Pat Conroy
Shortland · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“There's something difficult about standing in this chamber today. For more than a decade, Nick helped write many of the speeches I've delivered in this parliament. He had a gift for finding the right words and understood the values that should guide everything we do in public life.”
“That means ensuring that Defence has the structures, the focus and the resources to deliver the right capability projects on time, on scope and on budget.”
“We've got committees that are meeting for hours on end without actually making any decisions, so things have to change because these projects matter. We're talking about multibillion-dollar capability projects integral to the defence of our nation and to peace and stability in our region. Let me be crystal clear.”
“He joined the Labor Party as a teenager in 2000 and, from that point on, remained a committed and active participant in our movement. I first came to know Nick through our work with Greg Combet. From the beginning, he combined sharp political instincts with a genuine commitment to improving people's lives.”
“Whether helping a constituent navigate government services, advocating for local projects or developing policy solutions, Nick approached every task with intelligence, empathy and determination. Beyond his professional achievements, Nick's greatest contribution was to the Labor movement itself.”
“I thank the member for Makin of the state of South Australia for his question. Since 2022, the Albanese government has undertaken the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending in Australia's history.”
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“And they're just some of the over 1,000 coalminers who work in my region, who live in my electorate. They'll cross Five Islands Bridge to work in the coalmines on the other side of the lake or go up the valley to work in the mines up the Hunter Valley. I'm incredibly grateful for the sacrifice they make, and I honour their sacrifice and the sacrifice of the tens of thousands of retired coalminers who have graced my region. I hope this legislation sends the clear message to workers like those at the Chain Valley Colliery that the Albanese Labor government values their vital contribution and has their back. It's the right thing to do, and we know how much it will mean to miners and mining families, not only in my electorate but right across the country.”
“This colliery operates as part of an integrated mining operation that includes the smaller Mannering Colliery, just a few minutes down the road, and supplies the Vales Point Power Station. Underground mining operations began in 1962, with thermal coal extracted from the Wallarah, Great Northern and Fassifern seams over this period. For decades, miners have combined bord-and-pillar and miniwall mining to supply high quality thermal coal, primarily to the nearby Vales Point Power Station. At its peak employment period in the mid-1980s, Chain Valley Colliery boasted a workforce of around 380 personnel. These employees, a skilled workforce of miners, engineers and administrative staff, have played, and continue to play, a vital role in supporting the energy supply in our region.”
“Our miners deserve this certainty, particularly at a time when some mines are closing and many hardworking Australians are struggling with the cost of living. This is why it makes sense that this government is amending existing legislation to remove the current barriers to some eligible workers being able to accrue and access their long service leave entitlements. In my great electorate of Shortland, I'm no stranger to the mining industry, and thousands of my constituents have spent their lives employed at the local collieries. I'm incredibly proud of that. In fact, my electorate is named after Lieutenant John Shortland from the First Fleet, who was the first European to discover coal in Australia, in 1797. Just a short drive from my electorate office sits the Chain Valley Colliery, on the southern end of Lake Macquarie.”
“There are impediments to the success of the current scheme for black-coal industry workers. Firstly, there's the issue of historical levies owed by employers. This has meant that employees have been unable to accrue and access long service leave entitlements. Secondly, the additional levy employers must pay on late levy payments needs to change to meet current cash rates, to encourage employers to pay on time. This bill will ensure more Australian workers can access their lawful long service leave entitlements. This bill incentivises employers to comply with the coal long service leave scheme. It will ensure workers in the black-coal mining industry can be more certain of their financial future. And, ultimately, this is about the Albanese Labor government standing up for workers' entitlements.”
“It's an industry that is incredibly dangerous and risky. Every year I attend the miners' memorial at Aberdare or Cessnock, where there are listed the names of the more than 1,800 men, women, and children as young as eight, who have died in our coalmines, supplying energy to our country. Miners make enormous sacrifices in a very risky industry. Their struggle has been, in part, for safe workplaces but also for the architecture that goes around that, in a truly tripartite way. Whether it's the mining rescue service, whether it's long service leave, whether it's the broader safety scheme or the superannuation, this is an industry where it's genuinely tripartite—where workers and their representatives, the unions, and good employers strive together to have world's-best regulation. And this legislation goes towards that.”
