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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“I am honoured to be able to speak to this issue in strong support of the expansion of the five per cent deposit scheme—a practical, commonsense initiative that will make a real difference for Australians who have been locked out of the housing market. This scheme is, essentially, about fairness. It's about giving Australians—hardworking nurses, teachers, police officers, hospitality workers—a genuine shot at the great Australian dream of homeownership. For too many people, that dream has felt out of reach. Let's be honest. Saving a 20 per cent deposit in today's housing market is simply impossible for many Australians, particularly young people and families who are trying to buy that first home. In Newcastle the median house price is around $900,000.”
“Most importantly, it betrays regions like mine. Only Labor has a plan for clean energy, good jobs and a fairer, more sustainable Australia.”
“In Newcastle, we've already seen from the Labor government a massive $100 million commitment to establish a clean energy precinct at the Port of Newcastle. We've got another $425 million for a hydrogen hub at Orica, $60 million into the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at Tighes Hill TAFE and $21 million for a new Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle. But what do those opposite offer? They'd rip all of that up plus lead us into more delay, more denial and more division. Yet every serious investor, every major trading partner and every responsible business leader knows the future is in clean energy. This motion is a joke, but the consequences are deadly serious. It betrays Australians, it betrays kids and it betrays every worker who is counting on this country to have a plan about their future.”
“There is a dramatic shift to renewables, and we want to be part of powering the future. That's why it is so detrimental that those who oppose renewable projects offer nothing but fear and misinformation. They talk about what they're against but never what they are for. They've got no plans for jobs in towns like mine, no plan for investment and no plan for the future. Novocastrians deserve better than scare campaigns from those opposite; they deserve honesty, ambition and vision. That's exactly what Labor is delivering—billions in clean energy investment and a plan to ensure workers and communities like mine share in the benefits of this major economic transformation that we cannot pretend is not coming.”
“It betrays the very Australians who want their kids and their grandkids to inherit a safe, livable planet. People in my electorate of Newcastle and, indeed, right across the country know the cost of inaction. They've lived through the bushfires, the floods and the record-breaking heat waves. They understand that climate change is not some distant threat; it is here now, and it is hurting us. What's the coalition's answer? They pretend climate change is not happening. They're ripping up commitments, walking away from jobs and leaving our economy stranded in the past. Newcastle has always led the way. This city, my home town of Newcastle, was built on coal. We have a carbon intensive economy. We have powered the nation for generations. But do you know what? The world is shifting.”
“Meanwhile, we've got the Leader of the Opposition and a whole bunch of other people, including members from the other place, saying they support net zero. I read in the Age this morning Senator Hume saying that they support it. Which is it? We can't pretend to back climate change in the cities while trashing it in the regions. We've seen polling, again, just over the weekend, that the majority of Liberal voters—who turned their backs on this party at the last election—want the coalition to back in Australia's 2050 net zero commitments. The polling also found that half of the former coalition supporters don't believe the Liberals or Nationals any longer align with their personal values and what they want to see on climate change and energy. This motion is nothing more than climate denialism. It is reckless. It is dangerous.”
“This is extraordinary. Here we are in 2025, and the coalition wants to kill Australia's commitment to net zero. It's not just short sighted; it is ludicrous. Have they learnt absolutely nothing? Did they forget the last election? Australians voted loud and clear for action on climate change. They voted for a government that takes the science seriously, a government that plans for the future, not one that wants to drag us back to the dark old days of climate wars. Let's be very clear; Australians want action. Every poll shows it, every community conversation confirms it and the last federal election proved it. But here we are today, with the coalition still not sure where they stand. Talking out both sides of their mouths on net zero, this motion before us comes from the member for New England and is his attempt to repeal net zero.”
“To those opposite I say: do not block this. Do not delay this. Do not play politics with people's health. Support this bill. Stand with families doing it tough. Stand with the pensioners and veterans. Stand with every Australian who deserves access to the medicines they need without breaking the bank. That is why I'm proud to support this legislation. It's Labor values in action—fairness, compassion and practical help when people need it most.”
