Luke Gosling
Solomon · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Yesterday marked one year since the Albanese government's landmark $3.9 billion National Access to Justice Partnership 2025-30, the NAJP, commenced. It represented our government's largest investment in legal assistance.”
“I acknowledge and thank these local providers and the private sector practitioners supporting them for their professionalism, their expertise and their unwavering commitment.”
“The bill also modernises and clarifies the Defence health system framework by establishing a dedicated legislative basis for Defence health services, including clinical governance, health monitoring, quality assurance and improvement activities, enabling lawful, proportionate use of health data to improve health care, suicide prevention a…”
“Critically, the bill supports a more integrated approach across Defence, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and other portfolio agencies, including the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency that was launched this morning, and the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission that began last year.”
“Purposefully, we need members of this place and senators to take their responsibility to lower anxiety and to provide proper information. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 13:03 to 13:12 We are making it so the DVA can operate better, with increased efficiency, to deliver a level of serv…”
“Our government is working at pace to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Acknowledging the national tragedy of veteran suicides, this government called for the establishment of the royal commission while we were in opposition, and we have supported the work of the royal commission since…”
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“I acknowledge and thank these local providers and the private sector practitioners supporting them for their professionalism, their expertise and their unwavering commitment. It is imperative the NT government fulfils its own responsibilities under the NAJP to ensure that the legal assistance provided matches the increased demand that is evident in the Northern Territory. Importantly, vulnerable individuals, including children, need to be represented in criminal proceedings.”
“Yesterday marked one year since the Albanese government's landmark $3.9 billion National Access to Justice Partnership 2025-30, the NAJP, commenced. It represented our government's largest investment in legal assistance. The NAJP is strengthening responses to family and domestic violence by investing in specialist service delivery models such as family advocacy support services, domestic violence units and health justice partnerships. The Albanese Labor government has committed funding of more than $320 million over five years for NT legal assistance providers such as Legal Aid NT and NAAJA. These Territory frontline legal services now have the stable funding required, providing Territorians with access to the legal support they need to get a fair go in the court system.”
“We're also about to start a consultation process to make sure that veterans get a smooth pathway to accessing over $5,000 worth of allied health support. There's going to be more allied health professionals providing that support, because we've upped their fees, making it more viable for them. I call on all MPs and senators to do the right thing and let veterans know that the new system does not kick in for a year, and, not only that, there's also going to be a lot of consultation to make sure that it's streamlined. The last thing we want to do is make the system more difficult—quite the opposite. We're making it easier for veterans to get the support they need.”
“For example, physiotherapy consultations will rise from $75 to $110, and psychology consultations will rise from $163 to $260. Under these changes, veterans will be able to better access services because providers can now actually afford to treat veterans. That is what the royal commission recommended. This is the biggest increase in funding in two decades, and it will kick in from July next year. For those wondering why this increase in resourcing for DVA was needed, it was because there was a huge backlog. In fact, there were 42,000 veterans waiting for their claims to even be allocated to someone at DVA to start working through them. That is why more funding and more personnel were required at DVA, to get through that backlog.”
“If you resource it properly and get through the backlog of claims, of course there's going to be an increase in compensation that's out there helping Australian veterans and their families. Before the changes that we introduced into the budget, veterans were locked into an arbitrary 12-session treatment cycle. That meant that every time a veteran needed more treatment, they had to go back and get a new referral—another GP visit, more paperwork, more delay and more administration standing between them and the care that they needed. We've removed that 12-session treatment cycle and replaced it with a more flexible system. Alongside that, we're delivering the biggest increase in allied health fees paid to providers in two decades.”
“It is true that in the past we haven't had the level of resourcing that DVA required to speedily get through claims. Consider that, in the first three financial years of this current government, we spent $37.9 billion—that's with a b—on compensation and treatment for veterans, compared to just $31 billion by the previous government. It is just a matter of fact that, in this financial year alone, we expect to spend almost $15 billion on compensation and treatment. In the Morrison government's last year, that figure was $10 billion. That's a $5 billion a year difference—a 50 per cent increase in support going to veterans. That's what happens when you fund DVA.”
