Like many Australians, I feel a deep sense of dread that this has happened in our country, and I am so sorry that currently Australia is not a safe haven for Jewish Australians.”
“I rise today to offer my condolences and those of all my constituents in Durack to the families and friends of the 15 innocent victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. We all grieve with you as you begin this long journey of healing. Sunday 14 December 2025 will be remembered as one of Australia's darkest days. This was an antisemitic attack committed by Islamic extremists, directed at Jewish Australians who came together as a community for Chanukah by the Sea, a celebration of peace, faith and hope. My heart goes out to the Jewish community, who were the targets of this attack but have also had to face rising antisemitism in Australia in the past few years. Beyond this sickening attack we have seen far too many examples of antisemitic vandalism and hate.”
“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?”
“Former member for Geraldton Shane Hill, whose recent, sudden passing has been felt deeply across the mid-west, also leaves a lasting legacy. Shane served as the member for Geraldton from 2001 to 2008, with a passion for and strong belief in opportunity for all. His dedication to community service will not be forgotten. I extend my sympathy to his family, his friends, his former colleagues and all of those who loved him.”
“Greg and his late wife, Fran Weller, formed a formidable team committed to sound governance and strong representation for rural and regional WA. Fran was a passionate educator and stood for the agricultural region in the 1993 and 1996 elections, and together they proudly supported the work of Liberal governments under leaders such as John Howard, Peter Costello and Richard Court. In 2013, both Greg and Fran received a federal meritorious service award, from Prime Minister Tony Abbott, recognising their decades of loyal service. I enjoyed Greg and Fran's company very much. Both were never shy to share their point of view, and their advice was always intended to be encouraging and well meaning. Greg remained engaged right to the end, serving as a Liberal Party selection committee delegate as recently as 2024.”
“In 2018 she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her extraordinary contribution to industry and to the nation. Her passing leaves a significant void, and I extend my deepest sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues. Greg Weller was a stalwart of the WA Liberal Party and a tireless advocate for regional Western Australia. He dedicated more than 50 years of service across the Canning, Durack and O'Connor divisions and made a lasting impact on regional road safety. Through his long involvement with the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, Greg helped secure important improvements throughout the 1990s, including overtaking lanes at Bindoon Hill, 'prepare to stop' signals on Perth's highways and essential truck rest areas across the wheatbelt. These practical outcomes continue to keep motorists safe today.”
“I rise to acknowledge several respected Western Australians whose recent passing has touched communities across Durack and beyond. Dr Erica Smyth AC was a pioneering geologist and one of the most influential leaders in Australia's minerals and petroleum sectors. From her early days cleaning crayfish during school holidays in Geraldton to senior roles at BHP and Woodside, Erica's career embodied determination, innovation and public service. She championed research and exploration in uranium, serving as the chair of Toro Energy and as a non-executive director at ANSTO, Emeco Holdings and the Commonwealth minerals exploration CRC program. Beyond industry, she was a passionate advocate for scientific and medical research, particularly in diabetes.”
“Unfortunately, the minister for Veteran's Affairs–the same minister who won't get back to me on the Flying Start centre and who introduced the honours and awards recognition legislation—chose to rebuke Major General Malik, not Mr Keating. Not good enough.”
“We didn't hear one word of condemnation from those opposite when former prime minister Keating launched his disgusting slur on the former national RSL president and retired major general Greg Melick. Let me let me just remind you what the former prime minister said. He had a crack at Major General Melick, who'd used his Remembrance Day address to warn that we need to lift defence spending to deter growing regional threats. For the crime, Mr Keating branded him 'another RSL dope'. He accused him of wanting to 'drag us into a military exchange with the Chinese' who, according to Mr Keating, have never held an intention to attack Australia. In times like this we should be listening to people like Major General Melick, who has served our nation in uniform for 50 years. That service should be met with respect, not insults.”
“The only submission that supported the bill was from the Department of Defence who just happened to be the author of the bill. This bill would have stripped away appeal rights of the ADF personnel and veterans and placed a 20-year time limit on the actions of our service men and women. This effectively put a use-by date on, 'We will remember them'—absolutely disgusting! Thankfully, the coalition was able to secure the support of the Senate crossbench to force the Albanese government to withdraw this legislation. Those opposite will try and say that we're just picking fights and that Labor really is in the corner of our veterans—well, the actions don't show that.”
“I mean, come on—this is no way to treat our Defence families. To make real and substantial gains in recruitment and retention, we need to make Defence an attractive proposition for families. Labor's approach to making decisions without input from personnel or veterans was also evident through their shameful proposed changes to the Defence honours and awards system. The Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal) Bill 2025 was introduced in the House in August without any consultation with the coalition or key stakeholders in the ex-service community. When it made its way to the relevant Senate committee, there was 74 of 75 public submissions that outlined strong opposition to the bill—that's 74 out of 75.”