“This is regardless of whether they have worked for one or multiple employers. They deserve to have their continuity of service recognised without penalty. Workers in the black-coal mining industry hold transferable skills, and they can and will move their employment to where there is demand. That is why it makes sense, like certain other industries, that their long service leave is portable, as is the case for building and construction, community services and contract cleaning. The coal long service leave scheme is funded by a levy on employers and ensures workers keep their entitlements even if they change employers. It's part of a dense architecture of support for the coalmining industry that's grown up organically and through struggle from workers and their representatives over decades.”
“I rise to speak today in support of the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. I imagine most of us take it for granted when we can just flick a switch and the lights are on, the kettle boils, the fridge is cold, the oven is warm and we can sit back and enjoy the latest bingeworthy show on Netflix. But, of course, none of this would be possible without the people who dedicate their working lives to supplying the resources we need for energy supply, and I'm talking about our mining workforce in particular. My electorate of Shortland straddles the Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, and these are critical centres for Australia's coalmining industry and home to thousands of coalminers. These hardworking people are entitled to the long service leave that has accrued during their employment.”
“The Liberals cancelled the nation's only armed drone project. We're undertaking the biggest reform to defence in 50 years, while a pet goldfish lasted longer than Liberal defence ministers. We're building factories while they are building leadership contenders. We're rolling out missiles and drones while they're rolling leaders. We're opening production lines while they're opening old wounds. We're focused on boosting our missile numbers, our ship numbers and our drone numbers. The only number the shadow defence minister is focused on is boosting his own numbers in their party room. The Albanese Labor government is delivering on our commitments to keep our nation safe, create jobs and build Australia's future. The Liberals and Nationals are a shambles; they are completely divided.”
“And our world-leading Ghost Bat is the first military aircraft designed and made in Australia in more than 50 years. We're making missiles right now in South Australia, and we'll open another missile factory next year. By contrast, under the last Liberal government not a single missile was built. All they produced was two media releases. You can't defend a country with media releases. I'm also asked about what we've rejected. We've rejected the chaos and division that we've seen from the Liberals and Nationals. The Albanese government runs a proper, orderly cabinet process because our national security demands nothing less. This means we can deliver. We're creating 10,000 shipbuilding jobs. By contrast, the Liberals closed two shipyards, slashing thousands of jobs. We're investing $10 billion in drones and counterdrones.”
“I thank the member for Boothby, from the great defence state of South Australia, for her question. The Albanese government is united in working hard to deliver the capabilities our Defence Force needs to keep Australians safe. Importantly, we're accelerating delivery at the same time as creating Aussie jobs. We've increased naval strike range tenfold, and we're more than doubling the size of the warship fleet. Our first new warship will be delivered five years ahead of the Liberals planned first new frigate, and we'll deliver four new warships in the time the Liberal government was to deliver one. We're also delivering the autonomous Ghost Shark submarine to safeguard our maritime approach. They are rolling off production lines in a factory in Sydney right now. We're acquiring counterdrone capabilities in record time.”
“Australia will never submit to division, we will see justice done and we will come through this together. We will never forget the people who died on 14 December, the love they gave and everything they brought to our nation. May their memory be a blessing.”
“But there were many others like Mr al-Ahmed, many of them highlighted in today's debate—people who rushed towards danger, putting themselves in harm's way to save the lives of others. These people embody the best of what it is to be an Australian, showing the selfless courage that we have seen on battlefields but is rarely required of civilians. From such a horrific and tragic incident, one message must remain clear: there is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation—no place for antisemitism—and we will continue to stamp it out in all its forms. If we stand together, light will triumph over darkness every time. As the Prime Minister said, Australia is stronger than the cowards who attacked innocent people that day. Australia is braver than those who seek to make us afraid.”