“In this legislation, there's the start of presumptive liability for specific conditions and service types, which goes live from today. I want to acknowledge Annabelle because she advocated strongly for these changes. This bill strengthens integrity and safety requirements for service in the ADF by prohibiting persons convicted of, and sentenced to imprisonment for, serious violent or sexual offences from joining the ADF; introducing mandatory discharge for members sentenced to imprisonment by an Australian court; consolidating 'fit and proper person' requirements; and aligning substance related separation processes with existing medical separation arrangements. In addition to this bill, our government has properly funded DVA so that we have a better system of support.”
“The bill also modernises and clarifies the Defence health system framework by establishing a dedicated legislative basis for Defence health services, including clinical governance, health monitoring, quality assurance and improvement activities, enabling lawful, proportionate use of health data to improve health care, suicide prevention and Defence health system performance. The bill enhances support for ADF families, including by providing information sharing and communication between Defence and families and by ensuring benefits and supports can continue for a former spouse or partner in the immediate aftermath of separation, where family and domestic violence is present, to support safe separation outcomes. I had a great conversation this morning with the Veteran Family Commissioner, Annabelle Wilson, and I want to pay tribute to her.”
“Together with other royal commission related reforms, this bill delivers further practical, system-wide change aimed at reducing harm, supporting families and ensuring that Defence and DVA are better equipped to intervene earlier and more effectively when members, veterans and their families are at risk To summarise the key changes, this bill strengthens information sharing to support health, wellbeing and safety by amending the Defence Act and the MRCA, providing clear legislative authority for Defence, DVA and other Commonwealth agencies to collect, use and disclose information, including personal and sensitive information, for research, analysis, evaluation, prevention and early intervention, subject to those robust privacy safeguards.”
“2) Bill 2026 are going to enable earlier and more effective information sharing to support continuity of care, proactive outreach and improved transition arrangements, including earlier transfer of relevant information from Defence to the Department of Veterans' Affairs to support timely claims processing, compensation and tailored support for individuals who are identified as being at increased risk, consistent with royal commission recommendations. While you're in the chair, Deputy Speaker Haines, I want to acknowledge your support for Defence personnel and veterans and the establishment of the royal commission.”
“Critically, the bill supports a more integrated approach across Defence, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and other portfolio agencies, including the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency that was launched this morning, and the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission that began last year. It enables earlier and more effective information-sharing to support continuity of care, proactive outreach and improved transition arrangements. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 13:25 to 16:00 Earlier today, I was speaking about the launch of the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency, the fact that last year we had started the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission, and the fact that these organisations and the Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No.”
“Broadly, these reforms outlined in the bill support the health, wellbeing and safety of members of the Defence Force, former members of the Defence Force and their families by strengthening the legislative frameworks for information sharing, defence health services, family support and, as previously mentioned, end-of-service arrangements. We need this bill because it provides clear statutory authority to collect, use and disclose information for research, data analysis, and evaluation relating to health, wellbeing and safety outcomes. Now, as mentioned, these powers are carefully balanced by strong privacy safeguards, including compliance with ministerial guidelines and alignment with the Privacy Act framework.”
“A number of interim measures have been in place while policy and legislative reform initiatives have been developed. The legislation before us today takes a significant step towards implementing recommendations in that space. This bill forms part of the government's ongoing response to the royal commission. It enables the implementation of 35 of those recommendations focused on enhancing health, wellbeing and safety outcomes; improving suicide prevention and information sharing; supporting defence families; enhancing transition and continuity of care; and modernising governance and accountability arrangements.”
“Our government is working at pace to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Acknowledging the national tragedy of veteran suicides, this government called for the establishment of the royal commission while we were in opposition, and we have supported the work of the royal commission since coming to government. By the end of last year, 32 recommendations had already been implemented, including the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission. By the end of this year, we expect that around two-thirds of the royal commission's recommendations will be implemented. The royal commission found that enhanced information sharing between Defence and DVA is fundamental to improving the health and wellbeing of defence personnel, veterans and their families.”
“Additionally, it modernises the Defence health framework to align with contemporary clinical practice and national governance standards; improves continuity of care and transition arrangements between Defence and DVA; enhances support and communication with defence families, including in the context of family and domestic violence; and introduces fairer, more transparent end-of-service provisions. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 13:13 to 13:22 Together, these reforms enable Defence and DVA to better support personnel by intervening earlier; sharing and using data more effectively; and further equipping departments to protect the health, wellbeing and safety of those who serve, those who have served and their families.”