“It should never depend on the size of your pay packet or the postcode where you live. It should be universal, affordable and accessible for every person who calls Australia home. That's what this bill is about. It's about saying clearly, 'Your health matters more than profits, more than politics, more than anything else.' Let me say this again: cheaper medicines are not just good policy; they're good economics. Keeping people well keeps them out of hospital. It keeps people at work. It keeps families strong. It takes pressure off an already stretched health system. More importantly, it's the right course of action. A government is ultimately judged by how well it helps those who need a hand, and this bill does exactly that. It makes life that little bit easier. It makes life that bit fairer. It makes life healthier.”
“There are 150 of us here in this lower house, representing millions of Australians, and I am pretty certain there would not be one seat in this chamber that didn't have constituents who want to see affordable, reliable access to high-quality health care under the Medicare system—people who are right now standing at the pharmacy counter, wondering if they can afford every script their doctor has prescribed. They're the people we're trying to help now—people who are choosing between a blood pressure tablet and a bag of groceries, people who are cutting their tablets in half, hoping it will get them through to the next payday. That's the reality for far too many Australians, and every one of us in this chamber has the power to change that reality for the better today. Health should never be a luxury.”
“To my colleagues across the chamber: this is a moment to put politics aside and back something in to make a tangible difference in every single electorate. This bill delivers relief for families and pensioners under cost-of-living pressures. It delivers health outcomes that keep people well and out of hospital. It delivers a stronger, fairer Medicare for the future. This isn't a symbolic vote. This isn't about securing political points. It's about people and about good health outcomes for our communities everywhere.”
“This bill is also part of a bigger picture—a vision for a health system that is accessible so you don't miss out on the care because of cost, sustainable so GPs, pharmacists, nurses and hospitals can keep delivering world-class care for generations to come and affordable so people can afford to stay healthy. Labor believes in Medicare as the cornerstone of universal health care, and this bill strengthens that foundation. We're not just responding to the immediate cost-of-living crisis, although that is critical; we're also laying the groundwork for a future where people can get the care they need when they need it without worrying about the bill. That's what Labor governments do. We strengthen Medicare, we make medicines cheaper and we make the health system fairer for everyone.”
“They're where people go for advice, for their flu shots, for wound care, for emergency contraception and for support in managing chronic conditions. For some people, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances, the pharmacy might be the only face-to-face health professional they see regularly, and let's not forget the role they played during the pandemic. They kept doors open, provided vaccines, answered questions and calmed fears. They were a lifeline then, and they continue to be so now. So when we talk about cheaper medicines, remember that these are the people who will be administering this important measure. Cheaper medicines only work if there's a trusted pharmacist there to provide them, and in Newcastle we are so lucky to have some of the very best.”
“And for concession card holders, pensioners, veterans and people doing it tough, that relief is locked in for years. Every dollar matters, especially now, and this bill delivers real, practical help. I want to take a moment to shout out to the incredible pharmacists and pharmacy teams that we have in Newcastle. They are so much more than dispensers of medicines. These are people who know their communities inside out. They know their customers by name. They notice when someone seems a little off and they check in. They go that extra mile for people who might be struggling, because, for so many, the local pharmacy is the most accessible point of care. In suburbs right across Newcastle, our pharmacies are community health hubs.”
“They knocked back proposals for cheaper medicines when they were in office, keeping prices higher for patients. They cut funding for hospitals and, instead of fixing them, picked fights with the states. Back in my part of the world, they also closed GP Access After Hours services. This was the only access to bulk-billing that many people had in our region. The difference is crystal clear: Labor strengthens Medicare and makes medicines cheaper; the Liberals and the National Party weakened Medicare and let prices soar. So let's be clear: when you reduce the cost of common medicines like cholesterol tablets, antibiotics, blood pressure meds and antidepressants, you're delivering relief where people actually feel it. This isn't about a one-off bonus or a token gesture; it's money back in people's pockets every single month.”
