Libby Coker
Corangamite · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Well, it's finally open. After years of planning, investment and construction, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is now welcoming visitors. While it's on Geelong's waterfront, the benefits won't stop there.”
“Participants and their families deserve confidence that the workers entering their homes and providing essential supports are appropriately trained, properly supported and accountable.”
“That's what makes this project so important. It's an investment that strengthens Geelong as the gateway to everything my part of Victoria has to offer, and it's already delivered 1,400 jobs, with more to come. It builds on the work we're doing across the Bellarine and Surf Coast to support growing communities.”
“It should be noted that, throughout this inquiry, the committee made clear that choice and control are the foundation of the NDIS, and they must remain at the centre of any reform. During this inquiry, the committee heard from people with disability, families, advocates, providers and experts.”
“The NDIS was built on trust—trust that participants would receive the right supports, trust that providers would act in the best interests of the people they support and trust that public funding would be used for its intended purpose. As the scheme has grown, the risks facing it have also evolved.”
“This includes a greater focus on fraud prevention and detection, stronger oversight of providers, improved collaboration between agencies and reform to better protect participants. During the committee's inquiry, what was highlighted was the importance of such continued work.”
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“In just our first three months in government, we've slashed the maximum amount that pensioners would pay for their medicines across a given year by 25 per cent. It has also delivered 73 million additional free scripts, saving pensioners over half a billion dollars. It's the biggest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS. Labor created the PBS, and we will always back it in, because cheaper medicines are good for the health of our nation.”
“When we came to government in 2022 the Bureau of Statistics told us that each year about one million Australians didn't fill out prescriptions their doctor said they needed. That's why we're so focused on making medicines cheaper and why this week the Albanese government will introduce laws to deliver on the Prime Minister's promise to make medicines even cheaper and to slash the maximum co-payment for general patients to just $25 a script. The last time it was this low was in 2004, which was 21 years ago. More than five million patients will benefit from this fifth wave of cheaper medicines from our government. It will be good for hip pockets but, importantly, it will be good for health. It builds on the work we've already done.”
“Medicare is a promise that no-one will be held back, and nobody will be left behind. That's why I'm so proud that we support this motion. Thank you.”
“That's the power of a strong, enduring PBS. We understand that a strong PBS and a strong Medicare mean more Australians with challenging health conditions are cared for. More than that, it also shows that their government hears them and that we are here to support them. That's why we're backing in the PBS, and it's why we're strengthening Medicare. This government's work is delivering for Australians. In 2023, we tripled the bulk-billing incentive. As a result, more than nine in 10 visits to a GP were free for people eligible for the incentive. Since we've tripled the investment, we've seen a turnaround in bulk-billing—a national increase of 3.2 percentage points in June 2025 and more than 6.5 million additional bulk-billed visits. In closing, the Albanese government understands Medicare is at the heart of people's lives.”
“We recognise the important role it plays in delivering much-needed access to medications, particularly for women. That's why we have listed Prometrium, Estrogel and Estrogel Pro on the PBS. This move is directly benefitting countless women across my electorate. Trish from Ocean Grove said the following: Last year a bone density test revealed I am osteopenic, meaning I'm at risk of developing osteoporosis. My GP has me smearing Estrogel on my upper arm each morning to hopefully improve my bone density or at least stop it getting worse. At my last doctor's appointment, my GP said, good news, Estrogel's now on the PBS! Trish went on to say: Labor understands reducing falls and fractures in post-menopausal women is not just about showing compassion, it's recognition of the unique challenges faced by women.”
“The Albanese government is making the single-largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago—$8.5 billion to deliver more bulk-billed GP visits each year, hundreds of nursing scholarships and thousands more doctors. Australian patients and families will save hundreds of dollars a year in out-of-pocket costs. It will boost the number of fully bulk-billed practices to around 4,800 nationally—triple the current number of practices. We're also strengthening the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. From January next year, general patients will pay no more than $25 for their medication. This is another key cost-of-living measure that will continue to put downward pressure on inflation. It was Labor that created the PBS.”