“Purposefully, we need members of this place and senators to take their responsibility to lower anxiety and to provide proper information. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 13:03 to 13:12 We are making it so the DVA can operate better, with increased efficiency, to deliver a level of service in reasonable timeframes that veterans deserve. It's bills like this one that upgrade the operating system of DVA, so to speak. It's bills like this that should reduce that scepticism over time by enabling DVA to deliver better outcomes Primarily, this bill creates legislative authority for information sharing between Defence and DVA to enable proactive support and early intervention for suicide prevention research, data analysis and evaluation underpinned by strong privacy safeguards.”
“I challenge anyone to point to somewhere in the world that has a better system to support their veterans. This legislation is a part of that. But, of course, particularly when the uninformed or those taking political opportunities create increased anxiety, it sometimes increases what has become a bit of natural scepticism in the veteran community because of their bad experiences in the past. I'm not saying the system is perfect, but what I am saying is that it is vastly better than it has been. It is excellent, and, with the launch of the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency this morning, it's going to get even better. But it's going to take maturity and integrity for this issue not to be used as a political football.”
“As a fourth-generation veteran— A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 12:53 to 13:01 I was just saying that as a fourth-generation veteran, having been alive for about 54 years, over that period of time I've had so many conversations with so many veterans, including First World War veterans; Second World War veterans; Korean War veterans; my dad's mates, Vietnam War veterans—lots of those; Rwanda veterans; Cambodia veterans; Timor veterans; and Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Throughout my whole life, during my time in the service and then working with ex-service organisations afterwards, I've been continually speaking with veterans. Our veterans support system right now is the best it's ever been and the best in the world.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to the reforms that the Albanese government is making to the Defence Act 1903 and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004—commonly known as the MRCA—to give effect to key elements of the government's response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This legislation, the Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026, demonstrates that our Labor government is working to improve things for veterans and engage in systemic and structural reform as recommended by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.”
“We're introducing payday super today. We're opening a new national environmental protection agency. We're setting up a new veteran and family wellbeing agency, and we're making the veteran claim system simpler. It was fantastic to be there this morning for the launch of the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency. It's going to mean that those who, like so many Territorians, have served our nation are going to get more support, as are their families. Happy Territory Day!”
“Today, 1 July 2026, is Territory Day. That's right—I've got my Northern Territory pin on, and it's a great day for all Territorians. I want to say, 'Happy Territory Day!' To celebrate, we are giving every taxpayer another tax cut. With our five tax cuts, a worker on an average income will be about $2,800 better off every year. We are also banning supermarket price gouging. Minimum wages and award wages are going up from today again. We're expanding paid parental leave to a full six months from today. We're making our Medicare urgent care clinics, like the ones in Darwin and Palmerston, permanent, and there are seven more across in the member for Lingiari's electorate. We have significantly boosted funding for Northern Territory hospitals. We're expanding services at our endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics.”
“The SRA Territory Stingers women didn't quite make it, so well done to the Indonesian women's hockey team. Well done to all the organisers. It was a really fantastic event. On Saturday evening I attended a dinner at the Palmerston Mosque. I want to thank the president and all of the committee members there. Before I flew back on Sunday, I also had the opportunity to attend the beer can regatta put on by the Lions Club. Well done to all the teams: the Mix FM team, the military team that had HMAS Wilson and the winners, the Down Under Safari Pirates. Well done.”
“It was another perfect dry season weekend in Darwin and Palmerston, with heaps of community events, which of course gave me the opportunity to get out amongst our groups and explain all the really positive cost-of-living supports that are starting on 1 July—tomorrow!—which is Territory Day. Happy Territory Day to all Territorians. I went along to the COTA Seniors Expo. Thanks to Sue Shearer and the team for putting on this great annual event for our senior Territorians. I then went and spoke with the younger crew in Darwin at the Kindness Festival, which is put on by our international student community, with excellent work by the chair, Sushan, and team. There was a festival of hockey on the weekend. Well done to the SRA Territory Stingers Men, who won the series against Indonesia.”