“We've had 60-day prescriptions, saving time and money for millions of Australians with ongoing health conditions. We've have the freezing of the cost of PBS medicines, with co-payments not rising with inflation for all Australians for the first time in 25 years. We've had the tripling of the bulk-billing incentives for GPs, helping to keep care affordable and accessible. We've also had the opening of Medicare urgent care clinics right across the country, including one at Charlestown, near Newcastle, so people can get seen quickly without a wait in an emergency department. We are expanding access to life-saving scans and tests under Medicare. Now let's compare that with the track record of the coalition parties. They froze Medicare rebates for six long years, pushing up GP costs and forcing more people into emergency departments.”
“When you take the financial stress out of filling a prescription, you improve lives and you take pressure off the hospital system, which is something that every government and every hospital administrator wants to see. It's worth pausing for a moment here to look at the difference in approach between the Albanese Labor government and those opposite, the coalition, when it comes to health. Labor's record over the past three years speaks for itself: more free and cheaper medicines sooner, with a 25 per cent reduction in the number of scripts a concessional patient must fill before the PBS safety net kicks in, and the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS, with the maximum cost of a general script falling from $42.50 to $30—and, now with this bill, going down even further to just $25.”
“Since Labor first reduced the PBS copayment last year, Novocastrians have saved more than $10 million from more than 1.2 million scripts, under Labor's cheaper-medicines bill, for a maximum $25 copayment. They'll save millions more. That's pensioners in Wallsend who can now afford every script on the list. It's young parents in Mayfield who don't have to choose between asthma medication for their kids and paying the water bill. It's people with chronic conditions—diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health needs—who can stay on track with their treatment instead of ending up in hospital. We know the flow-on effect: healthier people, fewer preventable hospital visits and a health system that works better for everyone. These are the kinds of flow-on effects we really want to see.”
“That's what this bill is designed to fix. This legislation is practical and targeted. It will cut the maximum PBS copayment. That's the most you'll pay for many common medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This bill will also keep the copayment freeze for concession card holders going even longer, so pensioners, veterans and others on fixed incomes will know that they're not going to be hit with these price hikes. These are practical changes that mean immediate savings for households, without undermining the pharmacies that are so critical to our health system. This is smart, sensible reform that balances affordability for more than 5.1 million patients with sustainability for providers. I always like to bring these big national reforms home, literally, and look at what they mean for Newcastle.”
“For many Australians medicines are a significant cost-of-living pressure, affecting women at almost twice the rate of men. In fact, in 2023-24, nearly 1.2 million Australians delayed or did not fill a script because of the cost. That's not just a number. That's real people—mums, dads, grandparents—having to make an impossible choice between their health and their household budget. I've had countless conversations in Newcastle with people who've told me they've had to delay filling a script or cut tablets in half to make them last longer. Imagine being told by your doctor that you need a full dose to stay healthy and then having to take the risk of halving it because you simply can't afford the next box. That's not how a world-class health system should work. You shouldn't have to gamble with your health just to keep the lights on.”
“I am very pleased to speak in support of this bill before the House tonight, the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025. At its heart this bill is about something simple but powerful: making sure people can afford the medicines they need—not in theory, not in a few years, but right now, in the middle of a cost-of-living crunch, when every dollar matters. This is a bill that goes to the core of what we value as Australians: fairness, equity and the belief that no-one should have to compromise their health because of what's in their wallet. We know the price of essentials has been creeping up, whether it's at the grocery shop, in the electricity bill or on the fuel gauge. For far too many Australians that pressure has included the pharmacy counter.”
“My community is already reeling from shock closures of post offices in Elermore Vale, Lambton and Glendale, not to mention the closure of Windale and Wangi Wangi post offices in my neighbouring electorates. The closure of yet another post office will only place additional strain on the already under-pressure outlets at Wallsend and Jesmond. That's why I have written to the minister, asking that she work with Australia Post to reconsider this closure and increase services in the western suburbs of my electorate. On every occasion, I have been a strong advocate for fair and equitable access to essential postal services, and you can be sure that I will continue to fight for our local post offices.”
