Meryl Swanson
Paterson · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“The Albanese government is also expanding the Help to Buy scheme, which will help even more Australians achieve homeownership. Under Help to Buy, eligible Australians can buy a home with a deposit of as little as two per cent.”
“We're already seeing the difference that the programs we've already initiated are making. Across my electorate, 2,323 people and families have already taken up the first-home guarantee, helping them purchase a home with just a five per cent deposit. That's 2,323 families that are in homes.”
“Today is a landmark day. Today the Australian Labor Albanese government has reinvigorated the great Australian dream, which—let's face it—was becoming a nightmare, particularly for young people. We have stared down the darkness. This is the cold, hard light of day.”
“More people are choosing to live in regional Australia, and that's pushed up house prices and rental costs, creating real pressure for young people and all people trying to get ahead. I regularly hear from young people who work really hard, and they are saving and they do make sacrifices.”
“In communities like Maitland and Port Stephens, we're seeing pressures that come with rapid growth. Almost 96,000 people now call Maitland home, and we welcome around 2,000 new residents every year. By 2041, that number is expected to reach 145,000 people. Our region's growth is a sign of strength.”
“Importantly, support is also available through the family-home guarantee, which helps eligible single parents purchase a home with a deposit as little as two per cent. For single parents balancing work and family responsibility and the cost of living, this support can make a real difference.”
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“Importantly, support is also available through the family-home guarantee, which helps eligible single parents purchase a home with a deposit as little as two per cent. For single parents balancing work and family responsibility and the cost of living, this support can make a real difference. It can provide stability, security and a pathway into homeownership that may otherwise have been totally out of reach. These initiatives are about more than housing. They're about helping all Australians build a future that we can rightly be proud of. House adjourned at 1 7 : 00”
“The Albanese government is also expanding the Help to Buy scheme, which will help even more Australians achieve homeownership. Under Help to Buy, eligible Australians can buy a home with a deposit of as little as two per cent. The Australian government contributes up to 40 per cent of the purchase price of a new home or up to 30 per cent of an existing home by way of a loan, and that reduces the size of the mortgage and makes repayments more affordable. The scheme is available to eligible singles earning up to $100,000 a year and couples or single parents earning up to $160,000 a year. Participants must live in the home they purchase, and anyone wanting to learn more about this should visit Housing Australia and check their eligibility to find out further information. These programs are working, and people are embracing them.”
“We're already seeing the difference that the programs we've already initiated are making. Across my electorate, 2,323 people and families have already taken up the first-home guarantee, helping them purchase a home with just a five per cent deposit. That's 2,323 families that are in homes. Behind that figure are young couples buying their first home, close to family; families putting down roots in their local community; and essential workers getting the opportunity to stay in the towns where they work and contribute every day. The first-home guarantee removes one of the biggest barriers to entering the housing market. Eligible first home buyers can purchase a home with a deposit of as little as five per cent without paying lenders mortgage insurance, saving thousands of dollars and helping them get into a home sooner.”
“More people are choosing to live in regional Australia, and that's pushed up house prices and rental costs, creating real pressure for young people and all people trying to get ahead. I regularly hear from young people who work really hard, and they are saving and they do make sacrifices. This generational warfare where you see people say, 'The young people won't give up their smashed avocado,' is bollocks. They really work hard, and they want to strive and do well, like every generation that's preceded them has. They're no different. That's why these housing measures in this budget and the laws we've passed today really matter. That's why we're giving more Australians a fairer go at owning their own home, making sure the dream of homeownership remains within reach.”
“In communities like Maitland and Port Stephens, we're seeing pressures that come with rapid growth. Almost 96,000 people now call Maitland home, and we welcome around 2,000 new residents every year. By 2041, that number is expected to reach 145,000 people. Our region's growth is a sign of strength. People love the Hunter and Port Stephens. It's a brilliant place to live and work and raise a family and just have a good life. But that strong local economy and low unemployment and industries like mining and manufacturing and construction are so important. In 2024, figures showed that Maitland was growing by six people every day, but with that growth comes challenges. Housing demand across Maitland and the wider Hunter continues to outstrip supply.”
