Anthony Albanese
Grayndler · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“The ground there at Brookvale Oval, as I call it, was of course sponsored by a gambling company, so every time there's a game on there you see that constant advertising around the ground. What our legislation will do is make sure that future contracts can't be issued with things such as advertising on jerseys or advertising on grounds.”
“She's someone who's passionate about it and tells me about her constituent who is 108 years old and travelled, as a very young boy, from South Australia with family for the opening of the first parliament—and he's still there. We hope he's able to attend again.”
“That is why, just this week, there was the increase in the minimum wage, the decrease in taxes, the support for paid parental leave, super being paid every payday. All of these changes make a positive difference to people's lives.”
“This year, Australia is celebrating 125 years of Federation, and I was with you and other members in Melbourne to commemorate that event of the first sitting of parliament, and it was a very good celebration of our history, which is worthy of celebration.”
“We Australians sometimes think of ourselves as a young nation on an ancient continent, yet by global standards, of course, we are one of the oldest and strongest democracies in the world. Next year will mark an important anniversary: the 100th anniversary of Australian democracy making its home here in Canberra, our national capital.”
“I note the member for McPherson, who's a former attendant in Parliament House, has agreed to be one of the members of that committee as well, and that's a good thing.”
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“We had the highest reserves in 15 years, and we'll continue to act in the national interest because our priority is delivering for all Australians, whether it be on fuel supply and security, whether it be on the cost of living or whether it be on securing Australian industry and a stronger economy. We'll continue to work each and every day to engage constructively with states and territories but also with industry, including peak organisations, to make sure that we come through what is a very difficult period right around the world.”
“We've made sure that all of the fuel that we make in Australia is used in Australia. We've empowered the ACCC to crack down on price gouging and, just today, have introduced even stronger legislation. We've changed the Fair Work Act so truckies are paid fairly when prices spike. Through the National Cabinet, we're delivering a national response so that the states and territories can distribute fuel to where it's needed most and so the Commonwealth can focus on supply. Working with our trading partners in Asia, we're working to get more fuel to Australia, which is part of our reciprocal relationships. We're backing industry to deliver a Future Made in Australia as well, with more energy and manufacturing sovereignty preparing us for the future. When the war began, we were better prepared for a shock like this.”
“I thank the member for Jagajaga for her question and for the leading role that she's playing in policy development for the government going forward as well. What we are dealing with, of course, is global in nature and global in scale, as we heard from the President of the European Commission just yesterday. The war in the Middle East is seriously impacting supply chains and pushing up the cost of fuel right around the world. Here at home, those higher prices are putting Australians under pressure. We recognise that, and that's why we're taking action, setting up the Fuel Supply Taskforce, releasing 20 per cent of our national fuel reserves and changing petrol and diesel standards to get more fuel flowing. We've backed our oil refineries to keep making fuel onshore.”
“I inform the House that the Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs will be absent from question time today. The Deputy Prime Minister will answer questions on his behalf.”
“Now Australian women are able to visit one of these clinics and get the treatment they need. What's more, we've listed new medicines for endo on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, saving thousands of dollars a year. New endo clinics, cheaper medicines, stronger Medicare—that is what you get from a government that takes women's health seriously, and that is what our Labor government is delivering.”
“March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. This is a disease that affects one in seven Australian women, yet for too long the health system didn't take it seriously or treat it properly. As part of the biggest ever investment in women's health, our government is changing that. At the last election we promised to open 11 new endo and pelvic pain clinics, to create a network of 33 clinics right around Australia. Eight of those clinics are already open, and the remaining three will be open next month. I visited the Werribee endo and pelvic pain clinic in February with the member for Lalor, and there I met with Alana. She was 22 years old and she told me that for years her pain was dismissed. She was told, 'Just take a Panadol'—not anymore. She told me of the difference it had made to her life.”
“Banning the use of credit cards for online wagering was one of the recommendations and something that was talked about in evidence before that committee. There was also establishing mandatory customer ID preverification for online wagering, implementing monthly win-loss statements, strengthening classification of video games that contain gambling-like content and, of course, launching the National Self-Exclusion Register, BetStop, which has been enormously successful. The recent independent statutory review of BetStop found that users of the National Self-Exclusion Register have testified that it can truly be a game changer. Ministers and I will continue to engage across the community on this important issue and will continue to report back to the parliament and will continue to take measure after measure on this issue.”