“Defence family stations in Bullsbrook were recently given just three months notice that Flying Start would be closed and that they would need to find alternative arrangements. With such short notice and proximate centres being near capacity, defence families face substantially higher out-of-pocket costs and longer commute times. I was contacted by one defence family who noted that the reasoning for the closure—apparent increased aircraft noise—just didn't add up. Seven weeks ago, I wrote to the Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Personnel, asking for clarity. Sadly, some seven weeks have gone by and, despite multiple follow-ups with the ministers' offices, I am yet to receive a response. Worse yet, the defence families who have reached out directly to multiple WA Labor MPs have also been ignored.”
“It will also be the site to support the sustainment of Australia's surface combat vessels and will play an important role in delivering the AUKUS agreement as a contingency docking area for our future nuclear-powered submarine fleet and the site of depot level maintenance, including graving docks. It is essential we get this right. Labor's failures on defence extend well beyond preparedness. Unfortunately, there are too many incidents of this government treating our defence personnel and veterans in a disgraceful manner, and I don't need to look too far to see this problem with an ongoing issue surrounding the closure of the Flying Start childcare centre at RAAF Base Pearce in the southern part of my electorate.”
“He has called for less talking and more doing from the government and has said, 'We haven't seen a whole lot of action, and we don't have long to wait.' This stands in stark contrast to the claim of the Minister for Defence that work at Henderson is happening at a pace. Well, I think we all know it's more like at a snail's pace! Labor was elected in 2022 and stalled decisions on the Henderson redevelopment. They still don't expect planning to be completed even by 2027. The coalition fully supports the vision for Henderson as a defence precinct that will deliver continuous shipbuilding, starting with Army's Landing Craft Heavy and then the domestic build element of the Mogami program.”
“Unfortunately, last year, the Albanese government cancelled our largest Defence space project, JP 9102, which would have provided locally controlled and operated geostationary communication satellites and ground stations. Now, even the projects Labor say that they are committed to are not moving at speed. You need only to look at the Henderson shipyard in my home state of Western Australia. The latest warning on progress at Henderson came last week from Austal CEO Paddy Gregg, who has raised the prospect of Western Australia losing out on multibillion dollar shipbuilding contracts.”
“This should include investing in mass missile production and the development of an integrated air and missile defence system, allowing us to detect and destroy missiles fired at the Australian mainland. We need a greater ability to rapidly build, deploy and resupply unmanned and autonomous weapon systems. We should be learning the lessons from Ukraine in rapid drone development and continue work on undersea weapons systems. Critically, we also need to develop a greater sovereign capability for satellite connectivity. Whether it's missile defence, drones, strike power or intelligence, communication is key, and, without our own satellites, we are left exposed and dependent on others.”
“Now, while sustainment appears to be on the chopping block, we are also not investing in new capabilities, and this is where Australian defence industry is suffering. Obtaining nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS partnership is a generational opportunity for our security and for Australian industry, and it must be realised, but delivering AUKUS should not come at the expense of other capability requirements. As the Leader of the Opposition called for in an address on national security last week, we need to meet this moment with seriousness, urgency and action. That begins with increasing defence spending to at least three per cent of GDP.”
“Earlier this month, it was reported in the Australian that the ADF's three service chiefs have told Defence Strategic Review lead, Sir Angus Houston, that they are being forced to slash their sustainment budgets. One example is the revelation that, under Labor, dozens of workers maintaining and upgrading the F-35 fighter jets have been redeployed to comply with budget requirements. Such decisions leave critical platforms and the nation exposed at a time when we can no longer rely on an extended warning time. So it begs the question: what is the purpose of having multimillion dollar equipment if it is not properly maintained and ready for use at a moment's notice? Honestly, if conflict were to break out, I don't expect the enemy to sit around and wait for Australia to catch up.”
“According to Mr Burgess, they are targeting water, transport, telecommunications and energy networks—pre-positioning for a potential sabotage of critical infrastructure. These grey-zone activities appear to be increasing at the same time as the Chinese Communist Party undergoes the largest military build up of any nation since the Second World War, without providing any strategic assurances. These are, by and large, agreed facts within Australian politics. Where we disagree with those opposite is how we should respond. Alarmingly, the Albanese Labor government seems content to respond to the increasing challenges of today on yesterday's budget.”