“If it wasn't for the courage and quick actions of the New South Wales police, medical professionals, first responders, lifesavers and many individuals just there on the day, many more people would have died. In particular, I'd like to mention Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim man who saved countless Jewish lives by disarming one of the attackers. I've had so many letters to my office praising him for his courage, including from Juan, a police officer of more than 28 years. He described Mr al-Ahmed's actions as courageous, selfless and inspiring—someone who acted to save life regardless of religious faith. Juan requested that Mr al-Ahmed be nominated for an award for his selfless bravery, and I thank the Prime Minister and the Governor-General for establishing special awards to recognise the bravery of those like Mr al-Ahmed.”
“Just a few days after the attack, I attended a service at Newcastle Synagogue—as did you, Deputy Speaker Claydon—where people from across the Hunter stood side by side in the face of darkness. The synagogue was overflowing with people, who spilled out onto the street. The people on the street listened—in fact, they stood there silently for over an hour because they could not hear the service. They stood there to commemorate and to show solidarity. People wanted to demonstrate their sympathy for the Jewish community and stand against terror and hatred. We must also remember that, against this vile and cowardly attack, we saw acts of bravery—the best of humanity.”
“For example, Nicholas from Jewells wrote: I am writing to you as a constituent who is both deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. This was not only an attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours but an attack on the Australian way of life itself, a way of life built on fairness, tolerance and a belief that everyone is a mate, regardless of their faith or where they come from. Nicholas went on to write: Australians pride themselves on living peacefully side by side without fear or suspicion. The horror at Bondi Beach has shaken that spirit. It has left many of us feeling that the easy-going decency that defines our country has been violated. The Lake Macquarie and Central Coast communities have demonstrated their solidarity with Jewish Australians by coming together with love and unity.”
“The first day of Hanukkah should've been a joyous celebration of faith, but it will be remembered as one of our darkest days. My community also grieves with the people of Bondi. Like us, the Bondi community loves the ocean and the sunshine, and they've suffered an enormous trauma at the heart of their beloved beach. In the month since the attack we've seen Australians across the nation embrace their fellow Australians, especially those of Jewish faith. I know that people in Shortland have been deeply affected. In fact, my office has received thousands of emails and phone calls. Most of these people have been expressing horror and dismay that such a grotesque act of violence could take place in modern Australia.”
“I share the shock and devastation of all Australians following the horrendous terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025—an act of evil, blatant antisemitism; a terrorist attack that has struck at the heart of our nation; and an attack on our way of life. My thoughts, and the thoughts of the people of Shortland, are with the family and friends of the 15 people who tragically lost their lives—who were murdered. The trauma and loss their families are dealing with is beyond anyone's worst nightmare. I think especially of the parents of 10-year-old Matilda, who are facing an unimaginable future without their daughter. My heart goes out to the people who were seriously injured, and may face lifelong impacts as a result, and to the broader Jewish community, who've faced a targeted antisemitic attack.”
“By contrast, we've built the Ghost Shark factory, growing hundreds of jobs in Sydney and delivering to the Navy. The truth is that we're getting on with the job of supporting the ADF by growing the defence industry workforce. Only one side of the parliament can be trusted with national security, and they're sitting right over here.”
“It was a speech that lauded Scott Morrison's commitment to producing guided weapons in this country. There's only one slight problem. Under the Morrison government, they produced zero missiles. The only thing they produced was media releases. I've got news for the opposition: you don't defend the nation with media releases or Top Gun music. In contrast, we're building two missile factories and we'll be producing missiles by the end of this year. That is what a united government does. The other insight of the opposition leader was that we need to invest in drones and autonomous systems, and I couldn't agree more. That's why we've allocated over $10 billion to do that, and that's why we're repairing the damage her government did when they cancelled the country's only armed drone project.”
“Our first frigate will be delivered five years ahead of the coalition's planned first new warship, and we'll have delivered four new warships when they had planned to deliver one. We've committed to continuous naval shipbuilding in Adelaide and Perth, delivering tens of thousands of new jobs. In contrast, the Liberals closed two shipyards, slashing thousands of jobs and secretly cutting $20 billion from the defence budget. We're increasing the budget by $70 billion. That is what a responsible, united government does. I'm asked about alternative approaches. We saw it on display by the last government and continued in the opposition leader's thought-bubble of a defence speech last week. It was a thought bubble so empty that the shadow minister for defence didn't even know about it.”