“Locals in my electorate of Corangamite recognise this, and, on 3 May, they voted for a new urgent care clinic in Torquay. The Torquay clinic will mean more access to health care on the doorstep of communities right along the Surf Coast. It also builds on the work of the urgent care clinic in Belmont, near Geelong, and the 87 clinics our government has already rolled out across the nation. These clinics are part of a much broader commitment to strengthen Medicare. This commitment now includes mental health hubs, which we are also rolling out across the nation. We will soon roll out one of these hubs in my fast-growing electorate in Torquay.”
“Firstly, I'd like to thank the member for Lalor for moving this motion. She understands, and the Albanese government understands, that a strong Medicare isn't just about better health outcomes, although this is essential; it's also about easing household budgets. Urgent care clinics are doing exactly that—providing free, timely, high-quality care to many thousands of Australians when and where they need it most. Over 1.5 million patients have already walked in the door of an urgent care clinic and received the free, urgent care they need, instead of waiting hours in a busy hospital's emergency department. These clinics are filling the gaps between GPs and hospital emergency departments and are a key part of the Albanese government's efforts to make health care more accessible and affordable.”
“And I know our new Minister for Small Business is absolutely focused on continuing the important work of delivering for the amazing small businesses we have across our nation and across our regions. What is good for small business is good for Australians.”
“We know there is great uncertainty in the global economy, and our government is responding to this by engaging with our regional trading partners and creating certainty for businesses to invest in their assets, technology, energy and workers. But we know there's much more to do, and I'm confident that our August productivity roundtable will go some way towards addressing the challenges we are facing together as a nation. In closing: the Albanese government is working together with sectors across the nation to ensure that small business can thrive. I know that many small business representatives will soon join with our Treasurer at the upcoming productivity roundtable.”
“More than 170,000 Australians have now completed a free TAFE course, whilst more than 650,000 have taken up the offer of free TAFE, since it began in early 2023. Many of these students are still studying at TAFE right now, with many more students soon to enter the workforce. For small business, this is a gamechanger. It will mean more opportunities for small businesses to expand their horizons and take on the workers of the future. This is a win-win-win: a win for workers, a win for small business and a win for Australia. I'm also proud that we have so many small businesses being created. Our Treasurer said recently that 25,000 firms were being created each month, despite the headwinds that have been facing our economy.”
“In Torquay, Bells Beach Brewing received an energy efficiency grant of more than $23,000 to replace inefficient hot water systems with modern heat pump technology, swap energy draining lights for new LEDs and upgrade commercial refrigeration. This will help bring down costs for one of my region's favourite breweries—it's a winner—and I'm proud to be part of a government that is backing in small business. We're also backing in small business by building a more skilled workforce through free TAFE. Free TAFE is changing lives. New data from the states and territories showed free TAFE is being embraced and, of course, completions are delivering new employment prospects for countless Australians.”
“Adelia Fine Foods in Ocean Grove received funding of more than $24,000 to upgrade their food processing machinery. One of the business owners, Amelia, said the business is investing in a new energy efficient automation process for the temporary finishing of chocolate for its rocky road range of gluten-free treats—and they are good. It's an upgrade that will reduce power consumption by 50 per cent. Amelia said, 'With the support of this grant, we're excited to take this next important step towards greater energy efficiency in our operations.' This is just one example of our work to support local small business.”
“Small business is the engine room of our economy. It's a driver of growth and tourism and a source of jobs for millions of people right across our nation. Small business offers opportunity to people to thrive, succeed and live a fulfilling life. As a small-business owner, I back in small business and so does the Albanese Labor government. We recognise small business right across the nation, with Commonwealth subsidies to provide energy bill relief and an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off. These policies build on our grant programs that are delivering targeted supports to small businesses right across the nation. In my electorate of Corangamite in Victoria, two amazing local businesses have received energy efficiency grants to bring down operating costs.”