“Australia Post has recently advised me that the Shortland post office will be closing its doors in November. This news has caused considerable distress for people in my community. For Shortland residents, the post office has long served as a vital community hub, especially for the elderly, people with disabilities and small businesses who rely on accessible, in-person postal services. Residents like Monica contacted my office and told me that the post office, which operates outside of regular business hours, has been a blessing to her over the years. Like many other Shortland residents, Ruth tells me that alternative outlets in Wallsend and Jesmond are not convenient due to their location within large, very busy shopping centres. Pip, a single mum of two kids, says she feels sick thinking about having to go to these alternative locations.”
“There is not a single woman on this side of the House—and, I suspect, across the House, to be frank—that thinks that we can just say 'job done' and move on. We know that these challenges remain. Rates of gendered violence, for example, remain far too high. Too many women still do not feel the full benefit of these reforms in their daily lives, and that's why delivering for Australian women remains very much the focus of our second term. We're auditing the Commonwealth systems to prevent financial abuse, embedding a gender lens in housing and industry policy and continuing to strengthen women's leadership and representation. This government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all women, in every part of the nation, have the fundamental rights of safety, equality, dignity and opportunity.”
“Let's put contraception that women should have been able to access on the PBS. For the first time in 30 years, there are two of those new listings on the PBS. That is a good thing. There are new Medicare items for menopause care and for expanded endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics. We've delivered more than $4 billion in women's safety, because true equality is impossible while violence against women persists, and an historic parliament and cabinet. It's the first time for a cabinet to have a majority of women, proving that representation matters. We've also delivered Australia's first national gender equality strategy, Working for Women, setting out a 10-year road map across safety, economic security, health, leadership and care. We know that challenges remain for Australian women.”
“These reforms are already making a difference in communities like mine in Newcastle, where thousands of students and young families stand to benefit, but that's just part of Labor's agenda. Since 2022, we have delivered record lows for the gender pay gap. Just last week the ABS released data that women in full-time work are earning more than $250 more each week than they were three years ago. That's a good thing. Encouragingly, that data shows that women's workforce participation has also hit a record high, growing to 63.5 per cent—the first time for Australia. We've delivered cheaper child care for over a million families, because affordability is key to women's workforce participation. We've delivered historic economic investments in women's health, including cheaper contraception.”
“Families accessing paid parental leave are now nearly $12,000 better off compared to how they were prior to us coming to office. It includes three consecutive increases to the minimum wage, lifting the pay rates of nearly three million Australians—and guess what? The majority of those on minimum wage are women in sectors like care, retail and early education. Backing in those wage increases is critical to lifting the economic security of women. It includes commencing the Commonwealth paid prac payment scheme for student teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers, who are overwhelmingly women. Easing that financial pressure during mandatory placements is critical. We're investing in the professions that all of our communities rely on.”
“Under the coalition, Australia's gender equality ranking collapsed to 50th place on that list of 148 countries. That was, I shouldn't have to say, the lowest Australia has ever been. Thanks to Labor, we are now up to 13th. As I said, that's the highest we have ever been. But don't, for one moment, think we're resting on our laurels. Why shouldn't we be No. 1? That's the ambition of all of us on this side of the House. The Labor government spent its first term delivering major reform to improve the lives of Australian women. This includes expanding paid parental leave to 24 weeks and, for the first time, adding superannuation to that paid parental leave, strengthening retiring incomes and recognising the value of care work.”
“I am delighted to rise in support of this motion moved by my friend and colleague the member for Brisbane to reaffirm Labor's unwavering commitment to driving economic equality for Australian women. The World Economic Forum 's G lobal g ender g ap r eport 2025 has seen Australia jump 11 places in the global rankings in the last 12 months, to 13th position out of 148 countries, for gender equality. This is Australia's highest ranking since the index began back in 2008. For Labor, gender equality is not an optional extra. It's fundamental to fairness, to prosperity and to building a stronger nation. From day one, this government has placed women's social and economic equality at the centre of everything it does. Over the past decade of coalition government, women were left behind.”