“I thank the member for Newcastle for her question. The Albanese government is united and working hard to deliver the capabilities our defence force needs to keep Australian safe. Importantly, we are accelerating delivery at the same time as growing Aussie jobs. This is in stark contrast to the Liberals and Nationals, who aren't listening, have no ideas and are focused on themselves. We've delivered naval strike missiles, Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles to the Navy years ahead of schedule, increasing their range tenfold. We are more than doubling the Navy's warship fleet and we've selected the Mogami class frigates months ahead of schedule, with the first frigate to be delivered in 2029.”
“The successes being enjoyed by the leadership team at Mount Hutton Public School have been recognised by the Australian Education Research Organisation and feature in a new video on the AERO website. With its teachers using a consistent and collaborative approach to teaching, Mount Hutton has seen positive changes throughout the school. There's no doubt that improving teaching practices and boosting teachers' confidence in their methods improves student outcomes. I couldn't be prouder of these two schools in my electorate. They are leading the way in delivering high-quality, best-practice education, and I am so proud to be part of the Albanese Labor government that is delivering, for the first time, full and fair funding for public schools right across Australia, including for those on our home turf in Shortland.”
“Twenty-two per cent of its students identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, ensuring rich cultural experiences are part of the diverse fabric of the school community. Especially, as the school represents a region that includes Windale and Gateshead and other communities like that, this is a phenomenal achievement of which I am so proud. Just five minutes away is Mount Hutton Public School, a K-6 primary school with around 170 students, of which 23 per cent identify as First Nations. Around 40 per cent of the cohort have at least one disability, often more. This is a school that is leading the way on how to embed the explicit instruction teaching model. This approach helps students process new information more effectively to prevent cognitive overload.”
“Just think about that—it's the second year in a row that it has been the best school in Australia. To be awarded Australian school of the year once is a big deal, but to be awarded it back to back is phenomenal. I'd like to recognise and congratulate Principal Rachel Byrne, her staff, students and the wonderful community for cementing Hunter Sports High as a prime example of excellence in public education. It is setting the standard for education right across the country. These awards truly reflect the passion, expertise and commitment of the entire school community in providing an outstanding learning environment. Hunter Sports High prides itself on inspiring a love of lifelong learning in its 950 students from years 7 to 12. It delivers a learning environment that balances academic excellence and sporting achievement.”
“It's always heartening to hear about excellence in innovation in our schools. In Shortland, I'm proud to say, we have some of the best. Hunter Sports High in Gateshead made history a few months ago after being named government secondary school of the year, and overall— A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 09:32 to 09:44 As I was saying, it's always heartening to hear about excellence and innovation in our schools, and in Shortland I'm proud to say we have some of the best. Hunter Sports High School in Gateshead made history a few months ago after being named government secondary school of the year and overall Australian school of the year in the Australian Education Awards. Not only is this an amazing achievement; it is the second year in a row it's won both categories.”
“I thank the member for her question. I know that manufacturing is an incredibly important part of her local economy. Her community will be relieved to hear that the Tasmanian government, Hydro Tasmania and Rio Tinto have come to a 12-month in-principle electricity agreement for Bell Bay Aluminium—a business that employs 550 staff and supports nearly 300 local businesses through its supply chain.”
“The Capacity Investment Scheme is delivering 40 gigawatts of the cheapest generation storage available. The CEFC, which those opposite tried to abolish, has driven renewable energy infrastructure and technology projects nationwide. The truth is that, at Tomago, we're seeing the consequences of the coalition's decade of energy policy failure—22 failed energy policies, and the workers of Tomago are paying the price.”
“Boyne Island smelter has secured 80 per cent of its electricity needs through new firm renewable projects—the cheapest power available—at prices that will not only keep the smelter open but give the owners the confidence they need to invest. The bottom line is that, without access to reliable energy now and for years to come, heavy industries like smelters will not have a future. The future is renewables, and the Albanese government recognises this. We're supporting industries to move to renewable energy through the Powering the Regions Fund and the Green Aluminium Production Credit. The Net Zero Fund will invest $5 billion from the NRF on energy efficiency and decarbonising large industrial sites and will also invest in low-emissions manufacturing.”
