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?”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“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.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“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.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“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.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“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.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
“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.”
Australian House of Representatives2 July 2026Source ↗
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“They deepen our understanding of the world's oldest continuing culture and strengthen the respect that sits at the heart of our community. I want to thank the organisers—the Awabakal, the Wollotuka and the University of Newcastle, in particular—the artists, the performers, the volunteers and the elders who made this event such a success. Thank you as well to all the partners, and I'm especially pleased to acknowledge the support of the Australian government this year. Ngarrama reminds us that reconciliation isn't a moment; it's a shared journey. In Newcastle, we are committed to walking that path together. Across Australia, more than 218,000 households now have a home battery installed under Labor's cheaper home batteries plan, and that includes over 1,500 in my electorate of Newcastle. That's good news for families.”
Australian House of Representatives3 February 2026Source ↗
“Last week, I attended the Ngarrama, a much-loved community gathering on Awabakal and Worimi country in Newcastle, now in its fifth year. I want to acknowledge just how important this event has become in Newcastle's calendar of events. Through truth-telling performances, dance and song, the evening honours the past, the present and the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as providing a powerful opportunity to reflect on the lives and ongoing contributions of First Nations people in Mooloobinba/Newcastle. It was powerful to see so many locals coming out—families, neighbours, workmates, elders and so many young people, all sharing in storytelling, music, art and truth-telling. Events like Ngarrama matter because they create space to listen, to learn and to walk forward together.”
Australian House of Representatives3 February 2026Source ↗
“In keeping with the Jewish tradition that asks us to remember the dead and honour them by saying their names, tonight we remember Matilda, Edith Brutman, Dan Elkayam, Boris and Sofia Gurman, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Peter Meagher, Reuven Morrison, Marika Pogany, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Tania Tretiak and Tibor Weitzen.”
Australian House of Representatives19 January 2026Source ↗
“This motion declares that this parliament rejects hate and terror. It honours the memory of those murdered and commits to standing with survivors and their families. This is an important first step, but words of sorrow are not enough. We must resolve to act to confront antisemitism, and indeed all forms of hatred, with courage and clarity, and to ensure that our laws, education and national conversations reflect our values. I hope tomorrow this parliament can act with dignity, compassion and unity to pass legislation to do just that. May the memories of those lost be a blessing, may the injured fully recover and may peace remain our lasting goal.”
Australian House of Representatives19 January 2026Source ↗
“In the hours following the terrorist attack, I spoke with president Samuel Reich, vice-president Max Lenzer and long-serving member of the congregation David Gubbay. Despite their profound shock and grief, they spoke with a shared determination that this act of terror would not define them—would not define us, our community. The Jewish community will continue to turn towards the light, even in the darkest of times. Newcastle has a compassionate heart. The size of the crowd at the Newcastle synagogue on the evening of 17 December proved that to be true. Novocastrians are empathetic people. We look after one another, we reject hate and division and we refuse to say silent when any member of our community is attacked. These acts of solidarity remind us that, even in our darkest moments, love will always triumph.”
Australian House of Representatives19 January 2026Source ↗
“I want to pay tribute to Rabbi Yossi because it's his strong, compassionate leadership that made everybody welcome and brought our community together at a time when we needed to be unified more than ever. Despite grieving the loss of his dear friend Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Rabbi Yossi's calm resolve and pastoral care for his community have been a profound source of strength at an incredibly difficult time. I also wish to acknowledge the powerful words offered by Rebbetzin Malki Rodal at the vigil—words that provided great comfort and strength, reminding us all of the enduring power of love, light and hope. I was also deeply moved by the response of the members of the Newcastle Hebrew Congregation.”
Australian House of Representatives19 January 2026Source ↗
“Faced with the evil of antisemitism, Novocastrians emphatically rejected hate, choosing unity over division, and light over darkness instead. They donated blood, laid flowers, signed condolence books and checked in on their friends and colleagues. And they turned out en masse in response to Rabbi Yossi Rodal's call to join him, just three days after the attack, at a vigil at the Newcastle synagogue, packing out the synagogue, with hundreds more spilling out onto the streets and into the courtyard and gardens. This was Newcastle at its best, standing together in sorrow and solidarity. It was especially pleasing to see people of all faiths come together that evening, with leaders from all the Christian churches, the Mayfield mosque and Afghan communities all standing side by side with the Jewish community.”
