Alicia Payne
Canberra · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“This week, the Parliamentary Friends of the People of Afghanistan farewelled the ambassador of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr Wahidullah Waissi, with the Afghan embassy in Canberra to close at the end of this month.”
“They highlighted the need for sustained international engagement and renewed focus on protection and access to education for Afghan women and girls.”
“Australia works with established United Nations partners to ensure our support helps those in need, but not the Taliban regime. The world must not turn away from the situation that women and girls in Afghanistan face.”
“They also requested that Australia call for gender apartheid to be codified as a crime against humanity. In January, the Australian government committed a further $50 million in humanitarian support to the people of Afghanistan to address the deteriorating situation there.”
“In Afghanistan, under the Taliban, girls and women are barred from secondary schools, universities and other educational and vocational training centres. Most employment is forbidden, as is participation in public and political life, and women must be completely covered and accompanied by a male relative in public.”
“Henry and his family are advocating for this drug to be added to the PBS for children under 12 as well, in the hope that more families' lives can be changed, and I was pleased to discuss this with him yesterday.”
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“To come in here and claim that they suddenly care about the environment—well, I welcome that if they do, but it's going to take a lot of policy change on their side. In fact, at the moment, in the first week of parliament one of the first things we hear from them is that some of their own members want to bring in a private member's bill to drop their commitment to net zero. It is unbelievable. The other day I saw a great headline in the Betoota Advocate , who so often get it right, saying that the coalition, after ignoring climate science for decades, is also ignoring election results. What doesn't seem to be getting through to those opposite, after not just this election victory for Labor but also the previous one, is that Australians want to see action taken on climate change. They want to see our precious environment protected.”
“And I'm really pleased that our government has announced $14 million, partnering with the South Australian government and matching the funding they are putting in, to address this across priority areas including research and science, business assistance, community awareness and support, and clean-up efforts. This is critically important. But what those opposite seem to be ignoring by bringing this today is that what is driving this is climate change. That has been incredibly clear. It reminds me, having first been elected in 2019, what it was like to be here in opposition, with those opposite in government and doing absolutely nothing while a climate crisis unfolded—the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 going on while those opposite ignored climate science.”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker. May I begin by congratulating you on your re-election as Deputy Speaker. I'm very pleased that my first contribution in the new parliament is to be speaking about the environment, something that's incredibly important to me and incredibly important to my constituents in the electorate of Canberra. I just want to respond to the hypocrisy writ large from the coalition in bringing this as a matter of public importance today, when they did nothing for a decade in government. It is actually hard to see how the shadow minister kept a straight face for half of that speech, with some of the things that were put forward. Like most Australians, I have been really concerned to see the devastating algal bloom in South Australia, seeing beautiful marine species washing up dead and the devastating impact that that is having.”
“The opposition leader knows that, but he is willing to gamble the wellbeing of Australians on his divisive populous politics. If you're a veteran claiming DVA supports, you'll remember what it was like under the Liberals—a backlog of 42,000 veterans' claims, some waiting more than two years to be processed. That's what happens when you hollow out the Public Service. It took a Labor government and the hardworking APS to clear that backlog. However, the Liberals have confirmed that DVA staff are in their sights, as with the rest of the APS. Today they've confirmed that, if elected, they'll actually increase your taxes. They'll actually not only oppose but repeal the tax cut we delivered for all Australian taxpayers in our budget on Tuesday night.”
“There are three things you can guarantee in life: death, taxes, and Canberra bashing from the Liberal Party. For those listening to the opposition leader's budget reply tonight, I have a challenge for you. Count how many times he uses the word 'Canberra' as a slur. You could even make it a drinking game, but you might need an ambulance at the end. It is staggering how brazen those opposite are at attacking our community and the hardworking people who live here. And, in case you've missed it, they've increased their commitment to cut the Public Service to 41,000 public servants. That is half of the APS. It's not just an attack on the hardworking public servants in Canberra and every Canberra small business in our entire local economy; it's an attack on every Australian who relies on public services and the good governance of this nation.”
“The Albanese government understands how critical telco services are for everyone, including those facing vulnerable circumstances, people living in our regions, First Nations Australians and those who rely upon connectivity to support their families and provide services to their communities. Accordingly we want to ensure that the telco industry is working for Australians, that Australians have the best consumer safeguards in place to protect their interests and that there is a strong, clear recourse if telcos do the wrong thing. Telco services should enrich people's lives, not cause inconvenience, frustration or harm. Many Australians are experiencing significant cost-of-living pressures, and this includes being able to afford critical communications services like mobile and internet services. Debate adjourned.”