“I thank the newly-shaven member for Hunter. His passion for jobs in our community is very laudable. We know that our vibrant, world-class industrial sector delivers good jobs for Australians—hundreds of thousands of jobs—and most of them in regional Australia. But the truth is that, without access to cheap and reliable energy, these industries and jobs are under threat. Just ask the workers at Tomago. Rio has been very clear: they haven't been able to secure competitive coal power offers. That's the truth of the matter. But it's a very different situation in Gladstone, where Rio have been able to secure renewable energy agreements.”
“Unlike those opposite, who cheered manufacturing going offshore, including the automotive industry, we're focused on cheap energy to drive manufacturing.”
“I'll start the question, but, as it was directed to a question about energy, I think it would be more appropriately answered by the minister for energy. We have been very clear that the energy sector is going through a transition as ageing coal-fired power stations close down. Unlike those opposite, we've got plans in place to drive investment into the sector. When they were in government, gigawatts of capacity closed down without a suitable replacement. And who suffered the most? Heavy industry in this country. That uncertainty drove power prices, as they had 23 different energy prices that placed Australian manufacturing under huge pressure. We're combating that right now with our Future Made in Australia agenda, which is driving investment into manufacturing because we're focused on it.”
“Let me be clear: while others play politics, Labor is building homes, Labor is backing everyday Australians, and Labor is delivering for Australia's future.”
“Across the country, there will be 55,000 new social and affordable homes, 100,000 homes reserved for first home buyers and a national target of 1.2 million new homes in five years. For renters, we're delivering the biggest rent assistance increase in three decades and we're working with the states to strengthen tenants' rights. For first home buyers, the new Help to Buy shared-equity scheme that came in last week will make homeownership possible again for a key cohort. I recently met Jesse in my electorate, who told me that, thanks to Labor's five per cent deposit scheme, he can finally buy a home. For Jesse and thousands like him, the dream of homeownership is back within reach. Housing isn't just about economics; it's about dignity, security and giving everyday Aussies a fair go.”
“The Albanese Labor government is delivering the biggest housing investment since the postwar boom. Since coming to office, more than half a million homes have been built; 180,000 Australians have bought their first home with as little as a five per cent deposit; over one million households are receiving higher rent assistance, which has seen the biggest boost in 30 years; and 25,000 social and affordable homes are already in the pipeline. In my electorate of Shortland, the results are real. So far, 956 locals have bought their first home through the Home Guarantee Scheme; more than 10,600 households are getting extra rent assistance, and nearly 600 apprentices are learning trades to help build the homes we need. But we know the job's not done. That's why we're going further.”
“Right across our community, and in my community in particular—down to Lake Macquarie and into the Central Coast—access to housing remains one of my top concerns. Young people are competing for fewer rentals. Families, who, just a generation ago, would have bought their first home, are locked out. This crisis didn't happen by chance; it was the product of neglect. For nine years, under the coalition, there was no dedicated housing minister for most of that time. Just 373 social and affordable homes were built nationwide. They walked away. And, for the last three years, while we've been trying to change that, we've seen the Greens join with the coalition to block reforms. This new coalition strategy was simple: delay, obstruct, then complain. That's politics at its worst. Thankfully, Labor has got a different approach.”
“Importantly, we're acting on climate change, the Pacific's top priority, and our landmark Falepili union does that. We are negotiating with Fiji and Vanuatu as well. Our approach of listening, respect and action has delivered genuine and enduring partnerships. Today, Australians and Papua New Guineans are safer due to this new alliance.”
“The Prime Minister walked the Kokoda Track with PM Marape, the first two leaders of their nations to do so. PM Albanese was also the first foreign leader to address the PNG parliament, and PM Marape was the first Pacific leader to address ours. Senior ministers from our government are regular visitors to the Pacific, and we're using every tool of statecraft, from defence and policing cooperation to trade, development assistance, temporary labour schemes, permanent migration and sport, to deepen our relationships. Turning up, listening and acting—that's what we do, because our prosperity and stability are dependent upon the prosperity and stability of the Pacific. We have signed landmark treaties with Tuvalu and Nauru. The Nauru-Australia Treaty responds to their top concerns of economic resilience and banking services.”