Australian House of Representatives19 January 2026Source ↗
“The Australian parliament condemns in the strongest possible terms the evil of antisemitism and all forms of hatred that fuel violence. We stand in unwavering solidarity with Australia's Jewish communities and reiterate that there is no place in our nation for hatred, antisemitism and violence—not now, not ever. On 14 December, when we saw the absolute worst of humanity, we also witnessed acts of extraordinary kindness and courage from police and other first responders who ran towards danger, from medical professionals who worked tirelessly, and from ordinary Australians who swung into action to help save lives. In my own electorate of Newcastle I have been deeply heartened by our community's response.”
Australian House of Representatives19 January 2026Source ↗
“To the families, friends, children, spouses, siblings, neighbours and colleagues of those killed: this parliament recognises the depth of your grief. Your loss is our collective loss, and your pain is felt across this nation. We also acknowledge the grief and trauma of the men, women, and children who survived and who continue to recover, carrying physical injuries and emotional trauma. The road to healing is long, but please know you won't walk it alone. Let us be clear about what occurred. This was not random violence. This was a terrorist attack on Australian soil, an act of cowardice that deliberately targeted Australia's Jewish community as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah. That's traditionally a time of light, reflection and hope.”
Australian House of Representatives19 January 2026Source ↗
“Today we stand united in this place in profound sorrow and solemn reflection, not for the passing of time but for the lives shattered by an act of unspeakable violence. At a place and time that should have been filled with sunshine, laughter and light, at the beginning of Hanukkah, terror struck. A joyful community celebration turned into a scene of unimaginable fear, grief and devastating loss when two men armed with guns in their hands and hate in their hearts opened fire. That day, 15 innocent people were murdered at Bondi Beach. They were mothers and fathers, children, friends and community leaders. They were deeply loved and deeply connected. Their absence leaves an ache that words alone cannot soothe.”
Australian House of Representatives19 January 2026Source ↗
“My question is to the Minister for Defence Industry and the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs. How is the united Albanese Labor government delivering critical defence capabilities to keep Australian safe, and how does that compare to other approaches to national security?”
Australian House of Representatives27 November 2025Source ↗
“We can honour those women we have lost with action now, with urgency and with the unshakeable resolve that every woman and child has a right to live free from violence.”
Australian House of Representatives24 November 2025Source ↗
“These are not just names on a page; they're daughters, sisters, aunties, mothers, grandmothers, friends and colleagues—women who should still be here today. We know their names and their stories because of the tireless and painful work of Counting Dead Women Australia researchers of Destroy the Joint, who maintain the national register of women killed through violence. They in turn rely on the responsible reporting of journalists across the country whose work documents this epidemic and makes sure these women are not erased or forgotten. Ending gender based violence is a national priority for the Albanese Labor government and, I hope and I sincerely suspect, every single member of this parliament. It is something we all commit to.”
Australian House of Representatives24 November 2025Source ↗
“Let us honour and remember Sandra Dobrila, aged 41; Pauline Slater, in her 40s; Heang Kim Gau, aged 68; Zhuojun 'Sally' Li, just 33; Charlyz Hayter, aged 19; Khouloud Hawatt, aged 31; an unnamed woman aged 32; Chloe Mason, just 23; Yvonne Beres, 59; an unnamed woman aged 51; Merril Kelly, age unknown; Lilian Donnelly, 88; Rachel McKenna, aged 35; Rachel Moresi, aged 55; an unnamed woman aged 41; Crystal Beale, aged 49; Kara Weribone, 27; Irene Herzel, 78; Audrey Griffin, just 19; Cecilia Webb, aged 79; Czarina Tumaliuan, aged 42; Louise Hunt, age unknown; Thi Kim Tran, aged 45; an unnamed woman, 39; an unnamed woman, 28; Pheobe Bishop, aged 17; an unnamed woman aged 48; Muzhda Habibi, aged 23; Lauren Hopkins, 47; Norma Dutton, aged 85; Krystel Paul, aged 41; an unnamed woman aged 22; Leanne Akrap, aged 47; an unnamed woman aged 81; Amanda Rahman, aged 62; Shafeeqa Husseini, aged 41; Zoe Walker, 38; Athena Georgopoulos, aged 39; Summer Fleming, aged 20; Anu Kumar, aged 32; an unnamed woman aged 30; Carra Luke, aged 48; an unnamed woman aged 31; an unnamed woman aged 23; an unnamed woman aged 52; Irene Selmes, aged 84; an unnamed woman, age unknown; Jordana Johnson, just 36; an unnamed woman aged 58; Lisa Ward, aged 55; Rhukaya Lake, aged 39; and Marcia Chalmers, 86.”