“Today is a landmark day. Today the Australian Labor Albanese government has reinvigorated the great Australian dream, which—let's face it—was becoming a nightmare, particularly for young people. We have stared down the darkness. This is the cold, hard light of day. We know that we need to give particularly young people but all people who want a home the opportunity to own their own home. It is the great Australian dream. For too many young Australians, owning a home is about more than having a roof over your head. It's about security. It's about stability. It's about the opportunity to build a future in communities that they love. For too many people across my seat, my beautiful region of Paterson, that dream has felt increasingly out of reach. Today's changes to the law have changed that.”
“I am so proud of our federal government for doing that. We are going to continue to back in our regions, back in our industry and say thank you to those people who work so hard to make sure they are a great success. I want to acknowledge that we work with all levels of government, especially local government. Councillor Race Barstow from Maitland City Council joins us in the gallery today. It's an honour to have you here today, Councillor. Thanks for the hard work that you do in delivering for our communities. More power to the regions.”
“A lot of people have moved to the Hunter, and we're glad for that, but we know we need to continue to provide more housing, and we know that that's got to be matched with infrastructure. That's why we've invested $2 billion in the Local Infrastructure Fund. That's important because it's going to help unlock new housing supply by investing in the roads, the engineering and the infrastructure that will be required to build these new communities, which are so important. In closing, stronger communities need strong local jobs. I also want to say that the Hunter is one of Australia's industrial powerhouses. Our region's workforce, skills and manufacturing capability help drive economic growth across not just the region or the state but our entire nation. That's why supporting businesses like Tomago Aluminium is so important.”
“We're also continuing to invest in safer local roads too, because that matters. Through the Black Spot Program, communities in Raymond Terrace, Anna Bay, Aberglasslyn and Chisholm are benefiting from important safety upgrades that will make local roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. It is so important. Housing is the other thing that's so big on the minds of people from the regions. We know the regions are a beautiful place to live. It turns out other people have figured that out too. Since COVID, our region has been absolutely the hottest ticket in town. People have moved there because, thanks to technology, they can work from home more now.”
“This is a massive piece of infrastructure, and this is what it looks like when you've got a government who is serious about regions, serious about big pieces of infrastructure and serious about keeping our regional economies growing and moving with the people who are moving to our area. Again, I am so proud to say that this project will be delivered more than a year ahead of schedule. When do you ever hear of projects coming in over a year early and on budget? Well, this is. It means less congestion, safer journeys, stronger freight connections and better economic opportunities for our region. It means finally completing a nationally significant transport corridor that Australians have waited decades for. It is an Albanese government that is getting on and delivering this.”
“People talk to me about it all the time, saying: 'Gee, the road's coming along. We can't wait till it's open.' I know there's been a lot of congestion in places like Raymond Terrace and around the region while we wait for the road to be finished—thanks for your patience on that. The workers who've helped construct that piece of critical national infrastructure have done a great job, and I know our locals are very excited about it being finished. It matters to the businesses of our region as well. It matters to locals, who are just trying to get about their business, whether it's going to work or taking the kids to school.”
“He backed me in for that M1 extension. When we came to government in 2022, Catherine King, who then became the infrastructure minister—actually, before that, when she was still the shadow minister, we came to that piece of road and we said, 'Not only are we putting the money in; we're going to do it faster.' In 2022, when we were elected, that's exactly what we did. In the coming months, that piece of road that cost over $1.6 billion with a b will be open because not only did we commit the money, again; we then fast-tracked the project. The project will be over 12 months early in its completion, and it's on budget. That's a testimony to what happens when you back regional Australia. I want to take a moment to thank all of those people who've worked on that road. It is amazing.”