“The minister's previous changes include implementing new rules around support provided to consumers experiencing financial hardship and, more recently, directing ACMA to create rules regarding support for consumers experiencing domestic, sexual and family violence. Our government knows that staying connected is a critical part of life. The reforms proposed in the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025 go to the compliance and enforcement regime for consumer safeguards and constitute a comprehensive package of improvements to those arrangements. They help to ensure the ACMA is an empowered and effective regulator and that appropriate incentive structures are in place to drive better behaviour by telcos. Staying connected is an essential part of everyday life.”
“The Albanese government is committed to putting Australian consumers at the heart of the telecommunications industry. Telecommunications should enrich people's lives, not cause inconvenience, frustration or detriment. We want to ensure that all Australians have access to reliable, high-quality and affordable telecommunications services supported by a strong regulatory and consumer safeguards framework. That is why this government has been actively reviewing the telecommunications consumer protection framework and making appropriate changes, and I thank the Minister for Communications for her hard work regarding the development of these changes.”
“It's not just about the pipeline of the next brilliant Australian actors, performers, writers and other artists. It's also about the intrinsic value of young people and giving them these opportunities. We want to be a society that fosters this, because if we don't continue it now we will lose that next generation of great Australian actors that we come to know and love and the great Australian productions. We all want to hear Australian stories told. I do hope that youth arts is something that will be taken seriously.”
“Revered youth theatre artistic director Carol Woodrow AM has emphasised the inherent value of youth arts. She understands that, while many kids are never going to be professional actors, it is an important opportunity for children to release their imagination, to learn about themselves and the world and to develop self-confidence. I've seen that. I've heard from families about the incredible impact that it has had on their children, developing their confidence, which they've then used in other parts of their schooling. It's clear to me, from talking with Luke and meeting with the young people, that this is where many young people really find their place. It's so important for them. It's really important that we consider youth arts as equally important as mainstream arts.”
“I've had the pleasure to attend some of their rehearsals and to meet with some of the young people. I was blown away by the talent and enthusiasm of these young people. My understanding is that the Canberra Youth Theatre also write their own work, and they have had incredible success, which has been recognised nationally. However, they are doing it tough at the moment. Usually, Canberrans enjoy numerous productions from the theatre, but, sadly, they will not be able to deliver those this year. They will continue delivering some of their courses. But this is a really significant blow to the young people who want to be involved in theatre, and it's a significant loss to our whole community. The benefits of the arts to youth and community cannot be underestimated.”
“Revive seeks to empower our talented artist and arts organisations to thrive and grow, unlock new opportunities and reach new audiences. I'm also proud that our government has provided funding to Canberra organisations in the arts as well, including the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and for the redevelopment of Gorman House. However, the recovery continues with many in the sector still struggling, and I was devastated to learn just before Christmas that the Canberra Youth Theatre will be cutting staff and closing programs this year due to funding challenges and rising costs. The theatre has been instrumental to young artists for over 50 years, providing opportunities for young people to be creative and develop their artistic skills. It's something I've spoken about with the artistic director and CEO, Luke Rogers, over many years.”
“Yet, despite our national appreciation of the arts and cultural sector, it was left devastated after 10 years of funding cuts under the previous coalition government. The small to medium sector of innovative arts and cultural organisations was hit particularly hard. The sector's challenges were compounded throughout the pandemic, especially those in live performance and public exhibition. Since the pandemic, response policies were lifted and borders reopened, and household spending and business conditions have improved. And I'm proud to say that one of the first things our government did, under the leadership of the arts minister, Tony Burke, was, after a lost decade a federal policy drift and funding neglect, to release its national cultural policy, Revive, a five-year plan to revive the arts in Australia.”
“Over the recent holiday period, most of us would have taken the opportunity to enjoy the arts and cultural sector and all it has to offer. It may have been a visit to the theatre. It might have been taking your kids to the cinema, streaming your favourite TV series, catching a live gig or visiting one of Canberra's iconic museums and galleries. Regardless of our background or wealth, nearly all of us appreciate and engage with the sector. We know that creative activities and experiences are essential to our mental health and wellbeing, which was particularly evident through the pandemic. As Creative Australia's Creating our future : results of national arts participation survey 2023 points out, most of us agree that the arts make for a richer and more meaningful life.”
