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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“I've said it once today, but I'm going to repeat it here in the chamber. I'm a little bit sleep deprived, so strap in, folks; anything could happen. I woke up at 2.30 this morning. I lay there until 5.30 and dropped off to sleep, and then the alarm went at six o'clock. So, I am feeling not my best self. But I am not alone. There are millions of women across Australia who are in my position. Perimenopause kicked in for me at 45, and—hello!—I'm 55, and now menopause is with me every night of the week: the hot sweats, the insomnia, all the things. So I couldn't be happier to be part of a government that recognises that there are thousands of women who need support through their menopause journey, and we are going to make it better and more affordable to go to a doctor. I can see the wry smile on your face, Deputy Speaker Andrews.”
“My question is to the Minister for Industry and Science. How is the Albanese Labor government helping deliver greater job security for regional communities that make aluminium? What approaches would leave these families worse off?”
“My question is to the Minister for Skills and Training. What steps has the Albanese Labor government taken to reduce the cost of training and ensure Australians can get the skills they want and need for the jobs they want and need? And are there any proposals for skills and training that would leave Australians worse off?”
“They deserve a serious government that wants to give all Australians a tax break and incentivise being better in business. They want a serious government that is lowering inflation and doing more to increase wages that ultimately get spent in their small businesses. And this opposition leader is casting them to the wind on a free-lunch folly. It just doesn't add up.”
“There is no such thing as a free lunch. Somebody always pays, and, if it's up to the Leader of the Opposition, it will be every single Australian taxpayer. I know the opposition leader isn't big on detail, and costings are an inconvenience at best—some might say an impediment—to his progress. But we care, and $10 billion for this free-lunch folly that the opposition leader has put forward is just ridiculous. He doesn't want to pay for tax cuts for everyone. He doesn't want to pay for and voted against cheaper child care and cheaper medicines. This opposition only cares about the progress of one person, and that is him in this parliament. Small businesses deserve better. They are the engine room of our economy. They deserve more than thought-bubble policies.”