Sharon Claydon
Newcastle · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“That was not an easy decision back then. We know what happened. We know the litigious nature of big tobacco and big tech, and that's why this is so damn critical right now. That is why every parent in Australia is asking: 'How can this be happening?”
“They knew that this was going to be a challenging moment for the Australian parliament. They knew it full well. They knew the arguments they were having every day at their kitchen tables and in their lounge rooms about kids spending so much time doomscrolling. But they also knew it wasn't the fault of their kids.”
“Colleagues fondly remember Julia's vibrant personality, her loyalty and the lasting impression she left on those fortunate enough to work alongside her. On behalf of members and staff who were privileged to work alongside Julia, I want to put on record our sincere gratitude for her remarkable service spanning more than three decades.”
“I rise today to honour the life and service of Julia Morris and to extend my deepest condolences to her daughter, Mollie; her parents, Allan and Anne; her brother, James; and all of her friends, family and colleagues. Julia passed away last month after a five-year battle with breast cancer.”
“That's the very legislation that we need to hold big tech to account—to make sure that kids are not left fending for themselves against these giants that have never, ever displayed an intention to change their business model and to do the right thing, which has constantly been asked of them.”
“These are parents that lost their kids. These were kids who were victims of addictive design features in social media that led to self-harm, extreme levels of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image harm, cyberbullying, misogyny, radicalisation and mis- and disinformation.”
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“When workers take long service leave, that money flows directly back into local economies, into the shops, small businesses, services and communities. This bill matters deeply for my electorate of Newcastle. We have a proud mining history. For generations, coalminers have powered the homes, built infrastructure and driven economic growth not just locally but nationally. Our region is indeed the largest regional economy in this country and that is in no small part to the efforts of the working men and women in the coal industry. While our region is diversifying ,as it needs to, and we're leading in many ways that transition to new energy industries, mining remains an important employer going forward with the abundance of critical minerals and high-tech metals that are still to come.”
“At its core, this bill delivers certainty. It provides greater financial stability for the long service leave fund. It improves its governance and ensures entitlements earned by workers are properly protected. It also updates administrative arrangements so the scheme can continue to function efficiently and transparently with confidence for workers and employers alike. For coalminers, that means peace of mind. It means knowing that years of service will be honoured. It means knowing that, when the time comes to take long service leave to rest, recover, spend time with your family or care for the your own health or those around you, that entitlement will be there. And for the mining communities like those across the Hunter region, it means economic stability.”
“It is a recognition of loyalty, endurance and years of hard—and often physically demanding—work. In the coalmining industry, where workers frequently move between employers while remaining in the same industry doing the same jobs, that portable long service leave is an essential part of their wellbeing. Without it, workers lose entitlements simply because the structure of their industry requires mobility, and this legislation makes sure that that does not happen. The coalmining industry long service leave scheme has existed for decades, underpinned by the simple principle that coalminers should not be penalised for the way that their industry operates. This bill strengthens that very principle and modernises the scheme to ensure it remains sustainable, fair and fit for purpose now and into the future.”
“I rise this evening to lend my full support to the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. This bill is about fairness, security and respect for the working people who have powered our nation for generations, the coalmining workforce. It is particularly significant for communities like mine in Newcastle, and indeed for the Hunter region, where coalmining has shaped not only our economy but also our identity for more than 200 years now. Indeed, it might be worth reminding the House that the very first export commodity to leave this country left Newcastle in 1799. It was coal on its way to India and that's been a really central part of our economy ever since. At the outset, on this bill, let me be very, very clear, long service leave is not a perk.”
“I don't give up hope, though. This is an important bill. It's an important step forward, and I really appeal to members opposite to get on board and support these reforms.”
“It seems like that's going to be the same again this time around, although I keep pleading that members opposite might reconsider. Rather than supporting workers and retirees, their instinct has been to protect tax concessions for those that are already doing very well, even at the expense of a stronger retirement system for ordinary Australians. When proposals were first mooted to address unjust super tax concessions, the opposition decried them as 'super big and super bad'. That's not because they were unfair. It's because the opposition feared that any measure that asks the wealthy to pay a fairer share would be too difficult a step. Even now, when the nation's super scheme has been modernised and protections strengthened for everyday workers, the opposition are digging in their heels rather than offering a constructive solution.”