“I thank her for her contribution. We will miss her in this place, but I know that she will continue to contribute. On this day, as we reflect on the anniversary and on the apology, may we always continue to listen to First Nations Australians and work together for a country that is truly one and truly enlarged. Debate adjourned.”
“In my first term as the secretary of the First Nations Caucus Committee, I had the privilege of working closely with Senator McCarthy, the member for Barton—Linda Burney—and Senator Pat Dodson on many issues and bringing to the forefront our considerations the impacts on First Nations communities. It was such a privilege to work with those leaders. I'll take this opportunity on what may be the last day of parliament to acknowledge the member for Barton and former Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, for the incredible contribution she has made over many years. She is, I believe, one of the greatest leaders our country will see. When I think of Linda, the words that come to mind are 'grace' and 'strength', which she showed in an almost unfathomable way when confronted with some of the ugliest parts of Australian politics.”
“We will continue the digitisation of at-risk audio and video collections held by First Nations broadcasters and community organisations by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator McCarthy, has been working on food security throughout her career. She is committed to ensuring that remote Indigenous communities have regular and quality access to food, and she is making sure that Indigenous communities do not pay these high prices. I want to commend Senator McCarthy on the work that she is doing for Closing the Gap.”
“We will strengthen the Indigenous procurement policy to boost opportunities for First Nations businesses to grow and create jobs. We will boost the Indigenous Business Australia's home loan capital fund and establish a place based business coaching and mentoring program for First Nations business women and entrepreneurs. We will increase the availability of culturally safe and qualified mental health support, including scholarships for up to 150 First Nations psychology students. We will continue to deliver critical early intervention and response services to address family, domestic and sexual violence in high-need First Nations communities.”
“We will extend the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme for an additional two years to support stolen generation survivors. This is an incredibly important measure, particularly for my community as a part of the ACT. We are improving the health of First Nations people in regional and remote Australia by improving food security across those regions, including reducing the cost of 30 essential products in more than 76 remote stores to help ease cost-of-living pressures and improve access to quality food for people in remote communities. We will build a nutrition workforce in remote communities by upskilling up to 120 local First Nations staff in remote stores. We will roll out new laundries or upgrade existing facilities to 12 remote First Nations communities to help improve long-term health outcomes.”
“Earlier this week, the government released the Commonwealth c losing the g ap 2024 annual report and 2025 implementation plan . It outlines the actions that the Albanese government has taken over the past year to deliver on the outcomes of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Its focus is on creating jobs and economic empowerment for remote communities, easing housing overcrowding and improving safety. The 2025 implementation plan outlines our strategy for the year ahead, focusing on easing cost-of-living pressures and improving food security in remote communities, delivering the next steps of our economic empowerment agenda and continuing to improve outcomes for First Nations people. We will invest in a range of new measures.”
“One of the particularly regrettable and terrible parts of the gap is the high rates of out-of-home care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children that currently exist and continue. Here in the ACT, we actually have some of the highest rates. This is something we must address because it continues the trauma for those families and the breaking down of connections between families, communities, country and culture. We need to do better to address this. That is why we set up a First Nations children's commissioner, the first in this country. We want to make sure that that commissioner is watching out for First Nations children around Australia. We are working with peak bodies through the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This is a landmark partnership with First Nations groups across Australia.”
“While, obviously, that proposal for the Voice to Parliament was rejected by the Australian people, and we respect that result, we are a government that will always listen to First Nations people and look to them for the ways in which we will close the gap and walk together in reconciliation. An important part of that is that earlier this week, on Monday, we had the Closing the Gap statement and report. Since the apology, this has been an important process of looking at these terrible gaps that continue between First Nations and other Australians, and there is always more work to be done. This is front of mind for our government and always will be front of mind for the Labor Party.”
“Obviously, in 2023 we held a referendum, and we didn't get the result that we wanted or that the majority of First Nations Australians wanted. But the Prime Minister this morning addressed the stolen generations breakfast, and he said that he will always be there as long as he is Prime Minister, because it is such an important event. He talked about the referendum, and he said that, while it obviously was not the result that we wanted and that that has caused harm to many in the community, he doesn't regret wanting to enlarge our nation, because that's why we are here and, as he said, we will get there. The arc of history bends towards justice, as Martin Luther King said.”