“I want to take you back to 2019 because that was the year when the then shadow minister for infrastructure, transport, cities and regional development, a bloke called Anthony Albanese, now the Prime Minister, backed me in one thousand per cent when I said: 'Mate, we have got to fix this road. It is criminal what's going on here. The whole place has been shut down time and time again, and it's just got to change.' And he said, 'You're right.' We loaded the pressure on the Morrison government. Finally they put it in a budget—actually, they went to the 2019 election with it—and we just absolutely mounted that pressure. Now, I know the Prime Minister loves being the Prime Minister—and he's doing a good job—but, let me tell you, his passion project was infrastructure. He knows the roads and byways of this country like the back of his hand.”
“That's what strengthening Medicare in the regions looks like. This budget continues Labor's investment in Medicare urgent care clinics and bulk-billing and also supports the training of more doctors and healthcare professionals in Australia. Infrastructure is critical when you live in a regional area, especially a beautiful regional area that is really undergoing a lot of growth, like our region is. One of the most significant projects in my patch is the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace. This project will be transformative, not just for the Hunter but for the entire eastern seaboard of Australia. For goods going between Melbourne and Brisbane, this is a game changer. For decades, this section has been the missing link between Sydney and Brisbane—the final pinch point in one of Australia's most important freight corridors.”
“More than 2,000 families in my electorate have already installed these more affordable batteries and are benefiting from the lower energy savings. These practical measures make a real difference to regional families. Health care is another massive issue, and it is where this budget is delivering for our community. One of the achievements I'm most proud of is that Paterson has an urgent care clinic. It's at 555 High Street, Maitland, if you don't know. The clinic is providing free urgent health care close to home and helping take some of the pressure off the very busy emergency departments, including at Maitland and John Hunter, in our region. Parents with a sick child, older Australians needing some urgent treatment or workers who may have been injured can access health care when they need it without worrying about the cost.”
“More than 3.5 million people in my electorate of Paterson have already benefited from these savings, keeping more money in their pockets or more money on the card—these days, it's usually that way; I know, sometimes, people don't carry much cash anymore, but they still do—and that eases the pressure on household costs. The budget also supports households through Labor's home battery program, helping families lower their power bills while strengthening our energy system. Many of my constituents have shown me the apps on their phone, and they say: 'Meryl, I've got the battery. I can see what's going on at my place.' They show me the energy that's running around in their little house on the app. I love seeing that.”
“That is the principle at the heart of this budget. We say 'no-one held back and no-one left behind'. We believe in aspiration and we believe in a hand when you need it. Families across Paterson will benefit from further tax cuts, putting more money back into household budgets. They'll benefit from cheaper medicines through Labor's continued investment in Medicare—something that Labor created and that we stick by and we back. For many families, every trip to the pharmacy matters. Every dollar saved on essential medicines is a dollar that goes back into paying for groceries, school shoes and bills.”
“That's what the Albanese regional budget delivers, because Labor understands that supporting regional Australia is about far more than a single infrastructure fund or a handful of announcements—or the odd colour-coded spreadsheet that was a bit of a pork-barrelling exercise. Supporting regional Australia means making sure regional communities are considered in every portfolio and in every policy decision. You don't just tack them on at the end and try and win a few votes; you make sure they're central. It means investing in health, investing in housing and investing in education. It means investing in infrastructure, child care, aged care and regional industries. And it means recognising that, no matter where in Australia you live, you deserve to access the best opportunities and services to help you get ahead.”
“For too long, regional Australians have seen governments make big announcements, pose for a photo, issue the press release and then roll on out. Well, the regions aren't just an afterthought for the Albanese government. They're not just a bolt-on pork-barrelling press-call opportunity. Whether it's in Maitland, Port Stephens, Beresfield, Chisholm, Rutherford, Heddon Greta, Anna Bay, Medowie, Lemon Tree Passage or any of the suburbs in my beautiful electorate of Paterson, this government believes in our regions and we are delivering for them—and we're going to continue to do that. People want practical support that improves their daily lives. They want better roads, better health care, affordable housing, quality child care and secure local jobs.”