“Since then, Labor has consistently defended and strengthened super against attacks and attempts to water it down. And you can be sure we will forever do so. We've overseen the gradual increase of the super guarantee to 12 per cent, a historic boost that means everyday workers have put more away in their super accounts than at any other time in history. Now we're acting again, cracking down on unpaid super and strengthening the LISTO to ensure low-income workers are not left behind. This bill continues that commitment, strengthening a cornerstone of our social contract—superannuation—for the long term and for all Australians. It's also important to examine the alternative—the record from members opposite. For years, the coalition have opposed meaningful reform to superannuation that would improve fairness in the system.”
“We've stood against calls from those opposite to see stagnant wages and no real improvement in living standards. Three consecutive increases to the minimum wage mean $9,000 going into the pockets of the lowest income earning people in Australia. That's a good thing. It was, of course, a Labor government that created superannuation. Under prime minister Paul Keating, Labor introduced compulsory superannuation, a reform that transformed retirement in this country and became one of the most significant economic and social achievements in modern Australian history. Before Labor acted, millions of Australians retired with little more than the age pension. Labor's vision was simple but profound: working Australians deserve dignity and independence in their retirement.”
“It protects the principle that your retirement should be supported by your hard work and contributions, not reliant on an outdated system that allows special treatment for the most advantaged. For Newcastle's small and medium enterprises, reforms like payday super also offer clarity and fairness. Modernising rules that bring super payments into the rhythm of modern payroll is a change that boosts confidence and compliance. It's worth pausing to reflect on Labor's record on the economy, on wages and on the standard of living, because this bill does not exist in isolation. It sits within a broader coherent approach to strengthening the economy and supporting working families. Labor has unequivocally been supporting wage growth. We championed increases to the minimum wage and supported wage increases that help ensure that work pays.”
“I've already articulated how many people are ripped off by the current scheme, and we need to do better. But I'm a very proud Novocastrian. It's a great community of workers, families, tradies, small-business owners, healthcare professionals, teachers, carers and retirees. Across Newcastle, superannuation matters deeply to these people. Many of my constituents work hard throughout their lives, contribute to our community and rightly expect that, when they retire, they will have a fair and secure nest egg. This bill delivers for everyday Novocastrians—for those workers—by strengthening protections, ensuring fairer tax rules and making sure that employer contributions are paid properly and on time.”
“Reforms such as payday super will also make a real difference for women, ensuring that super gets paid at the same time as their wages, reducing that risk of unpaid or delayed contributions. That's a problem that particularly affects workers in sectors where women are strongly represented, including retail, hospitality, health and care services. You all have them in your electorates. Taken together, these reforms are practical steps towards narrowing the gender super gap and improving retirement security for Australian women. Most importantly, millions of Australians saving for retirement can be confident that our super system will continue to deliver on its fundamental purpose: a dignified retirement and reduced reliance on the aged-care pension. Why does this matter for Newcastle?”
“They currently retire with about 25 per cent less superannuation than men in your electorates—and that's on average, that figure—reflecting the structural realities of the labour market, including lower average wages, higher rates of part-time work and time taken out of work for us to undertake caring responsibilities. That's the burden women carry. Measures like strengthening the low-income superannuation tax offset ensure that those low-income earners are not being penalised by that flat 15 per cent tax on super contributions, because women are more likely to fall into the low-income brackets or part-time roles. They will disproportionately benefit from this bill. It helps even up that unequal ledger that exits.”
“I remain forever optimistic for hope and seeing people coming onto a unity ticket here in supporting those typically not-wealthy regional Australians that we represent in this chamber. It's those everyday workers who stand to benefit from this bill, with stronger protections in their super entitlements thanks to reforms like the payday super—a crackdown on unpaid super that costs Newcastle workers, as I've already said, $38.8 million every single year—and enhanced support for low-income workers through the expanded low-income superannuation tax offset. That's the benefit. If you've got women in your electorate, which I'm sure you have—women and carers—they are big beneficiaries of these reforms. Women will benefit significantly.”
“Those days have ended, thank goodness. So who stands to benefit from this bill? Well, let me be very clear. This bill is not about penalising everyday Australians. The National Party in particular are going to want to note this. It's about strengthening outcomes for working people and ensuring that those wealthier Australians, many of whom are not living in your regions—I'm a regional seat holder. I know the income levels in my seat. I think that those people that you represent are disproportionately impacted by the current system of super, and they stand to benefit from the reforms here rather than the existing tax concessions that are disproportionately impacting people in your electorates. That is unfair for the vast majority of people that you represent.”