“We shed blood together on the Kokoda Track and are buried together at the Bomana War Cemetery, including Pata Topipin from the Papuan Infantry Battalion, who was only 16 years of age when he made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom. So, when PNG proposed this alliance, Australia was honoured to agree. As allies, in the event of an armed attack on either of our countries, we will both act to meet the danger. It is an agreement founded on friendship between our two peoples. As the PM said, it shapes the future of our relationship as neighbours, equals, family and now allies. The government is working hard to respond to Pacific priorities and ensure that we are the partner of choice. We turn up, listen and act on the priorities of the Pacific family.”
“I thank the member for her question and strong interest in foreign policy. Last month, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and I travelled to Papua New Guinea to commemorate the 50th anniversary of PNG's independence. We celebrated our shared history and values and our enduring bonds. Our relationship with PNG is special. We've achieved so much together in recent years, from our bilateral security agreement to the PNG national rugby league team. Yesterday, the two prime ministers signed the Pukpuk treaty, establishing Australia's third ever alliance, the first in 74 years, and PNG's first ever. As the Prime Minister said, four kilometres separates our two nations. As Prime Minister Marape said in this very chamber, we are joined at the hip.”
“They closed two shipyards, costing thousands of Aussie jobs. We're delivering continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and SA, supporting over 10,000 jobs. All they did for missile manufacturing was two media releases. We're building two missile factories, and this year Aussie workers will start making missiles in this country. Under their plan, there would have been no major warships for the Navy until 2034. Under us, there will be four new warships in that time, with the first delivered this decade. Unlike those opposite, we support Aussie workers and manufacturing, and that's why the Albanese government is backing a defence future made in Australia. In contrast, as question time again demonstrated, those on the opposite side can't be trusted on defence, can't be trusted on national security and always go the low road.”
“Importantly, this will involve many innovative Australian companies, like Acacia Systems in Adelaide, which I recently visited. Their home-grown technology will be the brains of the ADF drone defence. We're also designing and making drones in Australia. Take a look at Ghost Shark, delivered on budget and ahead of schedule, or Ghost Bat, the first aircraft to be designed and made in Australia in over 50 years. So we're growing capabilities for the ADF, we're growing jobs and we're growing sovereignty and self-reliance for Australia. Our record stands in stark contrast to the coalition's wasted decade, where they failed to support our local industry. They cancelled the only armed drone project and delivered zero drone defences for this country. We're delivering both armed drones and drone defences for the ADF.”
“I thank the member for his question. Australia faces the most challenging strategic environment since 1945, and that's why the Albanese government is investing record amounts in the Australian defence industry to keep Australians safe and deliver a future made in Australia. I'm delighted to inform the House that, according to the latest statistics, the industry grew by 12½ per cent, and jobs grew in that sector by almost 10 per cent. This investment is guided by the lessons from recent conflicts, including that we don't just need the right equipment; we need the ability to make this equipment in Australia. There's no better example of this than the Albanese government's $10 billion plan for drone and counterdrone technologies. Last month I announced our plan to acquire $1.3 billion worth of drone defences for the Australian Defence Force.”
“To my beautiful wife, Keara, and my two amazing kids, Rachel and Michael: thank you for the sacrifices you make. Thank you for believing in the Labor project of improving the lives of all Australians. I apologise in advance for another three years of my absence, but I hope I can continue to make you proud and to repay the trust and sacrifice you make every single day so that I can continue to represent the people of Shortland. As I said earlier, representing my community in Shortland is the greatest honour of my life, and I will continue to work every day to make every moment in this place count. Thank you very much.”
“Kylie brought warmth, energy and kindness to everything she did in our office, with her family and in our community. She is deeply missed by all of us, and I know she would be incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. I again pass my condolences on to Kylie's family and friends. In conclusion, I would like to thank two groups of people. First, I'd like to thank the Prime Minister for his continued leadership. He ran an incredibly disciplined, value driven, honest and effective government over the last three years, and the election result reflects the trust the people of Australia have in him and his agenda. He is a person who never forgets where he came from and is committed to fighting for Australians every single day. Finally, in conclusion, I'd like to thank my family again.”