“I thank the member for Curtin for her question. We certainly recognise this as a real issue, but it's extraordinary for you argue that the measures that the government have put in place have not been in response to the Murphy report. That is just not true. That is just factually wrong. The fact is that we continue to work. Indeed, just this week in parliament we're introducing legislation that will stop gambling and tobacco companies from claiming the research and development tax incentive. Until this action is taken by the government, betting firms and poker machine companies are able to claim millions of dollars a year in research and development expenses. We're fixing that. But it also builds on the other actions that we have taken.”
“Earlier today, I met with the coordinator, Anthea Harris. She's convened a meeting already today of the different state coordinators who've been appointed as a result of the National Cabinet meeting that I organised last Thursday through the establishment of the Fuel Supply Taskforce. This is important to coordinate the activity right across different levels of government with the national response. We continue to drive this agenda as well. Part of the agenda has to be to make our economy more resilient. That's one of the lessons that we learned from COVID, and it's one of the lessons that we're being reminded of right now with this issue.”
“We know that increased petrol prices put pressure on Australians, and that's why it's so important to work with every partner that we can, both at home and overseas, to shield our nation as best as possible from the worst of global uncertainty. That's why I engaged with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore and issued a joint statement with him yesterday. That's why we invited and had the executive director of the IEA, Dr Birol, here in Australia. It's why we had a discussion with him yesterday afternoon, and it's why senior members of the government are continuing to engage right across with our partners in the region. The Commonwealth is continuing to lead on supply, and we're coordinating action with the states and territories as well, who have a key role in the distribution of fuel across the nation.”
“It is imperative that freedom of navigation in the region recommences unhindered and we again reiterate Australia's call for Iran to cease this reckless action, which is having the consequence of isolating itself even further from decent people right around the world because of the actions and the reckless way in which it is seeking to damage ordinary people, ordinary citizens, not only in their region of the Middle East but right around the world. Disruption to 20 per cent of the world's oil supply is continuing to impact nations. Indeed, we heard as well about the impact of these actions on the economies of Europe. We live in a world which is more connected than ever before, where no-one is immune from these shocks.”
“I thank the fantastic member for Dickson for the question. As we heard from the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and as most people around the world would recognise, this is a global issue and there are global pressures on trade. There are global pressures on energy supply. There are global pressures on inflation as a result of the actions, particularly of the Iranian regime, which has engaged in attacks on neighbouring nations in the Middle East and effectively closed to almost all traffic the Strait of Hormuz.”
“When we were elected in 2022, beef exports in total were worth $9 billion. It's now $18 billion, double. Last year, beef to the European Union was 4,000 tonnes. This agreement provides for guaranteed preferential access for 35,000 tonnes—4,000 and 35,000, that is the difference. It's eight times our current exports. On sheep meat, this allows for nearly 31,000 tonnes, five times our current market access. That is what we have delivered, but those opposite only have two modes: talking Australia down and tearing each other down. That is all they do. They talk Australia down. (Time expired)”
“The EU is the world's second-largest economy and our third-largest trading partner. Deepening cooperation in trade is important to both of our economies, just as strengthening our defence ties is important for our security as well. Today, we've signed a new security and defence partnership, boosting Australia-EU collaboration across the defence industry, maritime security and cybersecurity as well as in countering terrorism and disinformation. Together, at a time of global uncertainty, with trade in flux, we are acting on both security and prosperity. It was a pleasure to hear the president's address to parliament—the first female leader to do so—with such warmth, friendship and good humour. I hear comments about beef and sheep from those opposite. Let me just give a few facts.”
“I thank the member for Corangamite for her question and for her interest in actually creating jobs in her community which come from free and fair trade. As a result of this EU agreement, we'll have more Australian beef and sheep meat from Queensland and New South Wales. We'll have more Australian wine from Western Australia and South Australia. We'll have more Australian dairy from Victoria and more seafood from Tasmania. They're all proudly Australian products, the very best in the world. After eight years of negotiations, something that couldn't be done by those opposite, we have today signed the Australia-EU free trade agreement. It represents a very good deal for exporters, and for Australian consumers and businesses gaining more access to European products here at home at lower prices.”