“When it comes to regional Australia, our government—the Albanese Labor federal government—is working collaboratively with states and territories and, as we've seen this week, with local government as well as industry to create the environment in which the regions of Australia can thrive. I'm proud to be part of those efforts. Debate adjourned. Federation Chamber adjourned at 12:51”
“The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026, introduced in March, amends that The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Act to extend NAIF's investment decision-making period, strengthen accountability for compliance within the investment mandate, establish joint responsibilities for the responsible ministers and refresh statutory review requirements to allow for two future reviews on the operation of the NAIF Act. I'm sure honourable members will forgive me for talking a bit about the NAIF. When you talk about regional Australia, the north is such a vital engine of resources and of talented humans who really want to make the north stronger and more resilient; we know, in turn, that that will make our nation stronger and more resilient.”
“I acknowledge Craig's fantastic work from when he was the CEO. The NAIF has provided, under Craig's leadership and now Neil's, $4.5 billion of the $7 billion through financing infrastructure developments across the north of Australia to support 35 projects. This includes 16 projects in Queensland with concessional loans of around $1.7 billion, 10 projects in Western Australia with loans of around $1.7 billion and nine projects in the Northern Territory, where I'm proud to represent Territorians, with loans of almost $1 billion. Those projects are forecast to generate more than $33 billion in public benefit and more than 18,000 jobs, which is a big deal for northern Australia. Over $3 billion in NAIF funds has now been drawn down by proponents to deliver on key infrastructure projects in northern Australia.”
“The continuation of NAIF for another decade will reassure communities and stakeholders in the north, many of whom contributed to the review. The NAIF is here to stay! The 10-year extension will be safeguarded by reviews every five years to ensure that the NAIF remains fit for purpose. It really has seen a great development in opportunities across Northern Australia. They are really important regions of Australia—from Queensland, through the Northern Territory, to north-west WA. We have worked to ensure that the Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility is supporting projects that deliver tangible benefits to northern communities. It was great to meet with the new CEO, Neil MacDonald, in Cairns very recently. He is an impressive bloke who is really getting after the great work that Craig Doyle did as CEO.”
“I did attend the Northern Australia Ministerial Forum in April, and our discussions also included insurance affordability, which is a critical issue for us; fuel security; labour data; and future collaboration across northern Australia. Ministers received jurisdictional updates across priorities such as disaster recovery, energy security, critical minerals, tourism, resilience, defence investment and those First Nations employment and housing initiatives that I mentioned previously. In November last year, our government announced the 10-year extension of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, the NAIF. It will continue to invest in projects across Northern Australia well beyond the current investment deadline of 30 June 2026.”
“Our government's Northern Australia Action Plan 2024-2029 has a renewed focus on economic opportunities, housing, education and infrastructure in the regions of Northern Australia. We're collaborating with the Queensland, Western Australian and Northern Territory governments through the Northern Australia Ministerial Forum on key issues. In recent times, these have included housing, which everyone agrees is a critical issue, and research, which leads to commercial opportunity, better livelihoods and the all-important economic development, particularly for regions where there are First Nations communities that have traditionally not had access to opportunities in the market.”
“As special envoy for northern Australia and the federal member for Solomon in the Top End, I'm very proud to speak on our government's focus on building a much stronger and more prosperous regional Australia and, in particular, a much stronger and more prosperous northern Australia. In order to achieve that aim, we are investing over $30 billion in the sustainable and resilient development of northern Australia, which is really important as we play a critical role in delivering on our government's agenda, including delivering a Future Made in Australia, supporting our nation's transition to a net zero economy, developing the critical minerals industry and all the work we're doing in defence as well.”
“I rise to speak to this health legislation amendment, but right from the outset I want to acknowledge your decades of service to improving the health of Australians, Deputy Speaker Freelander. In my humble opinion, you are a great Australian.”
“My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. What does the official opening of the atrium and Anzac Hall at the Australian War Memorial last night mean for Australia's commemoration of our military service?”
“It was young Australians doing their job for their country. It was a fantastic parade out at Robbo. I want to thank and acknowledge the Pipes and Drums, who were brilliant. It was great to see some of the veterans from 1969 there—in particular, Jeff Dennis. I want to congratulate the CEO and the RSM and acknowledge 5/7 RAR veteran Sam Weston, who's with us in the chamber today.”