“Your support never wavered, and I have the great honour and privilege of serving the people of Shortland for another three years because of your hard work and dedication. I'd like to take a moment to pay tribute to a very special member of my team: my former office manager Kylie Katalinic. Kylie joined the Labor Party at just 17, inspired by her proud Labor father, and from that day on she dedicated her life to the movement. Kylie joined my office in August 2023. From day one, Kylie was focused on the election campaign to come. She knew just how important it was to have a Labor government in office and how a Labor agenda can transform lives. Tragically, Kylie lost her life to cancer in February this year. Kylie was a passionate unionist, a fierce advocate for mental health and someone who lived her Labor values every single day.”
“I'd like to say a big, heartfelt thank you to my amazing team. I couldn't have done this without you. To the mighty trade union movement I say thank you. Every day you work tirelessly to improve the safety and working conditions of millions of Australians. In particular, I would acknowledge the support of the Mining and Energy Union, the AMWU, the MUA veterans and the SDA. Without your support, the result we achieved in Shortland would not have been possible. To my staff, my volunteers and, of course, my family: thank you for hitting the streets, knocking on doors, making countless phone calls, delivering flyers and handing out on polling places—on prepoll and on election day. We delivered one of the most active campaigns in all of New South Wales, and the results speak for themselves.”
“What were they promised? What was the quid pro quo? Let's hope the Liberal Party never again employs such disgraceful, antidemocratic tactics. I'm pleased to report the voters of Shortland, when faced with this orchestrated campaign of fear and intimidation, said no. They provided the Liberals with the result they deserved. My constituents chose compassion over cruelty, hope over fear and action over spin. They chose a government that builds, not blames; that backs workers, supports families and stands up for the vulnerable; and that listens, delivers and brings people together. So to everyone who put their trust in me and Labor: thank you. I won't take your support for granted. Together we'll keep building a better Australia—one that is fairer, stronger and full of opportunity for all.”
“This was not about persuasion and campaigning; this was about coercion and intimidation. These tactics—the coordination, the coercion and the intimidation—were among the most egregious I've ever witnessed. They were corrosive to democracy and contrary to everything we stand for. They didn't even bother to pretend to know the electorate. They didn't even know where the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic was, even though many of them were at a prepoll centre just around the corner from the clinic for two whole weeks. All this, according to media reports, was coordinated out of the then Liberal leader's office—a nationwide, orchestrated effort by a secretive religious cult to influence our election. Let's ask ourselves: Why did the Exclusive Brethren, who don't even vote, mobilise in their thousands for the Liberal Party?”
“From cost-of-living relief to Medicare reform and from housing to climate, the Albanese Labor government has delivered what we said we would, and we'll continue to do exactly that. At the end of the day, this election wasn't just about policies; it was about values, Australians chose fairness over division. But, unfortunately, the campaign also had its darker side. I saw scenes I'd never witnessed my time in politics. We had Exclusive Brethren in Liberal shirts busting into our neighbourhoods from as far away as South Australia. They were there not to campaign but to bully, harass and intimidate. They physically blocked voters from entering polling booths, ripped other parties' materials from voters' hands, tore down signs, hurled sexist and offensive remarks and confronted volunteers and voters with aggression and contempt.”
“I'm proud that we will have a Medicare mental health clinic in Charlestown in the near future—because your health should not depend on your bank balance, and, under Labor, it never will. My constituents also care deeply about the environment. That's why we're taking bold, responsible action on climate change—not just because it's the right thing to do for our planet, but because it's the smart thing to do for our economy. Under Labor, Australia is becoming a renewable energy superpower. We're investing in batteries, home solar and the Rewiring the Nation project to modernise our grid. We're creating thousands of clean energy jobs and driving down power prices, all while cutting pollution and protecting our future. You can characterise our government as being steady. We've been focused, and we've kept our promises.”