Jason Wood
La Trobe · Liberal Party · Australia
“'My word is my bond' is a phrase never to be used again in Australia, and we can thank the Prime Minister for that, as, when he was asked 50 times prior to the election, 'Will there be changes to capital gains tax or negative gearing?' he kept on saying no. He even belittled the media when he was asked that question.”
“Then Labor got in, and they cancelled all the funding, which is really upsetting for those local residents. The other one I was very passionate about was Wellington Road. Going from Clematis down to Lysterfield Road, Wellington Road is very important.”
“Also, under the former Liberal government, we upgraded dangerous intersections across Latrobe—this was brought to me in particular by Cardinia Shire Council, and I give them their credit—between McGregor Road, and going further down, Cardinia Road. As I mentioned, those were very important upgrades along there.”
“One of the things I'm hearing from small business and people who put trust in the Prime Minister when he made comments like 'my word is my bond' is that they took him at face value when it came to not changing capital gains tax or unit trusts. This actually really hurts a lot of people. A lot of tradies have established a trust.”
“They were advised to set up a trust through their small business. It could be a landscaping business, it could be a post office—whatever it is. They've already gone once to get advice on what's occurring with the government's changes. Now we're seeing all these changes the government's made again. Obviously, they're copping a backlash.”
“Again, it's those smaller, dangerous intersections we've upgraded. The Officer South ramps have now been completed. But one of the projects, very disappointingly, was stopped by the Albanese government when it came into power.”
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“What the family is fighting for is to make sure that the meningococcal B vaccine is funded in Victoria, especially for year 10 students. It's currently funded in South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. I call on the Australian government—I know Minister Mark Butler is working with the family—to make sure we have all kids in Australia receive the vaccination so that there are no more tragic deaths.”
“I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary woman from my electorate of La Trobe, Norliah Syer-Peterson, who I had the great honour of presenting the Citizen of the Year to at the Latrobe Australia Day awards for her remarkable courage, compassion and unwavering adversity after the tragic death of her son Levi Syer. Levi was just 16 years of age, a bright year 10 student, at St Francis Xavier College at Beaconsfield when he passed away from meningococcal B disease in September last year. Heartbreakingly, he passed away within six hours of realising that something was actually wrong with him. Meningococcal B is a very fast-moving bacterial infection. It causes meningitis and blood-poisoning. And I would just say to Norliah, you are so amazing and you had so many friends and family with you—it was a very emotional day.”
“Our Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security was only given a very short time to make its report. Even with the legislation, we only got to see it this morning. Again, my thoughts are with the victims of the Bondi massacre.”
“I'm very much in support of targeting hate preachers and hate groups. We've got all the advisers here today. One thing, though—and I'm putting my detective hat on here—when it comes to social media, I notice the proposed hate speech laws are going to target comments made on public social media platforms. What about private WhatsApp groups—for example, I'm on one with 200 members—that you are invited to join? When it comes to this Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026—and I've heard this before—the government is really rushing this through. We've recalled parliament early, but for members to work out if this legislation goes far enough—for example, when it comes to targeting those using social media—it really needed a lot more time and effort.”
“Antisemitism has got much worse since 7 October, when those awful attacks happened in Israel. Two days after, we had statements and awful chants made in the Sydney Opera House by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Then it went further, with weekly protests at universities, with chants targeting the Jewish community—and no action was taken. You then had Neo-Nazis with their chants and their salutes, trying to get more members to join them. All of this just breeds more hate. Anything goes. We've seen the hate escalate against the Jewish community, going from chants to the bombing of a synagogue in Melbourne in a terrorist attack. We heard from authorities of that plan from overseas, which is quite unbelievable. And then we had the awful atrocity at Bondi. My thoughts go out to the victims.”
“When I look at laws and legislation, I'm looking at how police can find a conviction. I've had concerns in the past. For example, going back to September 11, you had radical preachers out there talking about how the September 11 attacks were justified and saying that it's a good thing when infidels die. It's not actually going far enough to be incitement or threats. That's why this legislation here today is very important: to make sure we capture people who are trying to influence younger people to commit hideous attacks. We look at what's happened in recent times. It's even been reported in the news overnight that, again, our Jewish Australian community has been targeted. Young Jewish teens had to escape from a ute trying to hit them in St Kilda East as the offenders drove away doing Nazi salutes.”