“This morning, I was privileged to attend the stolen generations breakfast here in the parliament and to hear from stolen generations survivors of the impacts that this has had on them. It is incredibly generous, beyond words, that these people are willing to come into this place and share those stories and that they do so to see us move forward—to see us address the hurt that was caused and to continue to move forward in reconciliation and in closing the gap. Listening to their voices and providing opportunities for them to share the stories is an important step in the healing process. It is through these stories that the full extent of the trauma can be understood. I'm proud that our government will always continue to listen to First Nations Australians.”
“We continue to listen to those stories, and we know that the hurt will never go away—children separated from their parents, forced to live in institutions or foster homes where they were stripped of their languages, traditions and identities, a most wicked breaking of the most sacred bonds between parents and children and families. Many were then subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse and faced ongoing neglect. For many, this loss of connection with family, culture and country has had intergenerational impacts affecting not only those directly involved but also future generations. The pain caused by the removal of children has reverberated throughout communities, creating a cycle of loss that continues today.”
“The stolen generations are a tragic and absolutely shameful chapter in the history of Australia—one that has left deep, lasting scars on Indigenous communities. Today is an important day to reflect on these policies of our country and the impact that they've had on First Nations Australians. The apology to the stolen generations was 17 years ago today, when former prime minister Kevin Rudd apologised to those stolen from their families. Today is a reminder of the deep injustices that have been done to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and an urgent call for action. It is a reminder that the legacy of those policies continues to shape the lives of First Nations people in Australia today.”
“I am so proud of this announcement and of my colleagues—including the assistant minister, who is here—the work that they have done, and the difference this will make to the lives of Australian women—things that seem overdue. It has taken an Albanese Labor government, with these women pushing these important issues, to achieve this change for Australian women, and I want everyone to know about it.”
“A women with polycystic ovary syndrome waits, on average, two years for a diagnosis, and PCOS affects one in five women. These illnesses are often debilitating, with detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, and that's not taking into account menopause, which every person who menstruates will experience at some point in their lives. Menopausal hot flushes, lack of sleep and muscle and joint aches are an almost universal experience for women, and for too long these conditions have not received the funding, research or resources that make significant improvements to the quality of life of Australian women. This package is investing in 11 new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics around the country, joining the 22 we have already funded. All 33 clinics will be staffed to provide this important care to women.”
“The importance of ensuring that women will have choice in their birth control cannot be overstated. Not every form of birth control is right for every woman. We have unique bodies and unique responses to different medications. Our government, by providing lower-cost alternatives, is giving women the option to find the birth control that's right for them. It gives us agency over our bodies and control over our reproductive health. Most women would recall being dismissed at some point in their lives while trying to sort out those sorts of issues. As the assistant minister likes to say, medical misogyny is alive and well. A woman with endometriosis waits, on average, seven years to receive a diagnosis. Endometriosis affects one in nine women; it's not uncommon.”
“For the first time in 30 years we have listed new oral contraceptive pills on the PBS. The 50,000 women who use Yaz and Yasmin will save hundreds of dollars a year. It amazed me when I heard that a pill hadn't been listed in so long, but then I remembered paying a fortune for things. What a difference this will make to Australian women! Many of the pills are old and are not as effective and don't work as well. Thirty years is a long time. These newer pills are now on the PBS, and so women can find the one that is right for them. We're also introducing more choice, lower cost and better access to long-term contraceptives, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk-billing for IUDs and birth control implants. This will save 300,000 women up to $400 a year in out-of-pocket costs for the birth control that works best for them.”
“Our medical system cannot stand in the way of women not only achieving amazing goals, like Allie, but also going about their daily routines and facing challenges. As I said, for too long women have had to hide these challenges and just been told it's part of being a woman. It's not always; sometimes there are treatments available that can make a world of difference, and this package is about making those more affordable and accessible to Australian women. This investment also acknowledges the tireless advocacy of women's health organisations, community leaders and everyday Australians who have spoken about these challenges. Their courage and persistence have led to this moment, and I thank them all for their efforts. Our government is correcting the record for women's health through this package.”
“These are not just policies; these are life-changing measures that will improve the lives of women across the country at all ages and in all parts of their journeys—women like Allie Pepper, a world-class mountaineer. When she joined us at the announcement of this package in Canberra this week—it was wonderful to hear from her there—she described her battle with menopause as 'harder than Everest'. She thought she'd never climb again. She fought to find a GP trained in menopause care, and, once she did, the right treatment changed her life and made her feel like herself again. Allie is now making incredible progress on her goal to climb all 14 of the 8,000-metre peaks across the world without oxygen.”