“To each of these remarkable recipients, I say thank you, our community says thank you, and our nation says thank you and good on you.”
“Flight Sergeant Joshua Schoeneck has been honoured for outstanding achievement in strengthening cybersecurity for the E-7A Wedgetail fleet. In Port Stephens, we are incredibly proud to be the home of these incredible aircraft at RAAF Base Williamtown, and Joshua's work helps keep them in the sky and mission ready. The Australian Fire Service Medal has been awarded to Bruce McGrath of the Tilligerry Rural Fire Brigade, for his outstanding commitment to protecting lives and property, reflecting the dedication of volunteer firefighters right across our region. Suzanne Freeman of Marine Rescue Port Stephens has been awarded the Emergency Services Medal. Across 24 years of volunteer service, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and service to the boating community.”
“Margaret-Rose Thompson OAM has been recognised for her service to croquet. Margaret helped establish the Nelson Bay Croquet Club and has spent decades coaching, refereeing and promoting the sport across New South Wales. I was delighted to congratulate Margaret in person at the club's recent 30th anniversary celebrations. Wing Commander Susan Yates AM has been recognised for her exceptional work supporting women in the Royal Australian Air Force, helping improve opportunities, retention and support for women in service. Retention is something I care passionately about in our ADF. Good on you, Susan. Warrant Officer Matthew Elliott has been recognised for exceptional service to the Royal Australian Air Force through workforce analytics, project support and enterprise data reform, making a significant contribution to defence capability.”
“The King's Birthday Honours are amongst the highest recognitions a nation can bestow, and this year our community of Paterson is proudly represented by an outstanding group of local people whose service has made a lasting difference to the lives of many others. Gregory Budworth OAM has been recognised for his service to the community through social housing. Over more than two decades, Greg helped transform Home in Place into one of Australia's leading social and affordable housing providers, creating opportunity and securing housing for thousands of Australians. Suzane Hamilton OAM has been recognised for her service to the Tilligerry Peninsula community. Her contribution is a reminder that strong communities are built by people who generously give their time, energy and care in the service of others.”
“Getting back to my beautiful local community, I thank all those families who've spent decades—in fact, we are the oldest wine region in the country. I know that there are generations of families—I can think of them, from Petersons to Calais to Savannah; there are three generations of families right there—who are providing a fabulous product. They are people who love wine, they love the people that want to enjoy their product, and I thank them everyday for that. I think of all of those businesses and people who rely on wine for their incomes and their livelihoods. I want them to hear that they have a government who gets it. We do want to support you, and we do want you to continue to produce the great wines that you have.”
“And we have cobbled back some of the loss we had to China post-COVID, which was very important; I commend the trade minister for doing that. Australian wine producers know better than anyone that the importance of building and maintaining export markets is crucial, and expanding opportunities in new markets helps strengthen resilience and reduce reliance on any single destination. Alongside these measures, the government has backed the development of the National Vineyard Register, supported the introduction of a mandatory code of conduct for wine grape purchasers, partnered with the South Australian government through the Wine Recovery program and invested in Wine Australia's long-term viability initiatives. These are practical actions designed to support the industry's future.”
“Importantly, we recognise that wine is not simply an agricultural product; it's a major driver of tourism and regional economic development, and, as my tourism providers tell me, it is an experience we want people to have—an authentic Australian experience that so many people who visit our nation are craving. Under the tax system, from 1 July this year the wine equalisation tax rebate cap will increase from $350,000 to $400,000. That change will provide eligible producers with an additional $50,000 in support each year, helping businesses improve cash flow, make investments and adapt to changing market conditions. We've also supported export diversification through Austrade's $50 million Accessing New Markets initiative.”
“While every wine region is unique, the message I am hearing is remarkably consistent: this is an industry under pressure. I acknowledge Lee McLean and Australian Grape and Wine, who do a terrific job as one of the peak bodies advocating for grape and wine across Australia. The Albanese government recognises the importance of the grape and wine sector, and we have been demonstrating support since coming to office. We've delivered more than $90 million in targeted support for the industry. Last year we extended the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant program with a $30 million commitment over three years. That support is helping regional businesses attract more visitors, strengthen tourism offerings and create local jobs. We recognise there is more to do.”