“Last Friday, I attended Robertson Barracks in my electorate of Solomon to attend the 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment—or 5/7 RAR—parade commemorating the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba in the Vietnam War. The name Binh Ba honours the historic Battle of Binh Ba fought by the 5th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment in June 1969. It was over two days, 6 July through to 8 July, in 1969 in Phuoc Tuy Province in South Vietnam. 5RAR, alongside their brothers from the 6th Battalion, supported by tanks from 1 Armoured Regiment and APCs from 3 Cavalry, confronted a well-entrenched enemy force. One Australian soldier was killed in action, Private Wayne Edward Teeling. Lest we forget. Ten Australians were wounded in action, with Viet Cong losses estimated to be around 100 soldiers.”
“The Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership is another important step in that direction. It strengthens Australia's security, expands opportunities for Australian industry, reinforces our commitment to working with like-minded nations and demonstrates that, in a world of growing complexity, cooperation remains one of the most powerful tools available to enhance our nation's interests.”
“Together, these efforts represent smart power in action. Every day, up in Darwin, I see the strategic importance of northern Australia in this endeavour. Darwin hosts the US Marines in the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, bringing together Australian and United States personnel in support of regional stability. Darwin is also home to Exercise Pitch Black, which is kicking off very soon—one of the world's premier air-combat exercises, bringing together air forces from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. In previous years we've even had the Luftwaffe from Germany come and contribute to those exercises, and it was great to meet them. These activities demonstrate that Australia's security is built not only through the capabilities we possess, but through the partnerships that we cultivate.”
“We are delivering the most significant uplift in Australia's defence capability in generations through AUKUS, through long-range strike capabilities, through guided weapons manufacturing and through implementation of the National Defence Strategy and the Integrated Investment Program. On the other hand, we are investing in the relationships, partnerships and diplomatic engagement that amplify Australia's influence and expand our strategic options. We have rebuilt relationships across the Pacific, after years of the coalition neglecting and, at times, openly disparaging key regional partners. We have deepened engagement with South-East Asia, we have strengthened our relationships with partners across Europe and we have pursued what Foreign Minister Penny Wong has described as 'amplified middle-power diplomacy'.”
“When Australia and the European Union cooperate to strengthen cyber-resilience, both become more secure. When we collaborate on defence innovation, similarly, both benefit. When we work together to counter terrorism, foreign interference and online radicalisation, we strengthen the security of our respective regions and contribute to global stability. This is a positive sum partnership that advances our shared interests while respecting our respective sovereignty. It also reflects the broader approach to statecraft pursued by our Albanese Labor government. The American scholar Joseph Nye described successful foreign policy as the effective combination of hard power and soft power—a concept that he called 'smart power'. And that's what our government is doing. On one hand, Labor is investing in Australia's hard power.”
“Terrorist-financing networks span jurisdictions. Emerging technologies present opportunities and risks that no country can effectively manage in isolation. Partnerships like this one are important to counter these emerging transnational security risks. The Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership will deepen cooperation across defence industry, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, economic security, maritime security and emerging technologies. It will strengthen information sharing, build resilience against complex threats and create new opportunities for collaboration between Australian and European industries. Importantly, this partnership demonstrates an understanding that security in the 21st century is not a zero sum game.”
“I rise to speak in support of the motion moved by the member for Sturt and express my support for the Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership. This partnership reflects a simple reality in an increasingly contested, uncertain and hard world: Australia is more secure when we work alongside trusted partners who share our commitment to peace, stability and the global rules-based order. As a regional power, Australia has a profound interest in shaping the strategic environment around us. We cannot afford to be passive observers of global events; nor can we assume that our security will be guaranteed by geography alone. The challenges we face today are increasingly transnational. Cyberattacks do not stop at national borders. Foreign interference campaigns operate across continents.”
“Maybe from the member for Herbert, who's busily trying to write down some things at the moment in order to reject what I'm saying.”