“Islamic terrorism is nothing new. On September 11, 2001, we saw the awful events in America. Another incident was the bombing in Oklahoma by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, who were two hardline white supremacists. These laws here today must target both Nazi sympathisers and Islamic extremists. Here in Australia in 2008, Abdul Benbrika was convicted of directing planned terrorist attacks on the MCG and the Crown casino in Melbourne. He had been removed from his mosque because of his radical beliefs, but he went out there to use his influence to target young people. That's something important about the need to target hate speech. Back in, I think, 2008, I was out there saying that we need to target hate preachers. The reason for that is my background with Victoria Police.”
“I couldn't believe the stress those from the Jewish community had back then. Now it's to a new level. They deserve everything we can do. We must do everything we can do now to protect our Jewish community. They should be able to walk the streets freely, go to school freely, go to community events freely. Thank you.”
“As the father of an 11-year-old girl, I say to Matilda's parents I just cannot imagine it. I say this also to her school friends and her young friends. I can't imagine the birthdays. Last year, it would have been all about whose birthday is next and who gets invited; sadly, that won't happen for little Matilda anymore. I say to the Jewish community we all feel very sorry for you. I acknowledge our members of the Jewish community here, too—the members for Isaacs and Macnamara, and Julian Leeser. It's been a really tough time. I say, finally, something about what I experienced in the former government, when I had the honour of delivering the Safer Communities Fund. One thing which really hit home when I went to a Jewish synagogue or community centre or school was the security measures—the armed guards. I couldn't believe it.”
“They are all community heroes. They all did amazing work. There are those who should not be forgotten: Edith Brutman, 68, vice president of B'nai B'rith's New South Wales antiprejudice and antidiscrimination committee; Dan Elkayam, 27, a French national who played for Rockdale Ilinden Football Club and worked in Sydney as an IT analyst; Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, two everyday Australians who, amazingly, tried to disarm the terrorists as they arrived and before they went on to their massacre; Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, a rabbi who was secretary of Sydney Beth Din; Peter Meagher, 61, retired police detective and Randwick DRUFC manager, who was hired as a freelance photographer on the day; Reuven Morrison, 62, a businessman who threw rocks or bricks at the gunmen knowing that he most likely wouldn't survive; Eli Schlanger, 41, an assistant rabbi who, as we've heard, assisted those in corrective services; Adam Smyth, 50, a Bondi local taking his wife for a walk; Boris Tetleroyd, 68, a visitor at the Hanukkah event that day; Tania Tretiak, 68, a Randwick resident attending the event with her family; Tibor Weitzen, 78, an engineer who died with his wife, Edith Brutman; Marika Pogany, 82, a volunteer who delivered meals and services to Jewish seniors; Alex Kleytman, 87, a Holocaust survivor; and, as we all know, Matilda, the youngest of the victims.”
“I've been asked, 'Why didn't they just shoot the offenders?' The simple reason, as I've explained to people, is that they have pistols; they were up against terrorists who had been planning this for months, if not years, and who had rifles and far superior weapons. The two constables, in particular, charging up to the offenders—or the terrorists—were simply putting their lives on the line. Again, there is Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza. He is another hero police officer. We saw the footage of him taking a miracle shot. To shoot a revolver with any accuracy over 20 metres is difficult, but he did it over 40 or 50 metres. Then there's the father of two Ahmed al-Ahmed, who disarmed one of the terrorists—and that's what they are; they should be referred to not as 'gunmen' but as 'terrorists'—and was shot five times.”
“I rise to speak on the condolence motion. One of the saddest aspects of being a member of parliament here is speaking to this awful tragedy at Bondi. If you asked every Australian what the most significant places in Australia are, if their reply was not the MCG or the Opera House, it would be Bondi—everyone has been there. I'll start by putting on my hat as a former police officer. I really want to acknowledge those first responders. There is Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, who was just four months into the job. He was shot in the head and also the shoulder, and lost vision in one eye. Then there is Constable Scott Dyson, who suffered two gunshot wounds. He was put in an induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries.”
“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 s ee 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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?”
“It was supposed to be $4.1 million. When it comes to anyone building a website, $4 million is a lot of money. Yet, remarkably, under the Labor government, it blew out to $96 million. How can a website cost $96 million? It is an absolute disgrace, and the website didn't even work the way we expected it to. It was absolutely hopeless. Shame on the Labor government for wasting $96 million of taxpayers' money on a website that doesn't even work.”