“Your attendance at the event that Australia hosted at the United Nations—your being there to hear the story of the wonderful Emma Mason, who took heartache and grievance into campaigning to ensure that other parents don't go through what she went through—to witness that extraordinary courage of parents channelling their personal grief into a call for action, and for you to speak as a mother and grandmother as well as a president, was a powerful statement heard by the world. It was proof that, when we work together, there is nothing that is beyond us. That is the truest spirit that binds us and which unites us. Madam President, you honour us with your presence. You are always welcome in Australia as a partner and, above all, as a friend.”
“To that end, Australia will join this round of Horizon Europe, the world's largest pooled fund for research and innovation. It will bring together the best minds of Australia with those from Europe as we work on new technologies, advanced computing, climate and clean energy, health and critical minerals—research that boosts our resilience, strengthens our economies and makes us more secure, research that builds our future. Madam President, I'm proud that Australia has helped lead the world with our social media ban for under-16s, and I am grateful that you strengthened this effort with your support and with your leadership.”
“Right now, we're all dealing with the challenges thrown up by the conflict in the Middle East and Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, which has brought war to the very edge of the European Union. Every global shock underscores the importance of the second milestone moment in your visit—the signing of the new Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership. The partnership will bolster our collaboration on defence industry, maritime security, cybersecurity, countering terrorism and combating hybrid threats such as disinformation. It speaks for our shared commitment to stability and security, anchored in sovereignty. The challenges the world holds for us are numerous and ever-evolving, but we do not shy away from them; we work to shape them.”
“Ours is a friendship born out of instinct, a mutual admiration built on respect, values and ideals that Europe gave to us and Australia made our own—ideals that Australians went to fight for alongside Europeans when your great continent was under the shadow of tyranny, ideals that we continue to fight for. There is so much in the bond between us that cannot be counted but can always be counted on. We turn to each other as friends and the closest of partners not because we have to but because we choose to. As the world grows ever more uncertain, our best way of navigating the new reality is for us to do more together not merely as a safeguard against present volatility or future uncertainty but as the foundation for our future prosperity, resilience, security and stability.”
“Through generations of hard work, aspiration and a deep love of this country, European immigrants and their descendants have enriched and shaped modern Australia, and, in so many ways, they are a living link between our continents. Collectively, the member states of the EU represent the world's second-biggest economy, and you are currently Australia's third-biggest trading partner, with two-way trade already more than $109 billion. Now, thanks to years of patient negotiation, that is set to grow, making you our second-biggest trading partner. Yet there is so much between us that is beyond measure—unquantifiable yet undeniable.”
“This was a logical step for two natural partners, but, as we know, it was not inevitable. It took hard work, it took constructive engagement and it required both sides to see the bigger picture—the wider horizon of shared opportunity. That is instinct that defines us and binds us. The European Union and the Commonwealth of Australia are both proud, modern democratic creations built on ancient foundations—both born in a spirit of unity, in the understanding that we are better and stronger together. That is the story of the brighter future that Europe chose to seize in the final decades of a century shaped by the devastation of global war and shadowed by the menace of the Cold War. It has been the story of our ancient continent, too, which offered a home and a future for so many diasporas from so many corners of Europe.”
“President von der Leyen, my friend, on behalf of the people of Australia, it is my great honour and pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to our national parliament. You will shortly become one of only a handful of international leaders to have addressed our parliament, adding your name to a short list that, among others, includes President Obama, Prime Minister Modi, President Widodo, President Xi and Prime Minister Abe. Crucially, you are about to make history as the first woman international leader to address this parliament—an honour that will be forever yours. Your visit is a defining moment in our bilateral relationship. The Australia-European free trade agreement will be a once-in-a-generation achievement that will create jobs and prosperity for generations to come.”