“It will ensure that women suffering from endometriosis and pelvic pain get the early diagnosis and treatment they deserve, and it will mean that women experiencing the debilitating pain of urinary tract infections can access treatment more quickly. I recently met with pharmacists in my electorate, at their pharmacy in Kingston. They were part of a trial of being able to give out antibiotics for UTIs, and they were saying it is such an important thing and they hoped it would be rolled out more broadly. So it is an excellent thing that women will be able to access that quickly and also avoid an appointment with a GP that could be hard to get, expensive and not really necessary if they know what the problem is and can go and get that help from the pharmacy.”
“It was wonderful to join them all on Sunday at the Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT clinic, and I want to acknowledge that brilliant organisation and the support that they give to Canberra women at all stages of their journey, sometimes in difficult circumstances. The accessible advice and health care that they provide is a really important service. This package will ensure that women on low incomes can access critical medications through pharmacies, that general practitioners are supported and rewarded for providing quality care, and that women's health concerns—too often dismissed—are met with serious investment and action. It will transform menopause care. It will make contraception more affordable and accessible, reducing unplanned pregnancies.”
“She's shone a light on these stories of Australian women through forums that she's held—overwhelmed by the numbers and the stories of what people have gone through. I also want to acknowledge Senator Marielle Smith, who headed up the Senate inquiry into menopause. Again, she shone a light on this experience that affects all women, which has for too long been hidden and taboo. Women, as usual, have been fronting up against serious health challenges but needing to go about their everyday lives as though nothing is happening and not having access to the affordable care that they need. I would like to acknowledge Senator Katy Gallagher, my ACT colleague, who has led so much change for women as the Minister for Women in this government. I also, of course, want to acknowledge the Minister for Health and Aged Care for championing this as well.”
“This is what happens when you have women in the room making the decisions, and I am so proud that our government is the first with over 50 per cent of women in its caucus. It means that these issues are being discussed. I want to pay a particular tribute to my friend and colleague the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney. For her whole life—as a nurse, a unionist, a member of this House and now a minister—she has fought for better health care and health outcomes for Australians, including Australian women. Part of the work that she's been doing has been shining a light on medical misogyny, which is exactly what we've talked about where, systemically, women's health has not been given the attention it deserves.”
“There are many stories I and every woman I know could share about perhaps not being taken seriously, about problems not being addressed or that couldn't be worked out, or about things that don't really seem fair. Women face a lot of extra costs at the moment in the health system not because they're unwell but simply because they're women. Our announcement this week will change that. Our government has made a landmark investment in the health and wellbeing of Australian women, an investment of more than $500 million in women's health, which is a historic leap forward and one which will ensure better access, more choice and more affordable health care for millions of Australian women.”
“I, too, am very excited to speak on this very important and overdue reform to women's health from Labor, offering women lower costs, more choice and better health care. For too long, women's health has not been taken seriously by decision-makers. We've heard too many stories of women struggling to access essential healthcare services, whether for contraception, menopause support, pelvic pain or endometriosis treatment. Women have had to fight to be heard, to be believed and to receive the care that they need. I think all of us—even if we haven't had a terrible experience, we've had an experience or multiple experiences that come to mind when we think about these things.”
“It's about making sure that every child, no matter their circumstances or where they live, have the support they need to get the best out of their education. I thank the minister and our government. This is a fantastic investment for Australia.”
“I'm also proud to say that, thanks to the ACT Labor government and ACT minister Yvette Berry, the ACT was already fully funded to 100 per cent of needs based funding. The ACT was the only jurisdiction in Australia to do that, and that's because we understand the importance. This is one of the most important things governments can do to ensure the best for our constituents and all Australians. This additional funding will put extra funding into schools in my electorate and the ACT to ensure that every child has the best start and that teachers are supported to do what they do best. It will ensure that every student has the tools that they need to catch up, keep up, and finish school, and engaging students early where they might need a little extra support.”
“It is a simple principle that schools should have the resources to give every child the best possible start in life. That is why Labor have always championed full and fair funding for our public schools, and I am so proud that our Albanese Labor government, through the leadership of the Minister for Education, Jason Clare, are delivering the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which wants to see every public school around this country fully funded. This will mean an extra $16 billion of additional investment put on the table for states and territories to agree to. I'm proud to say that the ACT has already signed this agreement. This means an extra $110½ million of funding for ACT public schools over the next five years.”