“When it comes to storms in the electorate of La Trobe, especially the Dandenong Ranges, we get big storms. Back in 2021, areas in the Dandenong Ranges, including La Trobe—such as Cockatoo, Gembrook and Emerald—lost power for many days. Everyone in the hills, if not right around Australia, relies on the Bureau of Meteorology's website to make sure they get up-to-date information when storms are coming. Recently, when I went on the website, like so many Australians, it was actually very hard to follow. I landed on a map of Australia rather than locally, and, when I looked at when the storm was coming, in actual fact, it had been changed from a bad storm of red to a different colour of blue. Then we found out that the bureau had actually upgraded their website with the full go-ahead of the Albanese government.”
“Finally, as a former Queen's Scout myself—and that's why I get the honour of going to so many scouting events—I understand with parents how difficult it is when it comes to fees, but I encourage them, when it comes to the scouts and the guides, to stick with them for the boys and girls, because it's a great way of building our leaders of the future. It gives them strength of character and leadership skills, and it helps get jobs for our young people.”
“There are new huts to accommodate an additional 120 beds for community groups so the scouts can actually make money from other groups coming in to keep the facilities at the highest nature. There is a ninja warrior course, archery facilities and canoe-making stations to inspire adventure and skill building. There is the restoration—and this is so important—of the heritage listed Hoadley Hall, which will soon feature a 200-seat dining hall and commercial kitchen. These upgrades will make sure that Gilwell Park will continue to serve the community right into the future.”
“If we just give them water tanks, the scouts aren't going to have enough money to put in the guttering and the connecting pipes.' Just at the time, I'd put in guttering at my place, and I said, 'Boss, it costs $2,000.' So we quickly worked out how many scout halls were across the country and how much the cost would be for putting in the guttering at $2,000 and the water tanks, and we quickly made a $17 million announcement. I was very pleased with that. I was also very honoured in a previous Liberal government to secure $5 million for the investment of Gilwell Park, the Victorian home of scouting. I will also thank and acknowledge Jon McGregor. He has done a fantastic job. The new toilet block and shower block are due for completion in six weeks.”
“I took a proposal to him to upgrade Ferny Creek Scout Hall to get some water tanks. The boss, as we know him and love him, couldn't hear from one of his ears—I forget which one—and he actually misheard what I said. He thought I said to upgrade the scout hall water tanks right across the country. So there we were at the centenary of scouting, where we made the announcement, and, just before the announcement, the boss said to me: 'Jason, I think we've got a problem.”
“You leave behind an incredible legacy of inclusion and excellence and also, can I say, the upgrade of Gilwell Park. I had the great privilege of actually being invited by Chief Commissioner Rod Byrnes to go up to Gilwell Park recently to congratulate the over 200 leaders who were receiving awards. To my surprise, I was presented the chief commissioner award by Rod Byrnes himself. I believe it was the only one that had been handed out for some time—a number of years. It was to recognise my longstanding support for scouting and my work with the community to secure funding for vital infrastructure and building upgrades to scout halls right across Australia. I must let the cat out of the bag here. When John Howard was the Prime Minister, we called him the boss.”
“Rod's vision has always been clear: to grow scouting in Victoria, to place youth at the centre of everything we do and to foster a culture where we bring our best selves to scouting every time. During the COVID pandemic, Rod led the organisation's response to COVID. He was instrumental in taking a significant decision, which was to waive membership fees for all young people at the cost of foregoing $8 million in fees. He also moved all programs online at no cost so young scouts could continue participating in programs and stay connected with friends at a time when everyone was under lockdown. In his professional life, Rod is a change manager, and it's no surprise that his impact on scouting has been transformative. Rod, thank you for your immense service.”
“I begin tonight by paying tribute to an outstanding leader in our community, Rod Byrnes, chief commissioner of Scouts Victoria, who will be concluding his remarkable term in February next year. Rod has led the state leadership team with his vision and integrity, comprising the deputy and five assistant chief commissioners. His deep passion for the venturer scout section, where he previously served as state commissioner, has shaped a generation of young leaders. Rod has represented Scouts Victoria at numerous national and international events, including the first Australian KISC visit, the New Zealand Venture 2019 and the World Scout Jamboree in that same year. His leadership of those contingent management teams exemplifies his commitment to youth development and global engagement.”
“But, in saying that, we need to make sure the local banking on the island is not impacted, especially when it comes to dealings with locals. We need to make sure the government works with those local banking agencies. The Pacific is a very important region. I know the minister for the Pacific islands is doing his utmost, but we, on this side, need answers to make sure we are accountable for taxpayers' money.”