“You can look up the data. I've given you the data for my electorate. You're going to have to explain to the thousands in your electorates why you vote against this bill. Nationally we know there are 3.3 million Australians missing out on some $5.7 billion in their legal super entitlements in any year. That is money workers earned, and it's money for women who already, as I've noted, retire with significantly less superannuation on average. Unpaid super can compound lifelong financial inequality, and that is why we're linking up initiatives like payday super. It's so critical that that reform is in place. We're ensuring that workers receive their super as part of their pay cycle so there is no more of this waiting three months, six months or nine months to figure out if your employer has been making contributions or not.”
“Almost 22,000 workers in Newcastle—that is 27 per cent of workers in my electorate—were not paid their proper superannuation entitlements in 2022-23. That's the last lot of data we have. I want those 22,000 people to have that money in their pockets when they retire. They deserve every cent of it. We've got to fix this system so that they get their entitlements. If you were wondering what 22,000 workers missing out on super tallies up to, it's $38.8 million in unpaid super across Newcastle in just one year. That is why this bill is before this House. If you think that is just, you need to rethink your position. I would love to see members opposite supporting this bill, but it seems that's not going to be the case. I want you to think about all those workers in your electorates who are being ripped off. There are a lot of them.”
“Importantly, 55 per cent of these beneficiaries will be women, reflecting the reality that women are more likely to be in lower paid and part-time work and therefore more exposed to inequalities in the super system. Strengthening the LISTO is a very practical step towards closing the gender super gap. Third, this bill forms part of a broader effort to fix structural problems in the super system, including unpaid super. I've heard some members opposite talking about super being their constituents' money, and in many respects this is true. A lot of my constituents have had their money stolen from them in the form of unpaid super. That is a problem in my electorate, and it has been for some time. We need a remedy.”
“This is the basis of our taxation system. Second, the LISTO is an automatic tax rebate paid into the super accounts of low-income earners to offset some or all of the tax paid on their super contributions, which are taxed at a flat rate of 15 per cent. Because of changes in tax brackets and increases in the superannuation guarantee, some low-income earners are now paying more tax on their super than on their take-home pay. That is plainly unfair. Schedule 4 of this bill lifts the income thresholds from $37,000 to $45,000 and increases the minimum rebate from $500 to $810. In Newcastle alone this will boost the super of more than 8,200 low-income earners, delivering around $3.2 million per year into super accounts across my electorate.”
“It ensures savings for retirement so that millions of Australians do not enter old age solely dependent on the age pension. It underpins retirement security and reduces future pressure on governments and taxpayers. But the system is not perfect, and the bill before us responds to some clear problems and imbalances that have emerged over time. First, it recognises that the tax concessions in superannuation have been unjustly skewed towards those who are already wealthy. This reform, by introducing a fairer tax structure on very large super balances, particularly through what is known as division 296, ensures that people with exceptionally large super savings pay their fair share. It targets concessions on balances above the $3 million and $10 million thresholds, with tax rates that reflect capacity to pay.”
“I rise to speak in support of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill 2026 and the Superannuation (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Imposition Bill 2026. This legislation is about strengthening what is one of Australia's most important social institutions, our superannuation system. It's about fairness, boosting retirement savings for everyday Australians, closing loopholes that benefit the very wealthy and addressing structural inequalities that have left, in particular, many women retiring with significantly less super than they should have. This bill is a substantial piece of reform and one that reflects core Labor values—fairness, equity and opportunity. Why does this bill matter? Australia's superannuation system is rightly regarded as world leading.”
“The Speaker has received a message from the Senate acquainting the House with the appointment of senators to certain joint committees. As the list of appointments is a lengthy one, I do not propose to read the list to the House, but details will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings .”
“The debate on the second reading of the bill having been closed by the Attorney-General speaking in reply, the question is that this bill be now read a second time. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time.”
“My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How's the Albanese Labor government supporting Australians to balance their work and care responsibilities? How does this approach compare to other approaches?”
“They trained with courage and commitment and on that day, in dangerous and unpredictable conditions, endured an experience that stayed with them for the rest of their lives. Today, fewer than 10 of those surviving servicemen remain with us. Thanks to the work of local historian Jacob Ure, who documented the survivors' accounts, these stories will be preserved. On 8 March, the remaining survivors will gather to honour those who were lost and those who served alongside them. It is fitting that this parliament recognises the service, resilience and mateship of this unit. To the surviving national servicemen: we thank you, we see you and we honour your memory. Lest we forget.”