“Representing our incredible city is the honour of my life. I will never take it for granted and I will continue to fight for you every single day. To the tireless volunteers who gave their time, energy and heart to our campaign; to my campaign team; and to my parliament and electorate office teams: thank you for your dedication and care that you show to all of our constituents day in and day out. You're the backbone of my work, and your support ensures that every person who walks through our doors, rings or sends that email is heard and respected. To my Labor colleagues, to my family and friends and, finally, to the many community groups, unions, educators, community health workers, business owners, carers, students and everyday locals who engage with me: thank you. You always help shape the work I can do.”
“There is $70,000 for King Street hotel to improve disability access and install lighting and a sound desk, $67,000 to keep live music fans singing and dancing at West Best Bloc Fest and almost $10,000 for Hamilton Station Hotel to upgrade their equipment so they can continue to host local, national and international artists. While I don't have time to run through every bit of funding this Labor government has invested in my community, I would like to leave you with a figure—a figure of the total funding amount during the last term of government. It's $1.5 billion. That is just in the last three years alone. This term, Labor is just as, if not more, ambitious for our town. Before I close, I'd like to take a moment to say thank you first and foremost to the people of Newcastle. Thank you again for putting your trust in me.”
“This project will convert a degraded and graffiti covered urban drain into a living stream by providing new aquatic habitat to link restored upstream riparian corridors with the internationally significant Hunter wetlands that I mentioned before. These investments aren't just about fixing problems. They're about creating a healthier, more resilient environment that our community can be proud of for generations to come. Newcastle has a massive cultural heart. This is something that the Albanese Labor government get, which is why we've also invested $100,000 in Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub, supporting residencies, First Nations and regional choreographers.”
“The reason this is so important is that it will help protect our internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands, making sure that our kids and future generations can continue to enjoy our unique plants, animals, habitats and places. I am also so excited to deliver a further $10 million during this term to naturalise Ironbark Creek in Wallsend. For too long our community has lived with the shocking consequences of major flooding, and it's caused significant distress for residents while also constraining economic development in Wallsend. While this funding is about mitigating flooding in Wallsend, it also has positive impacts further upstream.”
“It's a really iconic coastal stretch that suffered a landslip during a deluge of rain. It was simply too much for the local government to do on its own, and this is when partnerships between the federal and local governments work so brilliantly. We also had $6 million for upgrades to roads in Adamstown Heights, New Lambton and Elermore Vale; $661,000 for road and pedestrian upgrades to Woodford Street, Minmi; and $469,000 for safety upgrades to National Park Street in Hamilton South, along with another $450,000 for a shared path on Minmi Road in Fletcher. Late last year I was so excited to visit the Hunter Wetlands Centre with some great news—that they had been successful in securing over $550,000 for the restoration of significant sites within this precious ecosystem.”
“There was $285,000 for a new in-ground irrigation system at Wallsend Park, $1.5 million for female change rooms at the Bernie Curran Oval at Callaghan, and $625,000 for a new grandstand and facility upgrades at the Darling Street Oval in Broadmeadow. And I am so pleased that I will soon be able to deliver a further $3 million for sorely needed drainage and irrigation at Upper Reserve in Wallsend. Labor know that a great city is built on strong suburbs and towns, and that's why we're investing to make sure that people don't just live where they live; they love where they live. That's why we're investing $16.7 million for upgrades to the Cathedral Park and Newcastle's East End project. We've committed $5 million to stabilise Memorial Drive and provide safe pedestrian passage. This work has already been completed.”
“As the birthplace of high-speed rail in Australia, this project means generations of new opportunities for Novocastrians. We've got to understand that high-speed rail is not just fast transport. It means more jobs; sustainable, low-emissions transport into the future; and greater choice about where you get to live, work, study and play. There will be a tremendous economic uplift as a result of this project between the two major cities of New South Wales. But that, of course, is the first leg of a much larger project we envisage from Brisbane through to Melbourne. This Albanese Labor government has also made massive investments in local sports facilities.”