Australian House of Representatives24 November 2025Source ↗
“It is with a heavy heart that I rise to speak on this motion marking the 16 days of activism against gender based violence. Gender based violence manifests in many ways, from coercive control to physical assault and, at its most devastating, the loss of women's lives. Since I last read the names of women killed by violence, 52 Australian women have lost their lives through acts of violence. Every year, I read this list in the hope that it will be the last, but, heartbreakingly, that day has not yet come. Today, as we begin the 16 days of activism, we must recommit ourselves to ending this national emergency of violence against women and children , and we honour the women whose lives were stolen this year.”
Australian House of Representatives24 November 2025Source ↗
“I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) 25 November 2025 marks the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, beginning 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence; (b) in Australia, it has been publicly reported that approximately 40 women have been killed by acts of violence so far this year; (c) one in three Australian women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by a man since the age of 15; (d) violence against women and girls impacts everyone, of all genders, ages, ethnicities, religions and socio-economic backgrounds, it does not discriminate and is almost always committed by men; and (e) there is no excuse for violence against women and girls; (2) commends the work that the Government has done so far in taking immediate and practical steps to support women and children to escape violence through significant investments; and (3) recognises that there is still much more work to be done to prevent violence against women and children and create lasting change, which demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to prevention, early intervention, response, recovery and healing, alongside strengthening the justice system and addressing issues like financial abuse and online safety.”
Australian House of Representatives24 November 2025Source ↗
“In Newcastle we've always understood that balance—prosperity through innovation while protecting our coast and waterways. This bill reflects that legacy. This is nation-building reform. It creates a modern, trusted system of environmental protection. For the first time, the environmental information will be public in real time; for the first time, the Commonwealth will set binding standards; and, for the first time, there will be an independent, national EPA—a strong cop on the beat. This is what Australians expect, and it is what Labor is delivering. This is a moment of decision. The people of Newcastle expect us to protect both jobs and the environment. We can deliver the renewable energy and the housing we need while safeguarding nature. Let's pass this bill. Let's protect our environment and build our economy at the same time.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“This is the same Greens party that teamed up with the coalition to block the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme in 2009, setting the stage for a decade—indeed, decades—of climate inaction. They also teamed up to send more of Australia's rubbish overseas, missing an opportunity to create jobs here and protect our environment. Whether it's the climate, housing or environmental reform, the Greens have too often put their own political interests above the national interest. If the Greens now choose to block this legislation, they will only have themselves to blame for the lack of progress on environmental law reform. This bill is not about choosing between the environment and the economy. The two are inseparable. Strong standards provide certainty for investors and fairness for responsible operators.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“Graeme Samuel himself has warned that the ongoing obstruction by the coalition and, disappointingly, by the Greens is a betrayal of the Australian government—and he is right. This is our one shot for a once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix a system that has failed both business and nature for far too long. The Greens want to frame this legislation as a tug of war between the environment and the economy. They assert a false choice: that you can have one but not the other. And that is simply wrong. You don't have to choose between the environment and jobs or business. You can protect and grow both. Rather than petty political stunts, the Greens should learn their lessons and work with the government to deliver what the Australian people want. The Australian people have voted not once but twice for this legislation. Let's get this done.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“You all should be on board, quite frankly, in the national interest to begin with. But review after review has told us that these laws, our current environment laws, are not fit for purpose. We all know that. If you were all honest you would all admit that yourselves. In 2020, Professor Graeme Samuel delivered that review and made it very clear to all that the current system was broken: it's too slow, too complex and too weak. He called for strong national environmental standards and a tough, independent regulator to enforce them. Yet, since then, we've seen delay after delay after delay, and that is fuelled not only by community but by people who take advantage of political games.