“What steps is the government taking to reassure Pacific neighbours that Australia remains a reliable and respectful partner? Was the government aware of Vanuatu's intention to sign a policing MOU with China prior to the Prime Minister's visit? Does the minister acknowledge Vanuatu's decision to formalise policy agreements with China while leaving the Nakamal agreement unsigned signals a shift in regional sentiment? Vanuatu media reported that the total of equipment donations from China was worth around $700,000, which is a fraction of the amount Australia gives to Vanuatu for security. We, on this side of the chamber, just need answers. That's our role as the coalition. We very much support the government's endeavours in the Pacific region, such as the Pacific banking agreement.”
“The Albanese government has billed this as a moment of renewal in Australia-Vanuatu relations. Instead, it exposes a gap between the rhetoric and the results. We really need questions to be answered. Can the minister explain why the Labor government failed to finalise and sign the Nakamal agreement with Vanuatu? How does the government reconcile its stated commitment to regional cooperation with Pacific with its failure to formalise the agreement? Can the minister outline the consultation process undertaken with Vanuatu prior to their decision not to sign the agreement? Does the minister acknowledge that Australia's failure to sign the Nakamal agreement may create a vacuum for other powers to deepen their influence in Vanuatu?”
“It's a $500 million agreement to help, and it covers the environmental issues of climate change, the economy and security, which is something that we, on this side of the chamber, support. But, in saying that, the government has been very brash about making special ceremonies for the agreement, but it actually hasn't gone ahead. We're disappointed to see the Nakamal agreement stalled and concerned about reports that there has been foreign interference to derail this agreement. The formal pacts are important, but making sure they are credible and backed by real action is vital. After months of negotiations and a symbolic initialling ceremony at Mount Yasur, the failure to secure the Nakamal agreement reflects a troubling lapse in diplomatic foresight.”
“Then we have Nauru, where the prime game is Australian rules football. Pacific rugby officials and communities have voiced alarm that Australian funding threatens their national sporting culture. There is cannibalising and tightening of the rugby union pool. That's something that we're concerned about here in Australia, because we very much want to support Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Like I said, $250 million is a lot of money to be injecting. We need to make sure, as it's taxpayers' money, that it's being carefully spent. Then comes the Australia-Vanuatu Nakamal agreement. The Albanese Labor government's failure to sign the Nakamal agreement with Vanuatu, which now hangs in the balance, reveals the government's preference for making announcements over developing a comprehensive strategy to finalise the agreement.”
“When it comes to the Pacific islands, the coalition is very much supportive of the government in its initiatives. But, in saying that, we must be very clear: our role is also to keep the government accountable when it comes to the spending of taxpayers' money. That brings me to one of the greatest investments, an enormous $600 million in rugby league in the Pacific, creating an NRL franchise in PNG and dedicating $250 million to growing the league in countries like Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. The problem with that, though, is that, when it comes to Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, they are actually the heartland of rugby union, and now we're hearing that those countries are seeking funding to expand in the rugby union sector. I'd be very interested to hear from the minister whether Australia is now committing extra funding into rugby union.”
“It's what they've seen, especially those in the child exploitation units. They see the most ghastly things. I was very lucky; I never worked in that area in Victoria Police. For the members who have, what they tell me they have seen—I was speaking the other day to a member who contacted me after, believe it or not, he was arrested by Victoria Police for arresting a person committing graffiti in Upwey. The police member was arrested, but not the guy doing the graffiti. It was good the case was eventually withdrawn, but, as that member told me, he went out sick simply because of the awful child abuse material he used to see. Again, may all those former members rest in peace.”
“When you've seen some of those riots and you have so many people, including youth gangs, attacking Victoria Police, there need to be very strong penalties. We need to uphold the law. 'Tenez le droit' means 'Uphold the right'. Victoria Police uphold the right, but we need the courts to uphold the law for those who target and attack our police. Again, may all those fallen members rest in peace. When it comes to Police Remembrance Day and Police Legacy, I've been to Police Legacy events. Don't think that the tragedy and the pain just diminish every year. The partners go along there—the former wives or the former husbands. It's very sad. You see the kids. I will just make one final point: there have been way too many members taking their own lives. They need all the support.”