“Once operational, those road projects combined will significantly benefit the hundreds of thousands of motorists who travel in and around our region every day—improving road safety, reducing travel times and giving people more time with their families. No-one wants to sit in congested traffic when you could be at home with your kids. We've got a $500 million investment in high-speed rail, which represents a new chapter in Newcastle and our region's economic story. Since coming to government, we've established the High Speed Rail Authority, with an office and community hub in Newcastle; we've completed all of the geotechnical drilling work that needed to be done; and Infrastructure Australia is now reviewing the business case.”
“It's about to come into being, and, in October, the very first direct international flights from Newcastle to Bali will take off. This means tourism, jobs and global connections for our region, and I can't tell you how excited Novocastrians are about that. There was a sale of those tickets; it was sold out within hours of them going online. It's the same story that we have with the highly anticipated final link of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace, and the notorious Hexham Straight—backed by this government to the tune of $2.1 billion, and getting closer to completion.”
“We've delivered cheaper child care to more than one million families, and now we're making early childhood education safer, simpler, more accessible and more affordable. We've introduced paid prac, so that Australians studying nursing, teaching, midwifery or social work can get paid while they're on a placement. I can't stress what a game changer this is. These were people who previously had to give up paid jobs in order to undertake unpaid placements that are a mandatory part of their degree program. This is making sure we get people into all of those jobs that we all depend on and need done in our communities. Here in Newcastle, Labor is also delivering a future that works—one with secure jobs, strong industry and modern infrastructure. We've got our $55 million investment into Newcastle Airport's international terminal.”
“Labor doesn't see education in silos; we understand it is a lifelong journey from early learning, through school, into vocational education and training or university, and beyond. We've already cut student debt, and we've made the HELP system fairer to ensure your debt doesn't keep rising unfairly. Now we've gone a step further, wiping a further 20 per cent off all student loans as our first order of business in this new 48th Parliament. We've delivered more than 600,000 free TAFE places, including more than 5,100 Novocastrians who are now enjoying the benefits of free TAFE. We've made free TAFE a permanent feature of our vocational education system. We're fully funding public schools, and that is great news for more than 18,000 students across 43 public schools in my electorate of Newcastle.”
“Labor doesn't think that housing should be a political football; we think it should be a national priority. And the results of the last election showed that the Australian people agree. Despite the obstruction, we got there. We passed the Housing Australia Future Fund. We're delivering more emergency accommodation, more affordable rentals and more community housing every day. And we had important announcements as a result of the economic roundtable—announcements that were made in this House today, in fact. But let me be clear: there is much more to do, and we will keep going—building more homes, cutting red tape, unlocking land and giving more Australians a secure place to call home. Education is the bedrock of opportunity, and Labor is making historic investments right across the board.”
“We've increased the incentive payment for housing construction apprentices from $5,000 to $10,000, and I'm proud glad to say that more than 500 apprentices in my local community are benefiting from that incentive payment right now. While I celebrate the progress that this Labor government has made, I must be frank: I wish we were further along. This plan should have been in motion much earlier, but it was blocked. It was blocked in the Senate by the most unlikely alliance of the Greens and the Liberals. While families were struggling to pay the rent, while people were sleeping in cars, while frontline services were crying out for support, the Greens and the Liberals put themselves and their political games first and delayed critical housing investment.”
“Funding for social and affordable homes had declined to its lowest level since World War II. Under Labor, this has changed. We're delivering our $43 billion housing for Australians project, making it easier to buy and better to rent, and we'll be building more homes. This includes the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, the single largest investment in social and affordable housing. We've worked with the states and territories to unlock more housing supply and provide better protections for renters. We've delivered back-to-back increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, benefiting more than 10,000 people in Newcastle alone. We've got a $1 billion fund to build more crisis and transitional housing.”