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“In crafting these reforms, we have looked to three pillars: firstly, stronger protection and restoration; secondly, efficient and robust assessments and approvals; and, thirdly, accountability, including the National Environmental Protection Agency. When it comes to housing, the Greens choose politics over progress every single time. They worked with Peter Dutton in the last term to block progress here in Canberra, they block housing in their local communities and they offer fantasy fixes that make the housing crisis worse. The Australian people have shown the Greens that they have a pretty dim view of opposition for opposition's sake. It's time they heeded the message and worked constructively with government. You've got an option. We can work this way, or we can work that way.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“It means safer, healthier communities; stronger air quality standards; better land-use planning; and cleaner waterways as well as greater resilience to the growing impacts of climate change. But this bill doesn't just tighten rules; it streamlines processes. For too long, approvals have been mired in duplication. This bill creates a single consistent framework with efficient, transparent decisions. For too many builders, it takes a longer time to get approval for a home than to build one. Building on the Australian Labor government's ambitious $43 billion housing agenda, the government announced in August that it would fast-track 26,000 homes currently under environmental assessment. But the measures in this bill tackle the underlying cause of delay while delivering stronger protections for nature.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“The Hunter is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution with green hydrogen and ammonia, battery manufacturing, a clean energy precinct at the Port of Newcastle and a net zero manufacturing centre at Tighes Hill TAFE. We need a framework that supports that transition, not one that rewards inaction or delay. It means investment certainty for the renewable energy and clean technology sectors. Investors want clarity. I do not understand how the coalition does not get this point. Investors want to know that environmental approvals will be handled efficiently and transparently. This bill gives them that confidence by unlocking new projects, cheap and clean energy, and new jobs—very important in regions like Newcastle and the Hunter.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“It delivers one system, one set of rules and one national approach underpinned by a tough, independent national environment protection authority with the powers and resources to enforce the law and hold offenders to account. For Newcastle, this reform means real, tangible outcomes. It means a cleaner harbour and waterfront. Our port activity is vital to our regional economy, but our community also deserves clean water, safe recreation and restored shoreline amenity. Stronger standards and a tougher EPA mean better monitoring, less pollution and healthier waterways for everyone. It means stronger protections for our industrial zones as they undergo transition.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“It creates a streamlined, efficient and effective framework that cuts duplication, reduces the delays and restores trust in the system. For too long, approvals have been bogged down by complexity and inconsistency, frustrating businesses and communities alike. This bill replaces that patchwork with one clear, strong set of rules that are legally enforceable national environmental standards. They are the first of their kind in Australia's history. Let's not hear this nonsense that these laws are not profound enough or that they're too profound for some members opposite. No longer will polluters be able to shop around for the weakest rules. No longer will Australians be left guessing which government is responsible when things go wrong.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“Our harbour, our wetlands and our coastline from Merewether to Stockton are not just beautiful backdrops; they are part of our city's identity. They sustain livelihoods, tourism, recreation and community wellbeing. They provide the critical habitats for biodiversity and shorelines for threatened migratory shorebirds and, of course, the green and golden bell frog. Every worker who clocks on early in the morning, every family that walks the foreshore and every child who plays in our parks and on our beaches deserves clean air, clean water and a safe environment. This bill offers that better future. The Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 is the most significant overhaul of Australia's national environmental laws in a generation.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“I rise today as the federal member for Newcastle, a city deeply proud of its historical heart which sits alongside our world-class beaches and our internationally recognised wetlands, to speak in very strong support of this Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025. This bill is about far more than legislative reform. It's about the kind of future we want to choose for our children, our grandchildren and the generations to come. Newcastle is no stranger to transformation. We've evolved from our foundations in steelmaking, shipbuilding and heavy industry to a city of innovation, creativity and resilience. We know what hard work looks like. But we also know that the health of our environment underpins everything.”