“I rise today to acknowledge a little-known but deeply significant chapter in our region's history: the 1954 Stockton Bight disaster. On 8 March 1954, during a routine national service training exercise, 184 young servicemen were involved in an operation that ended in tragedy. Three lives were lost. It was a moment that profoundly affected all who were there. A convoy of 20 amphibious vehicles was travelling from Camp Shortland to Morna Point for a routine landing exercise, but, as they crossed the Stockton Bight, conditions deteriorated rapidly. Heavy seas overwhelmed the convoy and eight vehicles sank. Three young men lost their lives. These were Australians who had answered their country's call to national service.”
“I commend everybody involved in that revival of the Regal Cinema. I say thank you. The reopening of the Regal and the Tower Cinemas is a terrific success story. It's rekindled our community's love for cinema and indeed our passion for the preservation, conservation and continued use of these very important historic venues.”
“Together, these cinemas show that even in the age of streaming platforms and digital isolation, people continue to seek out places to come together and share in their stories and culture. Independent cinema plays a vital role in our communities. They support local jobs, provide spaces for Australian and independent films and strengthen the social fabric of our suburbs. They are places of connection where people gather not just to watch a film but to participate in community life. The reopening of the Regal Cinema is a powerful reminder that when local people invest in local places, communities thrive. I congratulate Jo Smith and George Merryman and those extraordinary friends of the Regal who have long fought to reinvigorate a 1930s cinema to make sure that it is still a purposeful building today.”
“Restoring a local cinema is no small undertaking. It requires belief in community, confidence in local culture and a willingness to invest in something that delivers far more than a financial return. Jo and George and their extraordinary team of volunteers have done exactly that, and the people of Birmingham Gardens and, indeed, Newcastle, more broadly, are better for it. What makes this moment particularly significant is that it forms part of a broader resurgence of independent cinema in our region. Only recently, the opening of the Tower Cinemas in King Street, Newcastle, was celebrated—another locally driven independent venture that demonstrates the enduring value of shared cultural experiences.”
“I rise to celebrate a significant moment for my community in Newcastle—the reopening of the Regal Cinema in Birmingham Gardens. The Regal is more than bricks and mortar. For decades, it's been a place where stories have been shared, friendships formed and community life strengthened. That's why the closure of this cultural heart of our city was so deeply felt by local residents. For many years since, I've been proud to stand alongside hundreds of cinema-loving Novocastrians campaigning to see the Regal restored, refusing to let this much loved venue be lost to history. That's why its reopening is such an important achievement and one worthy of recognition in this place. I want to acknowledge Jo Smith and George Merryman and the remarkable friends of the Regal whose commitment, vision and hard work have brought the Regal back to life.”
“In the face of health challenges later in life, Paul made the deeply personal decision to access voluntary assisted dying—a choice he spoke about with courage and clarity, guided by his values of dignity and self-determination. His passing reminds us of the importance of compassion not just in how we live but in how we support people at the end of life. We remember Paul as a storyteller, a champion of community and a thoughtful, generous human whose legacy will endure in the people he inspired and the places he helped protect. Vale, Paul Scott.”
“I rise to pay tribute to a much-loved local identity, Paul Scott, who passed away last month. I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved daughters, Emma-Jane and Grace; his partner, Victoria; and his friends, his colleagues and countless members of our community who mourn his loss. Paul was a true Novocastrian in every sense—a passionate advocate for our region's heritage, a trusted voice in our local media and a guiding mentor for students and young people who benefited from his insights and generosity of spirit. His work to protect and celebrate community institutions from Surfest through to our historic Newcastle Post Office helped shape the cultural fabric of Newcastle and gave voice to the pride that all Novocastrians feel about our city.”