“The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's great wine regions. For many people in my community, wine is more than an industry; it is a way of life. For generations, families have built vineyards, wineries and businesses that have helped shape the identity of our region. The Hunter's wine industry is not just about what ends up in a bottle or a glass; it is about the growers who lovingly tend their vines, the winemakers who turn the grapes into world-class products, the cellar door staff who welcome visitors and sell that wine, and the countless local businesses that rely on a thriving sector. As co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of Viticulture, I have had the opportunity to meet with grapegrowers and winemakers from across the country.”
“Today I want to thank the journalists, camera operators, producers, editors, presenters, production teams and all of those who've worked tirelessly over the years to keep us informed. While the change comes as a result of decisions made by the WIN network, we still need our stories to be told and we still know that local news matters. In a world where we are competing for eyeballs and attention, storytelling really matters. We have to have good journalism. I want to thank those good journalists who keep doing the job. The truth matters more than ever in our democracy today.”
“Last night marked the end of an era for the Hunter. Since 1962, NBN television has been telling our stories, connecting our community and shining a light on local issues. Last night, NBN'S final Sunday night bulletin went to air. For many people across the Hunter, Port Stephens and the Mid North Coast, NBN wasn't just a television station; it was part of the family. It was where we turned to see our local stories, our local faces and the issues that mattered to our community. Big Dog even helped put the kids to bed! This is personal for me. Back in 1990, NBN gave me my first job in the media. It taught me the value of local news, the importance of asking the right questions and the responsibility that comes with telling people's stories. It is still important today. The truth matters.”
“The Albanese Labor government is committed to a strong, sustainable and profitable agricultural sector, and, since coming to government, we have strengthened biosecurity, we have boosted the workforce, we've opened new trade opportunities, and we've invested in the long-term sustainability of Australian farming.”
“We've released fuel stockholdings to ease regional supply pressures, temporarily amended the fuel quality standard to unlock additional supply and worked with regional partners to identify alternative sources of key agricultural imports. Importantly, support through Export Finance Australia has facilitated six cargoes, carrying more than 209,000 tonnes of additional agricultural-grade urea into Australia, with more expected. This is important. The fertiliser working group continues to meet regularly with industry representatives to monitor supply, access demand and identify practical solutions. We're working closely with Fertilizer Australia, the National Farmers' Federation and suppliers to ensure Australian farmers have access to the fertiliser inputs they need because when farmers have certainty, regional communities have certainty.”
“It requires government to work alongside industry, communities and producers to strengthen the systems we all rely upon, and that's exactly what this government is doing. At the same time, we know our ag sector is facing immediate challenges. The conflict in the Middle East has created uncertainty for farmers, fishers, freight operators and regional communities right across Australia, particularly across access to fuel and fertiliser, and our government is acting swiftly on this. From day one, we've worked closely with industry to monitor impacts and keep Australia's food, fibre and fuel moving. We have announced that we'll underwrite the purchase of fuel and fertiliser by the private sector, giving suppliers confidence to secure additional supply and meet demand, including for regional and independent fuel suppliers.”
“This strategy builds on the work of the parliament and reflects the recommendations and evidence gathered through the inquiry. More than 400 individuals and organisations have contributed to the process so far, a national food council has been established, and co-design sessions have been held right across the country. This is progress on food security. Our farmers, fishers, processors and transport operators produce world-class food and fibre that feeds Australians and, importantly, millions around the globe. Farm gate production is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year. That's four years ahead of the target set out by the National Farmers' Federation. Strong export opportunities are helping drive this growth, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Food security requires planning, coordination and long-term vision.”