Australian House of Representatives5 November 2025Source ↗
“It's making sure local people— A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 13:20 to 13:30”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“Across the country we partnered with states and territories to deliver $1.5 billion for over 500,000 free TAFE and VET places and we made free TAFE permanent, locking in 100,000 places every year from 2027 under the new free TAFE act of 2025. Already more than 650,000 Australians have enrolled in free TAFE and over 170,000 have completed a course, 48,000 of those in construction alone. That is 170,000 people saving thousands of dollars and setting themselves up for secure well-paid work. In Newcastle we're seeing this investment transform our region. At TAFE NSW, on the Tighes Hill campus, Labor is investing or delivering a $60 million net zero manufacturing centre of excellence. It's a partnership between the Albanese and Minns Labor governments that links our clean energy goals with real training and real jobs.”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“In the first month of the incentives for housing construction apprentices, 1,250 apprentices have signed up, and I am very pleased to advise the House that 475 of those were from my electorate of Newcastle. If ever you wanted to understand a community that prides itself on the benefits of a trades education, you need look no further than Newcastle. We have increased the living away from home allowance for the first time in 20 years and we have lifted the disability Australian apprenticeship wage support payments for the first time since 1998 because we want cost-of-living support to match the value of the work that apprentices do.”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 13:04 to 13:17 We know times are tough and cost-of-living pressures are real and that is why the Albanese Labor government is helping more Australians take up apprenticeships and stick with them, particularly in the housing and construction sector where the demand for skilled workers has never been greater. From 1 July 2025 we expanded the Key Apprenticeship Program to include a housing construction apprenticeship stream, offering up to $10,000 in incentive payments to eligible new apprentices, and already more than 4,700 have commenced in trades like plumbing, carpentry and electrical work.”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“I welcome this opportunity to speak in the Australian parliament on apprenticeships and skills and to make one thing clear: when it comes to rebuilding our TAFE system, backing apprentices and setting Australia up for the future, Labor delivers. Every Australian deserves the chance to learn a trade, build a career and shape the future of our country. Apprentices are the backbone of our workforce, from the homes we live in to the infrastructure that connects us and to the industries that power our economy. Under Labor, apprentices are getting the support they need, not just to start but also to finish their training. We know times are tough and cost-of-living pressures are real.”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“I also want to acknowledge the work of the state member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery MP, who has been standing shoulder to shoulder with me and the Shortland community in our efforts to try and get this decision reversed. This petition represents a community that is angry, frustrated and, frankly, heartbroken at the prospect of losing an essential local service. Australia Post must listen. In the words of my constituent, Sommer: 'Stop closing all the post offices. We need them.' I seek leave to table the petition. Leave granted.”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“We have seen the same story play out in Elermore Vale, Lambton and Glendale, where local branches have already been shut down. Each time, Australia Post ensures residents that nearby outlets will be able to cope, but the reality is very different. I want to thank the more than 2,000 residents who have signed a petition and contacted me directly, calling on Australia Post to reverse its decision to close the Shortland Post Office. For these residents the efforts to date are simply not good enough. I want to assure Shortland residents that their voice matters. I will continue to fight alongside you to keep the Shortland Post Office open and accessible for all.”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“The message from Shortland residents is loud and clear: 'We want our post office to stay open.' Jennifer told me, 'Shortland is a great post office offering early opening times and a convenient local collection point for parcels.' Francis said, 'I have limited capacity to access postal services, so the impending closure of Shortland Post Office has significant impact on me.' Merryn stressed to me: 'This decision to close post offices is selfish and discriminatory to those in the area who are elderly, don't drive, are disadvantaged or are disabled. They provide vital services to people, such as banking, and not even has access to technologies.' These are not isolated concerns. They reflect a pattern of disregard from Australia Post for local communities right across Newcastle and the Hunter region.”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“I rise today to again raise the concerns of my community about the imminent closure of Shortland Post Office. Shortland Post Office has been a critical part of the social fabric of this community for decades. It's more than just a place to send letters or collect parcels; it's a lifeline, especially for older residents, people with disabilities and those who don't drive.”