“I rise today to talk about the importance of properly funding public education. Public education plays such an important role in ensuring that all Australians have the best opportunities and the best start in life to pursue whatever it is that they want, and that journey begins at school with their amazing teachers. I was proud to attend public schools here in the ACT, and what I got from that was the message that anyone can achieve anything. I had amazing teachers, and now my son, who has just started year 2, and my daughter, who has just started preschool, have amazing teachers in our public school system here in the ACT. The Gonski review set out a clear objective to ensure that every Australian school was funded to meet the needs of the students based on a range of school characteristics.”
“And we want to play our part in a world that is transitioning to clean energy and away from fossil fuels. So I want to say that I agree with the member for North Sydney when she says that at the next election you need to vote as though your children's future and their children's future depends on it, because it does. I couldn't agree more. But I would say that the biggest risk is a Dutton Liberal-National coalition government, because we will see everything that we are trying to do for climate and for the environment completely trashed, among other things.”
“With the really great ground that the Albanese Labor government have made in the last three years, in not much time—what we have achieved in setting targets and being on track to meet those targets, in record investment and in renewable energy—it is devastating that this will again become a fight at the next election and that all of it is at risk. The experts tell us we are at a tipping point for Australia. We are on track at the moment, and if these things do not continue we will be set back forever. This is an opportunity for our economy, as well, and our government wants to make the most of that. We want this to be a jobs opportunity for Australia, to be involved in the manufacturing of what we need for the transition to a sustainable economy.”
“We hoped that us coming to government at the last election was the end of climate change being a political fight, that the science would finally be accepted and that all people running for parliament in Australia would finally accept that this was a pressing challenge for the entire world that Australia has to play its very important part in. This is something that matters to Australians, not least because of our precious and unique environment that we all value, and that Canberrans value very much. This is the issue that they talk to me about more than any other. Unfortunately, that's not what we see, because we have an opposition that is going to this election with a policy to go down a path of nuclear power and build seven nuclear reactors around the country. It is just laughable.”
“I thank the member for North Sydney for bringing this topic today in the spirit and which it is brought. I acknowledge her contribution this term, though I am sorry that her seat will no longer exist and that she is leaving the parliament. I have really enjoyed working with the member for North Sydney on a lot of things, as well as her genuine commitment to seeing better outcomes for the environment and a range of other issues. I'm sorry to see her go. This is a really important topic, because we do need to work together. I appreciate the spirit in which this matter of public importance has been brought. We have seen, over many years—longer than the last decade—climate wars in this country. I guess we would have thought that by this upcoming election in 2025 that those wars were over.”
“Right now, the opposition wants to gamble Australian taxpayers' money on the same reckless path—in seven locations around the country, no less. It's irresponsible economic policy and it's irresponsible energy policy. While those opposite continue with this fantasy—and they've only got two policies, that one and taxpayer-funded lunches for bosses—our government is getting on with the job of transitioning our economy to a renewable future. In just under three years we've approved the construction of 72 renewable energy projects. That's enough to power over eight million homes and create thousands of jobs.”
“Imagine spending $91 billion on a power station that's years behind schedule? That's what's happening in the UK right now. In 2010, the United Kingdom's minister for energy announced the construction of the biggest nuclear power station in the country, at Hinkley Point C. The cost:18 billion pounds. The year of completion: 2025, this year. That's correct: it was meant to be finished now. So where is it up to? Current projections expect it will be finished some time between 2029 and 2031, and the cost has increased to 46 billion pounds. That's a cost blowout of more than 28 billion pounds, over A$45 billion, and counting—250 per cent of the budgeted cost. Let's remember this has happened in a country with an established nuclear industry, a country that has done this before. Building nuclear reactors is costly and fraught with risk.”
“My question as to the Minister representing the Minister for Women. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care to Australian women? And how does this compare to other approaches that would leave Australians worse off?”
“So I want to thank particularly the inquiry secretary, Samuel Thompson, and also Fran Denny, our committee secretary, whose work over the past three years has been invaluable. This is the third report our committee has handed down and their work has made each of those go incredibly well. So thank you to our wonderful secretariat. This report serves as a reminder of the responsibility we bear to protect Antarctica's unique environment while continuing to advance our understanding of the profound global challenges we are presented with and support scientists to learn as much as we can from this unique continent. It is my hope that the findings and recommendations contained in this report will guide Australia's ongoing engagement with Antarctica in ways that uphold our national interest and global responsibilities.”