“The committee found that food security is about much more than what happens at the checkout. It relies on a resilient supply chain, access to essential inputs, strong biosecurity, protective farmland practices and a skilled workforce. Most importantly, it means ensuring all Australians have access to safe, nutritious and affordable food, and that is the work of a government. That work highlighted the growing challenges though from climate impacts and natural disasters to workforce challenges, supply chain disruptions and increasing geopolitical uncertainty. That is why I'm so proud that the Albanese Labor government—under Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry—committed to developing Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy.”
“With a world in flux, there has never been a time of more critical importance when it comes to food and fertiliser security for every Australian family, regional community, farmer, producer and food manufacturer across our country. We know we have the best farmers in the world. Food and fertiliser security is an issue I have worked on extensively as Chair of the House Standing Committee on Agriculture and now as Chair of the Primary Industries Committee. The parliamentary work and the inquiry that we did led to a landmark report on food security. It was a prescient report. That inquiry brought together farmers, producers, transport operators, retailers, food charities, academics and industry leaders from right across Australia. We heard a clear message: Australia has a strong food system, but we cannot take it for granted.”
“I am Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries, and we're currently conducting an inquiry at the behest of the minister looking at critical minerals and rare earths and the social licence and economic benefit of these industries, and we are getting some fantastic evidence. The evidence received in public hearings so far has highlighted the opportunities and the challenges faced by regional communities in hosting critical minerals projects, and I'm really looking forward to delivering a good report with some great recommendations. But I want to thank those regional communities who are working hard in our resources sector.”
“We've introduced $17½ billion in production tax credits for critical minerals. We've expanded the Critical Minerals Facility to $5 billion. We've established a $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, and we've invested in research and development, infrastructure, international partnerships and common user facilities that'll help unlock these future projects. These are all incredibly important for our country. We've also recognised that Australia's critical minerals future must be built in partnership with regional Australia, like my regional Australia in the Hunter.”
“The challenge before us now, in my opinion, is to take those strengths and apply them to the new critical minerals opportunities. Importantly, we must learn from the past. Australia has often excelled at extracting resources but not always in capturing the full value of them. The critical minerals opportunities allow us to do both. It is not simply about digging materials out of the ground, as some members on the other side have accused us of. It is about local processing, refining and manufacturing. It's about value-adding as much as we can here in Australia, creating the high-value jobs as well as the high-value products. It's more about economic benefit and about that remaining in Australia. That's why this government has committed more than $28 billion since 2022 to grow Australia's critical minerals industry.”
“Sometimes, the conversation around critical minerals is framed as though it's entirely separate from the traditional resources sector, but the reality is very different. There's a direct interface between our existing extractive industries and these emerging industries. The skills, the expertise, the engineering capability, the environmental management practices and the operational knowledge that have been built through generations of mining in Australia provide us with a significant bedrock and advantage on which to build this new set of industries. We know how to find resources. We know how to extract them safely and efficiently. We know how to manage large-scale projects. We know how to build regional economies and industries and communities.”
“This includes the hardworking people of my seat of Paterson in the magnificent Hunter region, which is the oldest mining region in the country. Out of that comes the fact that we are leading the world in resources and extractive industries. We are the largest exporter of iron ore, metallurgical coal, lithium and mineral sands and amongst the world's leading exporters of gold, rare earths, uranium and cobalt. These achievements didn't happen by accident. They're the result of decades—actually, centuries—of investment, innovation, skills, hard work and wherewithal of Australians who are working in our resources sector. That's precisely why Australia is so well placed to lead the world in the next great extractive industry: critical minerals.”
“The Albanese Labor government continues to support and invest in Australia's resources sector and our growing critical minerals industry. Australia's resources sector remains one of the greatest strengths of our national economy, and I want to thank and commend our terrific Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, who is leading the charge. In 2024-25, resource and energy exports were worth $385 billion, with a B, for our nation. This sector contributed more than $50 billion in company tax and almost $22 billion in royalties to governments right across the country, and 310,000 Australians are directly employed in mining. Hundreds of thousands more rely on the jobs and economic activity that the sector supports.”