“I say to my former Victoria Police colleagues and especially all those new recruits going through that this is a very tough time for the Victorian police family and all police. They'll stand firm, they'll work together and they'll get their man. We just hope the police get a lot more support. I note the comments of the member for Riverina when it comes to the judiciary. We need the Victorian state Labor government to very much stand with Victoria Police and take very strong action against those who take on the police and assault police. Sadly, I've been told in recent times by my friends in Victoria Police that, whereas in my day you'd be in a police pursuit and the person or the group of youths would take off and you'd abandon the pursuit and let them get away, these days they actually turn around and ram the police car.”
“Especially in this awful murder recently and these other ones I'm talking about, when police members are ambushed there's pretty much nothing they can do. They're not prepared for that. In the raids I've done in my day in Victoria Police, especially with the organised crime squad, we were always very much armed and ready to go, firearms drawn. Most police members, especially in the regions, aren't like that, because they're not used to dealing with the most violent offenders. That's a good thing but also a bad thing. The good thing is that the public see the police go in there without firearms drawn. The danger is that, if they need to draw them, the offender has the upper hand.”
“The operation was called off, and the following night that pizza shop was actually hit. It ended up being the same offender who tragically took the lives of Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller again by setting off a restaurant. The Victoria Police detectives did an incredible job hunting down those involved. I've actually spoken to undercover police officers involved in that operation. One of their targets was on a building site, and, by the end of it, every worker on the building site was an undercover police officer. The police did incredible work to get their man at the end of the day. When it comes to serving, police members uphold the right. As we were told years ago at the academy, criminals don't have to decide what force they need to use and they don't need to think about internal investigations.”
“Steve was a really nice guy and so was Damian, and it really sent shock waves through all those who had graduated and the wider Victorian police force. I'll just say this actually impacts police members right across the country and across the world because it is a very tight-knit family. Then, in 1998, we had a series of pizza shops being targeted. At the time I was seconded to Boronia's criminal investigations branch. I think it was the Pizza Havens being targeted. One night, the armed robbery squad arranged for every Pizza Haven restaurant to be surveilled. Surveillance units were there, and police members and detectives were ready in case the pizza shops were hit. So we were there—me, the detectives and Senior Constable Robert Baker—on the Friday night. We waited there all night, and nothing happened.”
“He was investigating stolen cars on a racket, and he walked past the car which was actually the remains of the car used for the Russell Street bombing. He noticed the serial number had been drilled out in the same way as in his investigation, and that eventually led the police onto charging those responsible. I don't name them because they don't deserve to be named. But, again, it was just to go after the authority of Victoria Police. As I said, I graduated from the Victoria police force in 1987. In my sister squad, there was a really nice young man by the name of Steve Tynan. Sadly, and again very tragically, in 1988 on Walsh Street, Steve Tynan was murdered along with Damian Eyre. Steve Tynan was 22 years of age and Damian was 20 years of age. They were ambushed, and their firearms were used against them.”
“I'm hoping the courts take tough action against that, especially at a time when Victorian police members and their families are grieving, because it is a very close community. I joined the Victorian police force and graduated in April 1987. Just 12 months before that, we had the most awful bombing, the Russell Street bombing, in March 1986. That was outside the Russell Street police station. Tragically, Constable Angela Taylor was walking past and was killed in that explosion. Minutes beforehand, they had two groups of schoolchildren walking past, and, miraculously, they were spared. It was amazing work that the detectives did at the time. In actual fact, it was a stolen motor vehicle squad. A member went down to Dawson Street, I believe.”
“I too am very saddened by the murders of two police officers who very tragically were taken from us. Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson served an amazing 40 years with Victoria Police, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart—they were both doing their job in protecting and upholding right. I know about upholding right, because I served 18 in the Victoria Police force. What's happened for these members and their family is very tragic. This is really hurting the brotherhood and sisterhood of Victoria Police at the moment. One thing I do know is that Victoria Police will not give up. As the search goes on, they will continue and continue until they get their man. Sadly, we saw in some protests—and I note what the member for Riverina said—people holding up placards trying to somehow honour the alleged police murderer.”
“That is not just good policy but exceptional value for money, and any government would be very proud of that. Both Micah Australia and the global fund exemplify how thoughtful partnerships and sustained aid investment can promote a safer, healthier, more secure world for all Australians and our region. I thank Micah Australia and the global fund for their leadership and look forward to working with them in the future. As I said before, I recommend that the minister look closely at the Myanmar funding.”