“And she was a mentor to so many, including the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. She was often the first—including the first Indigenous host on mainstream Australian TV—but she made sure that she wouldn't be the last. Rhoda Roberts now walks in another place, but she left the clearest possible footprints here for others to follow. May she rest in peace.”
“On the weekend, Australia lost one of the brightest stars from the Australian constellation. Rhoda Roberts AO found a way to pack multiple lifetimes into just one. A proud daughter of Bundjalung country in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, she was a towering presence in the cultural and journalistic life of our country. Crucially, she never stopped working to put Indigenous culture centre stage. Just one peak in her long and varied career was her use of the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics. She showcased First Nations culture as part of our great welcome to the world. Rhoda captivated and entertained. She informed and inspired. She shaped and advised, never losing sight of an Australia that was even truer to its heart.”
“A free trade agreement with Europe would, of course, strengthen that even further. But we also need to engage with Europe on matters of security. Australia has, on a bipartisan basis, been unequivocal in our support for the struggle of the Ukrainian people against Russia's illegal invasion. That will remain the case, and we will continue to participate in the coalition of the willing. A security and defence partnership with Europe will deepen that relationship. In a more volatile world, closer partnerships with trusted friends are more important than they've ever been, not just as a safeguard against uncertainty but as the foundation for greater prosperity and greater security. We look forward to welcoming President von der Leyen tomorrow. I'm sure it will be a great success.”
“That represents jobs and economic prosperity, and our government has been working patiently and constructively to take that to the next level to give Australian farmers, growers and exporters better access to a market of 450 million consumers and to give our friends in Europe the chance to enjoy Australian food, fibre and wine—the best products in the world, which we are so proud of. Closer engagement matters for our prosperity. One in three Australian jobs is trade dependent. This follows the work that we've done repairing the relationship with China, establishing the free trade agreement with the UAE to open up those markets, engaging as well with ASEAN and through APEC with our traditional partners and our partners in this region. The upgrade in the relationships with Indonesia and with India all make a difference for us.”
“I thank the member for Bendigo for her question. Earlier today, a senior delegation from the EU, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in Sydney, and tomorrow she will address our parliament. She is the first woman to address our parliament as the leader of a country—or a group of countries, when it comes to Europe—and the 20th world leader to address our parliament. This is a milestone moment for the relationship between Australia and the European Union. It is such an important relationship. The European Union represents the world's second-biggest economy, and it's already Australia's second-biggest trading partner. Our two-way trade is worth some $109 billion.”
“The connections that are there with the trade schools that have been established under the Malinauskas government are providing those career opportunities and secure work for South Australians as we go forward. More homes, more jobs, more Australian manufacturing—I look forward to working with the Malinauskas government over the years to come and continuing the success that our partnership is bringing the people of South Australia.”
“In addition to that, we have very important agreements that we've signed with the South Australian government—the hospitals agreement that's making an enormous difference, the opening of urgent care clinics making a difference there as well as, of course, properly funding every single school in South Australia. South Australia is leading the country when it comes to building more new homes, including at just one of the sites I went to in the northern suburbs there, along with our member—17,000 additional homes, 7,000 of those reserved for first home buyers, making an enormous difference going forward. And, of course, South Australia is front and centre of our AUKUS arrangements. On the nuclear powered submarines, we're training people.”
“On Friday I was in Whyalla, at the steel facility there, and talking with workers who would have now been unemployed were it not for the joint intervention by the federal and the South Australian governments to make sure that we continued to make steel here and that we continue to create those jobs which are good jobs. When I went with Premier Malinauskas a year ago, there were seven apprentices at that site. Today there are 76. It is employing more, training more and contributing more to prosperity. The other group that we met there was, of course, many of the contractors—the suppliers who make a difference. If you took away that facility from Whyalla, it would indeed really suffer. But, because of that work, it has made an enormous difference for our sovereign capability going forward.”
“I thank the fantastic member for Sturt for the question. It was a pleasure to be with the member for Sturt on Saturday with Jenn Roberts, our candidate for Hartley and the newly elected member for Hartley, along with Premier Peter Malinauskas. I do want to take the opportunity to congratulate the Premier of South Australia on his outstanding election victory. The result reflects the focus, energy and determination of the South Australian government, working closely with the national government as well, on matters that make a real difference to the lives of South Australians.”