“Just let that sink in for a sec. Over a prolonged period of time, the coalition argued against the royal commission that has led to drastically increased resources going into this sector, including to meet recommendations that give more support to allied health providers so that they can give our veterans what they need. That's what we inherited—a shamefully broken system. And, just weeks before the election, the coalition's then shadow finance minister, Senator Jane Hume—now deputy leader of the coalition—was questioned on national radio as to whether DVA even needed the extra staff that our government had funded to clear the backlog. She was questioning that—whether it should actually occur or not. I don't know where she was getting her advice.”
“When we, the Albanese federal Labor government, came to government in 2022, the Department of Veterans' Affairs was not just underfunded; worse, it was completely broken. There was a backlog of almost 42,000 new veteran claims that had not been looked at. The then secretary of DVA, Major General Liz Cosson, said plainly that, under the coalition's resourcing, that backlog would never be cleared. So there are tens of thousands of veterans that would never have even received someone to look through their case so that their case could be resolved. The ambivalence and indifference of those opposite, their negligence when they were last in government, including members who are speaking on this bill—they decided that the extra resources for DVA weren't worth it. They fought against a royal commission into defence and veteran suicide.”
“And I go further in saying that it's his personal responsibility not to increase the level of anxiety in his electorate, as some—namely, the member for Herbert—have been doing for their own grandstanding. Indeed, it is the member for Cowper's responsibility to Bruce and the other veterans in his electorate to reduce the level of anxiety, because Bruce will get all the treatment that he requires. I think it's important to put that on the record and to speak to this—I think the member for Cowper comes from a good place; others, I'm not too sure about. But I think this motion is dressed up as concerns to take political advantage and is pretty disingenuous. Let's look at the mess that the coalition made of veterans affairs.”
“As a fourth-generation veteran—my great-grandfather served on the Somme in World War I, my grandfather served in the Second World War, my father served in Vietnam, and my two brothers and I all served in Timor-Leste with the ADF—I hold a veterans card. I've had treatment that's been covered by that card, so I know personally and in my family what it means to come home from service and need that system to work. I recommend—even though he's left—that the mover of the motion, the member for Cowper, speak to the veterans minister, the member for Burt, and ask him those questions so that he can allay the fears that Bruce in Port Macquarie has.”
“The Australian government is investing over $120 billion over 10 years in the infrastructure investment pipeline to improve productivity, resilience, safety and liveability for communities around the country. In the time remaining, I just want to quickly reflect on the importance of road safety in my community, Darwin and Palmerston. It is really essential. We are doing a lot of work, particularly on Bagot Road, to address it. Thanks very much.”
“The projects funded through the ATF aim to improve safety for all road users by separating cyclists and pedestrians from traffic whenever possible and providing safer street crossings. Labor recognises the important role that our local governments, our councils, play in identifying local infrastructure priorities and delivering projects that do improve community wellbeing and connectivity. The budget delivers an ongoing investment, and applications for the next round will be open to local, state and territory governments very soon. I encourage the local councils of Darwin and Palmerston, who are, in fact, visiting this House today, to apply for those rounds.”
“In the budget just gone, there was an additional $500 million delivered for the Active Transport Fund, bringing the total investment in active transport by the Albanese government to $600 million. That is nothing to sneeze at, given that the broader objectives are reducing transport emissions; improving those public health outcomes; easing congestion, particularly in the cities; and creating safer, more connected and more sustainable urban and regional communities. There are two cities in my electorate—small cities by the big-city standard. But this is important not only to people that live in Darwin and Palmerston but to people that live in the regional communities of the Northern Territory as well.”
“Our government is building safer and more connected communities that are making it easier and cheaper for Australians to get around. We have a big nation. There are a lot of roads. There are a lot more people taking bikes, which is a healthier option when it is an option for people in their communities, and I commend people who are doing that. But we need to make sure that the arteries going through our country work for communities, for industry and for every Australian. We are committed to improving road safety so that, when people are on our roads, they get home to their families safe and sound. We are creating more connected and liveable communities whilst also reducing emissions.”
“However, Colin's work at Melaleuca, and his dedication to refugees and providing representation, has been his passion and a key cause throughout his career. So we recognised his outstanding contribution to refugees and to humanitarian entrants in the Northern Territory and his many years of dedicated service to Melaleuca Australia and, more broadly, to the Australia-Indonesia relationship, particularly in the fields of human rights and arts. Terima kasih, Bapa Colin.”