“(Notice given 3 February 2026.) Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm. Speech time limits Mr Husic 5 minutes Other Members 5 minutes [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. THE HON D. M. DICK MP Speaker of the House of Representatives 11 February 2026”
“[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. Notices — continued 8 MR HUSIC: To move: That this House: (1) notes that the Government is taking strong action to protect Australian consumers and ensure fairer markets by: (a) banning unfair trading practices economy wide that cost Australians time and money; (b) ending dodgy subscription traps by ensuring that consumers get clear information upfront, timely reminders before free trials end, and a cancellation process that is just as easy as signing up; (c) ending drip pricing by requiring businesses to display the full transaction costs upfront ensuring consumers know exactly what they are paying for; (d) strengthening consumer guarantees so Australians get products that work, repairs that are fair, and refunds they are entitled to; (e) banning supermarket price gouging from l July 2026 to prohibit very large retailers from charging excessive prices; (f) cracking down on shrinkflation, so companies cannot disguise price increases by reducing package sizes while charging the same, or more; (g) making unit pricing clearer and more consistent, backed by penalties for non-compliance, so consumers can spot real value at a glance and are not misled by tricky labels; and (h) consulting on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's recommendations to boost transparency on prices, promotions and loyalty programs at supermarkets, making it easier for Australians to assess value for money; and (2) supports this comprehensive consumer protection agenda designed to deliver fairer prices, more competition, and a better deal for Australians.”
“Orders of the day — continued 2 GOVERNMENT SPENDING: Resumption of debate ( from 9 February 2026 ) on the motion of Mr Ted O'Brien—That this House: (1) condemns the Treasurer for refusing to take responsibility for the Government's out-of-control spending, which is fuelling inflation and interest rates; (2) notes the: (a) Treasurer's own budget papers show he has added $50 billion of new discretionary spending in the current financial year alone; and (b) average mortgage holder is already paying around $21,000 a year more in interest than under the previous Government and that burden could rise even further; and (3) calls on the Treasurer to adopt measurable budget rules to bring discipline back to the management of our nation's finances. Time allotted 45 minutes. Speech time limits All Members 5 minutes each.”
“(Notice given 10 February 2026.) Time allotted 20 minutes. Speech time limits Mr M Smith 5 minutes Other Members 5 minutes [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“Notices — continued 7 MR M SMITH: To move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the significant role of air travel and air freight in keeping regional communities connected; (2) commends the commitment of the Government to support air travel through regional Australia through: (a) supporting the conclusion and purchase of Rex Airlines through a commercial loan of $60 million and the restructuring of $108 million in existing debt to keep regional air routes running during the voluntary administration process; (b) an additional $50 million over three years in the 2024-25 budget to extend the Regional Airstrip Upgrade program; (c) the extension of the Regional Airports Program for three years with an additional $40 million for competitive grant funding in the 2024-25 budget; and (d) the establishment of the $5 million Regional and Remote Airport Support Program for local government and regional and remote airports impacted by the Rex Airlines voluntary administration; and (3) recognises the ongoing commitment of the Government to representing regional Australians and investing in the services they deserve.”
“Time allotted 45 minutes. Speech time limits All Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“Orders of the day 1 SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESSES: Resumption of debate ( from 24 November 2025 ) on the motion of Mr T Wilson—That this House: (1) notes that small and family business insolvencies have exploded since the election of the Government, as its policies crush confidence and drive businesses to close; (2) recognises that: (a) the Government's industrial relations changes have replaced flexibility and fairness with confusion and compliance; (b) the Government's energy policies have driven up power bills for shops, cafes, workshops and family enterprises; and (c) small and family business are being forced to work longer hours for less return, while competing against government-subsidised sectors and ever increasing compliance costs; (3) further notes that the voices of small and family businesses have been drowned out by union and big-corporate interests within the Government's decision making; (4) condemns the Government for abandoning small and family businesses by: (a) ignoring calls for tax relief and simpler regulation; (b) pursuing workplace laws that punish entrepreneurship and flexibility; and (c) failing to provide a clear pathway for small businesses to grow and employ more Australians; and (1) affirms that the Opposition stands with small and family businesses who back themselves, create jobs and keep communities strong.”
“(Notice given 10 February 2026.) Time allotted 35 minutes. Speech time limits Mr Gosling 5 minutes Other Members 5 minutes [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm) PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS Notices — continued 6 MR GOSLING: To move: That this House: (1) affirms the significance on the recent signing of the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security, also known as the Jakarta Treaty 2026; (2) notes this treaty reflects: (a) the close friendship, partnership and deep trust between Australia and Indonesia and our leaders under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; and (b) a major extension of the cooperation between Australia and Indonesia, for the benefit of our shared security and that of the region; and (3) acknowledges Indonesia's strong economic growth represents an enormous opportunity for Australian businesses and investors, which the Government is working to realise including through Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 .”