“We are living in dangerous times. Our most senior Defence leaders, intelligence agencies and strategic experts have been clear: Australia is facing the most dangerous strategic environment since the Second World War. Conflict breaking out in our region is no longer a remote possibility. The Defence secretary and the deputy secretary have respectively warned that the risk of an incident has heightened over recent years and that the trajectory is becoming more risky, not less risky. The director-general of our domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, recently warned that China is conducting multiple attempts to scan and penetrate critical infrastructure in Australia and other Five Eyes countries.”
“I desperately need practical support and a direct line of communication. I write in good faith and with respect, asking only to be heard. I would be grateful for the opportunity to speak with you personally or communicate directly via email. Kind regards Edith Costello CEO Punmu Aboriginal Corporation”
“Most homes are no longer safe to live in and have been deemed irrepareable, yet up to fifteen people are living in these houses. Martu families rarely complain. However, I have had mothers come to me in tears asking for tents so their children can sleep safely instead of enduring insect infestation while they sleep. Our access road is in VERY poor condition, damaging vehicles and limiting access to essential services. Federal support to assist the Shire of East Pilbara to rebuild and maintain this road would make an enormous difference to the safety and wellbeing of our people. My family and I have supported your party our entire lives. This letter is written with loyalty, urgency and honesty and with belief in a government that is accessible and understands its people. I do not seek publicity.”
“We are asking to be heard. I understand that the full reality of life in very remote communities may not always reach out, and I write so that you can hear it directly. Punmu is a remote aboriginal community carrying heavy responsibility with limited resources. We manage essential services, safety, housing, health and governance under conditions that most Australians will never experience. We are doing everything we can, but we cannot do this alone. Punmu is a strong, self-reliant community. We operate three successful, community-owned and community-run businesses. We have a zero crime rate not because of neglect, but because of strength, leadership and self discipline. Our children attend and are supported by our local community school. At the same time, many families are living in extremely difficult conditions.”
“She is the CEO of Punmu Aboriginal Corporation, and she has recently addressed a letter to the Prime Minister, dated 22 November 2025. If it hasn't arrived yet at the Prime Minister's office today, it will get there shortly, maybe tomorrow or the day after. I want to make the point that the Prime Minister may not have seen this letter yet, but I have assured Edith that, when his office receives the letter, they will take its contents seriously and they will take serious action. This is her letter to our prime minister: Prime Minister, I write with respect on behalf of the Martu People of the Punmu Community in Western Australia. I have voted Labor my entire life, and my family has supported your party for generations. This letter is written in good faith and with respect—but also with urgency. We are not asking for special treatment.”
“Since I spoke those words, nothing much has been resolved to overcome the issue of how we're going to finance the repair of the roads in the Shire of East Pilbara. I call on the Minister for Emergency Management to work harder to solve this issue for the people who call the Shire of East Pilbara home. The reality is that the emergency relief system that requires councils to fix roads impacted by natural disasters and then seek reimbursement is no longer sustainable. As we head into cyclone and bushfire season, it is high time that we had a total rethink and did a total redesign of how we deal with damage caused to key infrastructure by natural disasters. I don't want you to take my word for it, Mr Speaker, because I have got some wonderful correspondence from a lady called Edith Costello.”
“In October this year I stood at this dispatch box and gave a speech in regard to the state of the roads in the Shire of East Pilbara. What I said back in October is as follows: In February, Cyclone Zelia devastated road networks in the Shire of East Pilbara. For eight months, the shire has worked incredibly hard and negotiated in good faith to secure funding, with $26 million required to rebuild 10 damaged roads, including vital access routes to the Western Desert communities— including the community of Punmu— The response from the state and federal governments has been, frankly, insulting, with the current proposal totalling just $12 million. Instead of funding a like-for-like rebuild, they are prescribing a deliberate downgrade of roads that will fail once again when the next cyclone inevitably hits.”
“In its current form, Labor's EPBC reform package is unworkable. It's bad for business, bad for investment and bad for Australia's future. It hands more power to bureaucrats and activists while stripping accountability from ministers. It risks green lawfare and constant litigation. It undermines the very industries that fund our prosperity. These bills represent a real test for the Prime Minister and the Labor government. Will they negotiate with the coalition to protect jobs, support industry and help enable the 'Future Made in Australia' that they always talk about? Or will they side with the extreme Greens political party, who don't believe in just about any project getting underway and whose policies, if enacted, could only result in a weaker and more dependent Australia? What will it be, Prime Minister?”