“In another significant engagement, I had the honour of meeting Lady Roslyn Morauta, chair of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria. She briefed me on Australia's impactful partnership with the global fund, particularly in the pivotal role of pandemic preparedness. Australia stands as one of the most valued and longstanding partners of the global fund in the Pacific region. It's great to have the member for Riverina here today; he's a former shadow minister for the Pacific. With Australia's support, the global fund has saved an astonishing 26.4 million lives in the Indo-Pacific, including 210,000 lives in the Pacific alone. Over two decades, every dollar Australia has contributed to the global fund has returned over US$13 in value to our priority countries.”
“Their key priorities include building broad bipartisan support for aid, advocating for its restoration to one per cent of the federal budget, and advancing an urgent humanitarian package for Myanmar. We have the Minister for International Development in the Chamber, and I'm sure she will look at that very closely and compassionately, as Myanmar is facing a very large humanitarian emergency. Micah's Safer World for All campaign—I must say that, when they first said it to me, I though it was 'safer world for oil', but it's actually Safer World for All, and I had to clarify that with them—reminds us that aid is not a charity; it's a strategic investment in peace, stability and prosperity. The work underscores the strong public support for aid, reflecting the values of compassion and solidarity that define us as a nation.”
“I rise today to speak on the commendable work of two outstanding organisations—Micah Australia and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria—and their tremendous contribution in serving communities both here in Australia and across our region. I've had many years working with Micah Australia. I recently had the privilege to meet with the Micah Women Leaders Delegation in Parliament House, and can I say they were very impressive and very passionate. These advocates set a compelling agenda centred on the modern case for Australian aid, grounded in the values of compassion and global responsibility. The delegation highlighted how effective aid fosters not only prevention but also, very importantly, stability. It also bolsters security, aligning with Australia's strategic interests in the region.”
“Victoria is the only jurisdiction without adequate statewide regulations in this growing sector. Meanwhile, states like New South Wales have made simple regulation changes and are now reaping the benefits—more investment, more jobs and stronger regional tourism. The new 2024 regulations in Victoria fail to even formally classify glamping tents as movable dwellings, leading to inconsistent and confusing planning and building requirements across local areas right across Victoria. To the Victorian state Labor government: you need to stop making business so difficult for Victorians trying to make a living and make the lives of Victorians easier.”
“I rise today to speak about an exciting local business in my electorate doing incredible things when it comes to sustainable tourism: the GlamXperience in Pakenham. Their show yard is nothing short of a spectacular showcase of innovative tents, containers and domes that redefine camping as glamping. However, despite their enthusiasm and potential, they are facing significant hurdles from outdated and inconsistent regulations imposed by local councils but in particular forced by the state Labor government. Recently, I met the owners of GlamXperience, Leon Juffermans and Sandra Juffermans, alongside representatives from Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria, to hear firsthand the challenges facing the glamping industry in Victoria. Their message was clear: Victoria is very much failing.”
“This is where our Pacific Islander friends come to do the heavy lifting, to save farmers and make sure their farms are profitable and to make sure that food and veggies get on the table of Australians. This is something that's so important—and, as I said before, it is very much also of benefit for our Pacific neighbours, who obviously take the funds they make in Australia back home to support their families.”
“Workers need flexibility and our Pacific neighbours need continuity. We need a policy that understands the realities of seasonal, weather-dependent work, preferably extending the averaging period to eight or even twelve weeks, as industry bodies have suggested. The PALM scheme is too important to Australia, and too important to the Pacific, to be compromised. I urge the government to listen to industry, to engage constructively with all those stakeholders and to commit to a permanent, flexible framework that ensures the scheme's ongoing success. Let us protect the PALM scheme for our farmers, our neighbours and, in particular, our future. When it comes to the PALM scheme, why is it so important to Australian farmers? Because, quite often, we find the average Australian doesn't want to do this work.”
“Thankfully, after pressure from the coalition and industry groups, the Labor government introduced a partial backflip. The July 2024 guidelines amended the minimum hours of work for short-term workers from 30 hours per week averaged over four weeks to 120 hours over that same time period. This was a necessary and welcome step forward, but it should never have happened in the first place. But this is only a temporary fix. The current August 2025 guidelines extend this averaging provision only to 31 March 2026. After that, as things stand, the scheme will revert to the rigid 30 hours minimum every week. The government has offered no clear position or permanent solution beyond that date, leaving farmers and workers in a state of uncertainty. This is totally unacceptable for farmers and they need clarity.”