“We're boosting funding for hospitals across Australia, we're delivering cheaper medicines, already saving Novocastrians more than $10 million, and we've made record investments in women's health, men's health and mental health for parents. From menopause treatments to subsidised contraceptives, targeted prostate cancer support and community based care, we're building a health system that actually serves the people it's meant to protect. One of the biggest pressures facing Australians right now is housing. Whether you are trying to buy your first home, afford your rent, pay your mortgage or find a safe place to live, too many people are being left behind. Labor believes that housing is a fundamental human right. When Labor came to office, the cupboard was bare when it came to housing.”
“It will never be dismantled. It will be protected, strengthened and modernised. We've made the biggest investment in bulk-billing by any government ever, saving families thousands in out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring access is based on need, not wealth. We're putting nurses and doctors back into local communities through our Medicare urgent care clinics. We've secured the future of GP access-after-hours services at the John Hunter and Mater hospitals—a fight I was proud to lead on behalf of my local community. We're launching 1800MEDICARE, a free, nationwide, 24/7 health advice line and an after-hours GP telehealth service. We're strengthening access to mental health care through our new walk-in Medicare mental health clinic at Charlestown and our newly expanded headspace Plus in Newcastle.”
“But we know that infrastructure alone is not enough, and that's why Labor is also establishing a net zero manufacturing centre of excellence at the Tighes Hill TAFE, ensuring that local workers have the skills and training they need to thrive in these new energy industries. We've also delivered $21 million for a new future industries facility at the University of Newcastle, where researchers, industry and students will help shape the net zero economy together. From coal to clean energy, this is what transition looks like: thoughtful, strategic and grounded in the strengths of our region and our people. Novocastrians should be proud. We are not just adapting to the future; we are shaping it. Medicare remains at the beating heart of our health system. And I want to be absolutely clear. Under Labor, it will never be privatised.”
“We've already seen a massive $100 million commitment by the Albanese Labor government to establish a clean energy precinct at the port of Newcastle, a project that will revitalise our port and transform our regional economy. Let's take a moment to appreciate what that means. Land that was once earmarked for the expansion of a coal terminal will now be home to the industries of the future: green hydrogen, green ammonia, renewable exports and energy innovation. This is a game changer. On top of that, we've just announced $425 million for our hydrogen hub at Orica, one of the big heavy industries on Kooragang Island, further cementing Newcastle at the forefront of our clean energy transformation.”
“This is welcome relief for millions of Australians and reflects the substantial and sustained progress we've made on inflation in a volatile and uncertain global environment. And we know there's more work to do, which is why we're building on this relief with long-term reforms to improve housing, skills, energy and income support to build a more secure future for all. One of the most exciting opportunities ahead is Australia's clean energy future, and the Albanese Labor government is making sure Newcastle is at the centre. With a strong industrial base, a world-class port, a skilled and resilient workforce and critical infrastructure, our region is perfectly placed to lead this next chapter.”
“We've got 30 per cent off home batteries, $10,000 for housing apprenticeships and $150 in energy bill relief for every household, building on the energy relief that was provided in the last term of government. We've got an extra two weeks of paid parental leave and superannuation being paid on paid parental leave for the first time ever. There's the $20,000 instant asset write-off, extended again for small businesses, and a $1.8 billion boost for our public schools. There are the historic investments in women's health, giving women more choice, lower costs and a higher quality of care. These are not just promises; these are real, tangible outcomes from a Labor government that cares and delivers. We welcome the Reserve Bank's decision to cut interest rates for the third time in six months.”
“It is a mandate for action—action to help with the cost of living, to rebuild our health and education systems, to deliver secure jobs and better wages, to tackle climate change and create a clean energy future, and to deliver a more inclusive, fairer, more resilient Australia for every Australian, no matter where they live, where they work or who they voted for. We know that, right now, Australians are feeling the pinch, from power bills to groceries to mortgages. That's why, on 1 July, new cost-of-living measures kicked in—meaningful, targeted relief that is already making a difference. We've seen a 3.5 per cent increase to the minimum wage. This, of course, is the third consecutive increase to the minimum wage. We've seen the superannuation guarantee increase from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent.”