“All of this action builds on our agenda of the past four years to strengthen our national resilience and our economic security, investing in a future made in Australia, making more things here as a critical part of our agenda for government: keeping industry onshore, building our sovereign capability and our resilience. Now, we'll work calmly and methodically, always in the national interest, building on what we've achieved, working together, shielding our nation from the worst of global uncertainty.”
“We've released 20 per cent of the national fuel reserve so more fuel gets to where it's needed, we've made sure that all the fuel made here in Australia is used here in Australia. And we've given Australian oil refineries the certainty that they need to make more fuel here. When we left office, there were six of those refineries. When we returned to office, there were two. But we've made sure that we'll still have two, with the announcements that we have made. And last week, National Cabinet established the Fuel Supply Taskforce. Earlier on today I spoke with Singaporean Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, and we're continuing to engage.”
“I thank the member for Whitlam for her question. We know that the war in the Middle East is impacting Australia like it's impacting the entire world. Big spikes in demand for fuel have pushed prices up, and there are shortages in some areas as supply chains work to keep up. We know that that is causing frustration. That's why our government is taking action with the plan for Australia's fuel security by securing fuel supply for Australian industry and households; cracking down on price gouging, through the actions of the ACCC; shielding Australians from global energy price spikes; focusing on stability and affordability for gas users, in particular—of course, that's critical for the manufacturing sector; and we're strengthening our resilience to future shocks.”
“We are in constant engagement with all of the importers and all of the receivers of these supplies. It is on a daily basis. The minister notified publicly, said publicly yesterday on the Insiders program, exactly what the circumstances were. When it comes to fuel security, obviously there are global challenges. We are visited today by the head of the International Energy Agency—I look forward to meeting with him after question time today—and we're having a series of meetings as well with our international partners, making sure that we can secure supply. I can inform the House that at one o'clock I had a very good discussion with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore, and we are issuing now a joint statement on energy security. People would be conscious, after the closure of four of Australia's six—”
“I inform the House that the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Emergency Management will be absent from question time today. The Minister for Home Affairs will answer questions on her behalf in relation to emergency management, and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government will answer questions on her behalf in relation to regional development, local government and territories.”
“That's on the record going forward. We have been focused on that. At the same time, this week we have made superannuation stronger and fairer by helping low- and middle-income earners to have more in their superannuation accounts whilst at the same time impacting people with high balances. At the same time, we've been out there assisting with natural disasters. Our minister, as we speak, is assisting up there in the Northern Territory, and I'm in constant contact with the Queensland Premier as well about the floods that are impacting areas such as Bundaberg and Gympie.”
“I thank the member for his question. This is a government that's focused on the interests of Australians each and every day. In the last fortnight, we've been advancing that agenda. Last week we showed the national accounts which showed stronger growth than any advanced economy in the world, showed business investment on the rise, showed dwelling investment on the rise and followed up from the figures that, of course, showed that the unemployment rate at 4.1 per cent remains at a historic low. We on this side regard employment as being an absolutely key task, unlike, of course, the incoming shadow treasurer who said that they should get rid of the mandate of employment for the Reserve Bank and should not worry about it. The same person, of course, has said in Hansard : Nobody wins from low interest rates.”
“I thought it was a bit unreasonable that people who were side-by-side in electorates such as Bennelong, which is next to the three seats that are now occupied by Independents, should have half the staff and that the people of Bennelong should get the capacity for half the representation of people who were Independents. I just thought that failed the commonsense test. That was my view. I noticed that it was the view also of members of the then Morrison government who were also not told.”
“I thank the member for Mackellar for her question. When I became Prime Minister, I was somewhat surprised to hear that, under the Morrison government, members of the crossbench had double the number of staff of members of the Labor Party, the Liberal Party and the National Party. They had double. With respect, I'm not sure what those arrangements were, but they were double. Not only did the Morrison government not report that or come to the dispatch box; they were pretty quiet up in that corner about it too. They were pretty quiet about it up in that corner.”