“The Albanese government has committed up to $850 million in partnership with Kongsberg Australia to manufacture and sustain naval strike missiles and joint strike missiles in the Hunter. Construction of the new facility is well advanced and nearing completion. This project is exactly what a future made in Australia looks like. It means advanced manufacturing jobs in our regions, Australian workers building critical defence capability here at home and a stronger, more self-reliant Australia.”
“Since coming to office, the Albanese government has increased defence spending by $30 billion over the forward estimates and around $117 billion over the decade. These are substantial investments because Australia faces a more complex security environment than at any other time in recent decades. But these investments are not only about defence capability; they are about jobs, they're about industry, they are about our own sovereignty and they are about economic opportunity in communities like mine and further afield. One of the most significant examples of this is taking shape right now at Newcastle Airport. The Newcastle Airport defence and aerospace precinct is rapidly becoming one of Australia's most important centres for sovereign defence manufacturing.”
“Strategic competition in our region is increasing, global instability continues to create uncertainty and nations around the world are investing heavily in their defence capabilities. That is why this budget continues the government's commitment to ensuring Australia has the capabilities, workforce and industrial capacity needed to protect our national interest now and into the future. The government's National Defence Strategy provides a clear plan to ensure Australian defence is equipped, trained and supported to deter, protect Australia's interests and respond when required. In recognition of these challenges, our government is providing an additional $14 billion over the next four years and an additional $53 billion over the decade through defence funding, estate modernisation and other investments.”
“Today, around 85 Australian Defence Force personnel are serving in the United Arab Emirates on that Wedgetail aircraft deployed to the region. Those personnel represent the very best of Australia. Their service reminds us that defence capability is ultimately about people, dedicated Australians, prepared to serve their country wherever and whenever they are called upon. And, while we recognise those serving overseas and around the country, we also recognise the partners, the children and the families here at home who carry their own burden of service and sacrifice while they wait for their loved ones to return safely. I give a big shout-out to all the kids at Wirreanda. It is the place across Australia where we have the most defence children at a public primary school. Australia's security can no longer be taken for granted.”
“Unlike the member for Herbert, who most disingenuously just said in this place that we are 'not fit to fight'—I absolutely disagree with this sentiment. I say we have never been recruiting better and we are retaining more people in our great Australian Defence Force. They are most certainly fit to fight and defend their nation, as they do most professionally. In my electorate, that story begins at RAAF Base Williamtown. Williamtown is one of Australia's most significant defence bases and is home to around 3,500 defence personnel. It is a critical capability, it is a hub for Australian defence, it is the premier F-35 base and it is also the proud home of Australia's E-7A Wedgetail, which is an aircraft that has earned an international reputation for excellence and demonstrated its value in operations both at home and abroad.”
“I rise to speak on the appropriation bill, what this budget means for Australia's defence capability—and I'm pleased to be joined by the Minister for Defence Industry and my other defence colleagues this evening—and what it means not only for the Hunter region but for the thousands of defence personnel, veterans and defence industry workers who call my electorate home. When we discuss defence spending in this place, we are talking about much more than figures on a page or equipment needed to defend a country; we're talking about men and women who serve our nation, the families who support them and the communities who help deliver the capabilities Australia needs to remain safe and secure in an increasingly uncertain world. Our people are our most sophisticated and valuable capability.”
“My question is to the Attorney-General. Earlier today, the Commonwealth commenced legal action in the Federal Court of Australia against 3M and 3M Company. What is the significance of the legal action, Attorney-General?”
“Defence has already spent $1.3 billion across the nation on remediation and established a national coordination group to respond to this contamination. But today's action sends a very clear message: this government stands up for Australians. Unlike the former government, which fought my community, this government is fighting for it. We stand up for communities that have carried the burden of contamination for too long, and we stand up to multinational companies when Australians deserve justice. To my community, I say thank you for your tenacity, your resilience and your forbearance over many difficult years. I'm honoured to be your representative. I want to thank— (Time expired)”