Australian House of Representatives27 October 2025Source ↗
“This bill is a solemn promise to the Australian people that we will not drift into wilful unpreparedness again and that we will build institutions that are resilient and capable of safeguarding life. In doing so, we honour the lessons from the past—from COVID and outbreaks of influenza to other health shocks. We equip our nation for the future. I commend this bill to the House, and I sincerely urge all members to support it.”
Australian House of Representatives9 October 2025Source ↗
“It respects federated responsibility; it doesn't try to usurp the states or territories. It complements, cooperates and coordinates. It safeguards rights and balances powers. Transparency, accountability, privacy protections and limitations on coercive powers are built into this legislation. It demands continued investment, so passing this bill is only the beginning. We must resource the CDC properly and ensure it remains responsive, credible and well governed. Above all, it is people focused. This is about protecting Australian lives, restoring trust and making sure Australians, no matter where they live, can rely on a system that is going to respond swiftly, transparently and effectively when it matters most.”
Australian House of Representatives9 October 2025Source ↗
“There are many Australians who have long advocated for this, but I want to take a moment to recognise two Novocastrians who really worked hard to ensure that this was on the Labor government's agenda and part of our national conversation. One is a fantastic local constituent of mine, Sue Wood, and the other is my predecessor, the former federal member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson. Let me summarise the case for supporting this bill, because I heard a lot of mischief-making last night in some of the debate on the bill. There is a strong case for supporting the bill before the House. It is foundational. Without these provisions, the CDC cannot function coherently. This bill enables clarity and certainty by legislating the roles and the migration of powers to prevent legal vacuums and confusion.”
Australian House of Representatives9 October 2025Source ↗
“Because of the lack of planning, Australia's pandemic response to COVID was slow and confused and lacked authority. Our community, like so many others, lived with the uncertainty of changing rules, supply shortages, school disruptions and the heartbreak of isolation from loved ones. These were not abstract policy failures; they were lived experiences. Communities want certainty that when the next outbreak or emerging threat arrives we will be ready. The new CDC, supported by this bill, provides that assurance. In our region, and right across Australia, this reform will streamline responses and ensure that emerging infectious threats, whether pandemic or endemic, receive a national backbone of leadership, not fragmented responses.”
Australian House of Representatives9 October 2025Source ↗
“The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases has also endorsed this bill and called for continued support and partnership with the research and clinical community. Thus we must commit not only to the passing of this legislation but also to the funding, staffing, infrastructure and oversight mechanisms, including transparent reporting, parliamentary scrutiny and community engagement. As the member for Newcastle, I understand how local health infrastructure, trust in public health advice, and preparedness for outbreaks matter deeply to people's lives—in our schools, workplaces and aged-care homes and in our urban and regional centres. In recent years our nation saw how fragile continuity can be when systems are overwhelmed. As the COVID-19 response inquiry highlighted, Australia wasn't prepared for a pandemic.”
Australian House of Representatives9 October 2025Source ↗
“In short, transparency is baked into this legislation, not retrofitted. Another concern is how data—in particular, sensitive health information—will be handled. This legislation ensures that the use, sharing and disclosure of data will be consistent with the Privacy Act and tightly controlled. The CDC cannot compel government entities to release data. The legislation explicitly prohibits any overreach, including data power grabs. Protected information under the CDC Act is exempt from freedom-of-information requests under the FOI amendments in this bill. An institution without resources is just an aspiration; it's not a reality. The Australian Medical Association has welcomed this legislation but emphasised the importance of sustained funding and expert leadership for the CDC to command credibility.”