“It is completely different for an individual to choose to put solar panels on their roof than it is to force farmers to have transmission lines run across their properties. When we were in government, we also led the way on waste and recycling by establishing the $200 million Recycling Modernisation Fund that leveraged $1 billion in industry co-investment. We launched the ReMade in Australia trademark to ensure Australians could trust that products were recycled and manufactured here at home. We invested billions to improve the health of the Great Barrier Reef and delivered two dedicated threatened species strategies. We were a government that delivered environmental protection and economic growth together. It's possible, but it's hard work. Labor, by contrast, has delivered division, delay and dysfunction.”
“As a former minister for the environment, I know that we do care. I often have colleagues discuss multiple environmental issues with me to ensure that we know what's happening with our environment. When we were in government, we sought to protect the environment while supporting the economy. It's not always easy to protect the environment and look after the economy. It takes hard work. Under the Morrison government, investment in renewable energy hit record highs, with renewables making up almost one-third of our energy mix. Australia had the world's highest uptake of rooftop solar, with one in four homes having solar on their roof. Again, this demonstrates that we are not anti renewables. There are some places where it makes sense and some where it simply does not.”
“This is taxpayers' money being funnelled into an activist law firm that works to shut down projects, destroy jobs and strangle Australia's economic growth, and yet Labor claims to support productivity. If you want proof that this government is distracted and has all the wrong priorities, look no further than the algal bloom disaster along South Australia's coastline. For months, scientists warned the Albanese government to take some action. Eighteen months ago, they raised the alarm. Four months ago, when dead fish were washing up on the beaches, they raised it again. The government did nothing. Now over 14,000 marine animals have died. Local fishing and tourism businesses—well, they're suffering, and coastal ecosystems have been devastated. It's a misconception that the coalition does not care about the environment.”
“The Christmas Island shrew was declared extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This comes after former environment minister Plibersek's public commitment that there would be 'no new extinctions' under the Albanese government. Then there's Labor's multimillion dollar handout to the far-left Environmental Defenders Office. The coalition warned from day one that this was a reckless decision. And guess what? We were right. The EDO has been condemned by the Federal Court for coaching witnesses and fabricating evidence in the Santos Barossa gas pipeline case. Despite this disgraceful record, the Albanese government has continued to fund them with not just the original $8.3 million grant but ongoing annual funding that will see the EDO receive around $15 million by the end of the decade.”
“Labor's division over resources is now legendary. They delayed a decision on the very important decision in relation to a project in my electorate of Durack, that of course being the North West Shelf gas extension, until after the election, and then they sacked the minister responsible. Now a new minister has stepped in with preliminary approval while the Prime Minister recruits a Greens defector who's openly hostile to the project. Investors—whether in oil, gas or critical minerals—need confidence that Australia is a stable, reliable destination for capital. Right now, they're not getting that from Labor. While Labor ties industry up in knots with red and green tape, its record on actual environmental outcomes—well, that's appalling. Australia's just recorded its 39th extinction.”
“Let's not forget that, when Labor was re-elected in May, they quickly declared that productivity under them was actually in serious trouble, and so the Treasurer and the Prime Minister announced they would hold a productivity roundtable. Sounds good, doesn't it? This was then rebranded as an economic reform roundtable. I'm not sure that it amounted to much, except maybe the suggestion of spare bedrooms being taxed. Mining royalties, oil and gas exports, critical minerals, agriculture—these are the industries that pay for our hospitals, our schools and our roads. In 2023-24 alone, the mining industry paid $59.4 billion in taxes and royalties to Australian governments. Labor's reforms threaten that foundation. They will send investment offshore, cost Australian jobs and place a handbrake on regional economies.”
“The CEO of this new agency would be a statutory officer who could not be dismissed by the minister, not even for failure to perform. There is no binding statement of expectations, no accountability to government and no mechanism to ensure the CEO acts in the national interest. That is not independence; it's unaccountable power. This is the system that the Labor government claims will 'speed up approvals' and 'boost productivity'. Australia is in the middle of a productivity crisis. That's not a talking point from the coalition whip's office; it's a fact. It's important those opposite know we are now ranked as second last in the OECD. Only Mexico performs worse than Australia. Yet Labor is pushing through reforms that will make it harder, slower and more expensive to get major projects approved.”
“Then there is the net gain requirement—vague, undefined and open to endless litigation. The definition absolutely needs greater certainty, with guardrails to ensure certainty for industry and certainty for our environment. The government also wants project proponents to report scope 1 and scope 2 emissions, duplicating the safeguard mechanism and creating a backdoor climate trigger that every resources investor fears. Let's not forget the proposed environmental protection agency. Labor promised the EPA for two elections. After four years, this is what they've come up with—a structure that is completely unworkable. The proposed EPA would assess, approve and enforce its own decisions. It would act as student, teacher and principal all at once, marking its own homework—completely unworkable.”