“(Notice given 3 February 2026.) Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm. Speech time limits Mr T Wilson 5 minutes Other Members 5 minutes [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“5 MR T WILSON: To move: That this House: (1) notes that small and family businesses are being harmed by a rise in e-shoplifting, or chargeback theft, where goods are delivered, but the big banks are illegitimately processing refunds; (2) calls: (a) on the Government and the big banks to urgently examine chargeback theft and its impact on small businesses; (b) for the establishment of an urgent parliamentary inquiry into e-shoplifting through chargebacks; and (c) on the Minister for Small Business to demonstrate action the Government has taken to support small and family businesses; and (3) recognises the need for banks, card schemes and payment platforms to introduce fair, evidence-based chargeback processes that protect small businesses from chargeback theft.”
“(Notice given 10 February 2026.) Time allotted 30 minutes. Speech time limits Mr Laxale 5 minutes Other Members 5 minutes [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“4 MR LAXALE: To move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) is delivering real outcomes, with over 11,400 housing apprentice commencements in the first six months; (2) commends the Government for prioritising apprentices to build more houses through providing $10,000 incentive payments for apprentices in housing construction trades in instalments across the apprenticeship to support commencements and completions; (3) recognises the Government's other measures to support apprentices, including increasing the allowance for apprentices living away from home for the first time in more than 20 years, while also doubling support for employers hiring apprentices with a disability; (4) supports these measures as vital steps towards building a skilled workforce and addressing the worst skills shortage in 50 years which was left unaddressed by the previous Government; and (5) further recognises that the National Centre for Vocational Education Research data shows there were 22 per cent more apprentices in training within the construction sector at 30 June 2025 compared to 30 June 2019.”
“(Notice given 10 February 2026.) Time allotted 30 minutes. Speech time limits Mr Chester 5 minutes Other Members 5 minutes [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“3 MR CHESTER: To move: That this House: (1) acknowledges: (a) the Australian War Memorial (AWM) was built to recognise the service and sacrifice of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel following the Great War; (b) the role of the AWM has grown to encompass all ADF service including major conflicts, peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid and disaster relief; (c) the AWM combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive; and (d) its mission is leading remembrance and understanding of Australia's wartime experience; (2) notes that: (a) the former Government committed to a major redevelopment of the AWM with early construction work commencing in 2020 and scheduled for completion in 2028; and (b) the key reason for the former Government funding the redevelopment of the AWM was to provide additional exhibition space to tell the stories of contemporary service in the ADF in a timely and appropriate manner; and (3) urges the Government to ensure the independent AWM Council remains true to its mission without political interference.”
“Speech time limits Mr Abdo 5 minutes Other Members 5 minutes [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“2 MR ABDO: To move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) on 1 October 2025, the Government expanded the five per cent deposit scheme to all Australian first home buyers, three months ahead of schedule; and (b) more than 220,000 Australians have now bought their first home with a small deposit of five per cent or less thanks to the expanded five per cent deposit scheme; (2) acknowledges that this housing challenge has been 40 years in the making, thanks in part to underinvestment and under-delivery of previous Governments; and (3) commends the Government's $45 billion housing agenda, which is focused on building more homes, making it easier to buy, and making it better to rent. (Notice given 10 February 2026.) Time allotted 40 minutes.”
“(Notice given 9 February 2026.) Time allotted 25 minutes. Speech time limits Ms Le 5 minutes Other Members 5 minutes [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm) PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS Notices 1 MS LE: To move: That this House: (1) acknowledges that: (a) Australians are still battling a cost of living crisis, with many low and middle income families already unable to absorb surging mortgages, rent, energy bills and everyday essentials as annual inflation sits at about 3.8 per cent, above the Reserve Bank's two to three per cent target band; (b) the higher than expected inflation outcome has increased the likelihood of a further cash rate rise next month, which would push already stretched households to the brink, forcing many to choose between meeting their mortgage, paying the rent or covering basic necessities; and (c) high mortgage stress electorates such as the electoral division of Fowler, where many families are on low and modest incomes and have little to no financial buffer, are among the hardest hit by the combination of higher prices, higher interest rates and shrinking household budgets; and (2) calls on the Government to ensure that any policies it introduces tackle the roots of cost of living, does not further exacerbate inflation rates and that it works with, and not against, the Reserve Bank's efforts to bring inflation back to target.”