Australian House of Representatives9 October 2025Source ↗
“Of course, new institutions and powers always invite scrutiny—rightly so. In supporting the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill and the Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill, I want to acknowledge several legitimate concerns and show how legislation is structured to address them. The CDC must be seen by the public as an independent, objective and evidence driven institution. The draft legislation includes mandatory publication of advice and underlying evidence; an advisory committee appointed based on expertise to provide challenge and perspective, though without decision-making powers; and that at least one member of the advisory council be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, to ensure that First Nations perspectives are included.”
Australian House of Representatives9 October 2025Source ↗
“These changes mean that caring is no longer an automatic penalty for women's economic participation and that women's retirement savings will no longer suffer because they took the time to raise their family. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 1 1 : 59 to 12:11 Proposed expenditure agreed to.”
Australian House of Representatives8 October 2025Source ↗
“Closing the gender-pay gap is a key ambition of Labor's Working for women: a strategy for gender equality the first national strategy for gender equality this nation's ever seen, I note. While we've achieved the lowest gender-pay gap on record and the highest record of women's workforce participation, we know there is more to do, and we will keep going. We know the unequal burden of care is one of the biggest drivers of women's economic disadvantage, and that's why we've expanded paid parental leave to six months and, for the first time, we are paying superannuation on that leave. We've made child care more affordable for more than a million families, making it possible for more women to stay in or return to work.”
Australian House of Representatives8 October 2025Source ↗
“They mean women are able to earn to their full potential, reduce reliance on insecure work and provide stability for their families, as well as boosting our nation's productivity. We've also taken real steps to close the gender-pay gap. Labor has legislated to make gender pay equity a core principle in workplace relations. We've pushed for stronger wage outcomes in industries where women dominate, like aged care, health, education and social services, and we have delivered four consecutive increases to the minimum wage, lifting the pay of nearly three million Australians, most of them women. Women on average are now earning $255.10 more per week than they did in May 2022, when we were elected. Labor's doing work right across the economy to lift women's pay.”
Australian House of Representatives8 October 2025Source ↗
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026 with a special focus around women's economic equality, because it's never an afterthought for the Albanese Labor government but rather the centrepiece of our economic plan. If you're going to talk economics, you need to talk about how you achieve gender equity, and you are never going to get there, on the other side of the chamber, so listen up. Since 2022 women's total employment has increased by 193,400 positions, with more women now in fulltime work with greater security, higher pay and the opportunity to build long-term financial independence. Importantly these achievements are much more than just statistics.”
Australian House of Representatives8 October 2025Source ↗
“It is only right that these plans be developed in close consultation with survivors and families of the victims so that it can stand as a place of quiet reflection, of remembrance and of learning for future generations. Newcastle will never forget Jennifer, Colin and Fiona. We honour their lies and stand alongside their families. In doing so, we recommit ourselves to building a world defined not by hate and violence but by peace, compassion and enduring strength of community. That is the best way we can honour the lives lost—by ensuring that love and unity have the final word.”
Australian House of Representatives8 October 2025Source ↗
“I know that Sharon's presence at the memorial service was very much appreciated. I'm struck by the courage of the survivors and families who continue to share their stories, keeping alive the memory of those we lost and reminding us of the enduring power of love and resilience in the face of terror. Their words were not only an act of remembrance but also a gift to the rest of us, teaching us about courage, perseverance and the unbreakable bonds of community. It is fitting that the Australian government has now committed to establishing a new permanent memorial, ensuring that the memory of the victims of the 2005 Bali bombings will be forever honoured. This will be not only a place of quiet reflection but also a national marker of our collective grief and our determination to stand firm against the forces of hatred and terror.”
Australian House of Representatives8 October 2025Source ↗
“For the families of Jennifer, Colin and Fiona, and all of those who lost a loved one that day or continue to live with injury or trauma, the pain is ongoing, but so too is the strength of our community's resolve to come together, to remember and to honour. I was devastated to be unable to attend the memorial service in person, but I want to thank my friend and colleague, who joins me in the chamber today, the Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts, for his attendance, which I know meant a lot to my community. I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, the former member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson, for her thoughtful actions and compassionate response 20 years ago, when our community was forced to face squarely the shocking consequences of terrorism.”
Australian House of Representatives8 October 2025Source ↗