“'The big message for every Australian is don't panic. The supplies are there. We all have a role to play in that. Stick to our normal daily operations and schedules, and don't think that we always have to keep topping up. The fuel is coming.' Those are not my words; they are the words of the member for Maranoa this week—how can that not be relevant?”
“It's just a rhetorical upgrade from the previous question that I was asked and to which I gave a comprehensive answer, which is that we are prioritising fuel security and supply. The fact is that we're putting in place all of these measures. Our reserves aren't in Texas; they're here and available.”
“But the situation in the Middle East remains volatile and unpredictable. It is a dangerous situation, and we're seeing the impacts of the conflict right around the world. I again reiterate the Australian government's demand on Iran to cease all of these attacks and our call for de-escalation. Our priority, as always, is supporting Australians, keeping them safe and working in the national interest. We'll do that each and every day for as long as it is required.”
“Commercial flights are still the safest way for Australians to return, and I again reiterate that, if people are offered seats on those commercial flights and they wish to return home, they should take them. They should take up the opportunities. Crisis support teams are on the ground in the region and consular support remains available. As we committed to earlier this week, the Australian Defence Force is preparing the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to the gulf, and a quantity of AMRAAMs will also be provided. These are important defensive weapons against Iran's unprovoked attacks against countries such as the UAE. This supports the defence of gulf nations and contributes to the safety of civilians in the region, of course including the 24,000 Australians who are in the UAE.”
“I thank the member for Chisholm for her question. The Australian government continues to work around the clock to support Australians who are affected by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Our first priority, as always, is to keep Australians safe and to get help to Australians who need it. I can confirm that, as of a little while ago, more than 3,600 Australians have returned on 26 flights, with further flights scheduled today and in coming days. The vast majority of Australians who were stranded while transiting through the Middle East have now made it home. Of course, many Australians will choose to stay where they work and live, in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”
“It is not necessary. It's also not helpful … at the end of the day, there is a lot either in the supply chain, or coming … and we're doing everything to make sure there's no prospect of a future disruption… there's no need for additional buying. That was said by the Leader of the Opposition in 2021. He was right then and, if he said that today, he'd still be right.”
“The National Coordination Mechanism is bringing industry, the states and territories and partners in our region together to get fuel to where it's needed most. Australia's fuel security and supply is our focus—not just in the last week but over the last four years: introducing the minimum stockpiling obligation, building up our stockpiles of fuel, diesel and technical grade urea and investing in making more liquid fuels here. We'll continue to deal with these issues calmly, methodically and in an orderly way, prioritising Australia's fuel supply and our fuel security, and acting always in the national interest. I note that, in response to a question on a previous occasion, 'Do we have to swing by the Army disposals now and get our jerry cans?', one of the members of this place said: It's incredibly important people don't do this.”
“On any regular day, 20 per cent of the world's oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz, and if that shipping route remains effectively closed, then that will have ongoing consequences for fuel prices and production supply chains and, of course, an inflationary impact right around the world. Overnight, the International Energy Agency has said the challenge facing the world oil market is unprecedented in scale, which is why the IEA have agreed to the release of 400 million barrels of oil—the largest ever collective action. Australia is carefully considering our next steps in response to the IEA announcement. Today, the minister has directed more fuel into the Australian market, keeping more of the fuel that we make here in Australia here for Australians to use.”
“I thank the member for his question. I understand that Australians are following events in the Middle East and that they're seeing and feeling the consequences here at home. Our government is looking at every practical measure required to shield our nation and household budgets from the worst of this global uncertainty, ensuring that our farmers, our regional communities and the services all Australians rely on can continue to access the fuel that they need. We continue to see ships arrive carrying fuel in the quantities and frequencies we expect. The longer the conflict in the Middle East goes on, obviously, the more significant the impact will be on the global economy.”
“I inform the House that the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management will be absent from question time today. The minister is visiting flood impacted communities in Katherine. I also acknowledge the tragic loss of lives near Kilkivan related to the natural disasters. This is indeed very sad news that we have received. The Minister for Home Affairs will answer questions on behalf of the Minister for Emergency Management in relation to those issues, and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government will answer questions on the Minister's behalf in relation to regional development, local government and territories.”