“Whether it is through a new tax cut for every taxpayer, more energy bill relief, free TAFE, groundbreaking funding for our nation's public schools, cheaper medicines or practical measures to ease financial pressures while keeping inflation down, the Albanese government are working hard to back in people across the nation and in our regions. It is why we are backing in apprentices with the $10,000 subsidy. It is why, if re-elected, we will deliver HECS debt relief of, on average, $5,500 per person. This will help our young people to live and work in regions just like mine and prosper. The Albanese Labor government is getting on with the job of delivering a better future for all Australians, helping to build economic opportunity and thriving regional communities.”
“Unlike those opposite, the Albanese Labor government understands that a thriving region needs access to quality health care. We recognise that no-one should have to travel long distances or wait hours in emergency departments to see a doctor, and that is why a re-elected Albanese government will fund a Medicare urgent care clinic in Torquay. Open seven days a week and fully bulk-billed, it will be free in providing urgent care when and where locals need it. It will mean fewer hospital visits, less pressure on families and better access to care close to home. All you need to access care is a Medicare card, not your credit card.”
“Under the Albanese government, Mobile Black Spot Program funding will reach $150 million per year, while funding for the Roads to Recovery Program will progressively rise to $1 billion per year, and at least $200 million is also available each year under the new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to address current and emerging priorities in road infrastructure. We are boosting environmental protections and protecting the Karaaf wetlands in Torquay, backing in local farmers on the Bellarine through the On Farm Connectivity Program and delivering a water reclamation plant alongside Barwon Water and the state government in Portarlington because the Albanese Labor government knows just how important water security is to local agriculture.”
“Then there are new sporting facilities, including a new pavilion for the Barwon Heads Football Netball Club, women's change rooms for the Torquay football netball club, new clubrooms for the Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club, new lighting for night games and training at the Queenscliff Football Netball Club, new netball courts for the Bannockburn Football Netball Club and a $1 million commitment to upgrade the courts at the Burdoo Recreation Reserve for the Grovedale Tigers Football Netball Club if elected. There is more. We are also undertaking upgrades for local roads. The Esplanade, Beach Road and Fischer Street in Torquay and Sugargum Drive in Waurn Ponds have all been upgraded as part of the Albanese government's expanded Mobile Black Spot Program and the Roads to Recovery Program.”
“We are delivering a $40 million indoor pool for the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre, and construction of the Surf Coast aquatic and health centre in Torquay is now underway. It's worth pointing out that our government invested more than $2.7 million to top up the upgrades to Grubb Road in Ocean Grove after it was left underfunded by the former Liberal government. We're also delivering upgrades to Murradoc Road in St Leonards.”
“I'd like to thank the member for Page for raising this matter of public importance today because it provides a fantastic opportunity to update the House and those opposite on how the Albanese Labor government is backing in my regional communities. Here's just a sampling of the projects this Labor government is rolling out in partnership with my communities. We have the stage 2 upgrade of the Barwon Heads Road, with more than $190 million in federal funding to transform this road into a four-lane highway that links our fast-growing communities with Geelong. There's a duplication of the rail line between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds, an almost $1 billion project that is reshaping how local travel between south-western Victoria and Melbourne is taking place.”
“My question is to the Minister for Early Childhood Education. What action has the Albanese Labor government taken to build a universal early education system that is simple, affordable and accessible for every family? Is there anything that could put this at risk and leave families worse off?”
“This is not good enough for a club that, for more than 100 years, has been the staple of the Grovedale community. Netball coordinator Kelly McDonald said the upgrade would open up opportunities for players and the club. Kelly said: 'We will now continue to grow as a great community club without the stress of player safety. This means we can provide safe courts for all our players and visiting clubs to play all year round.' We can be proud to be part of a Labor government that works with this club and all local sporting clubs, because we know supporting our local clubs strengthens the heart of our communities. Go, Tiges!”
“Strong connected communities need great local facilities, and, for so many families, this starts with grassroots sport. Our local clubs are more than just places to play. They're where friendships are formed, where kids learn teamwork and resilience and where people of all ages stay active and connected. That's why I am so proud that a re-elected Albanese Labor government will deliver $1 billion towards upgrading the netball courts at Grovedale Tigers Football Netball Club's Burdoo Recreation Reserve, ensuring netball players of all ages have safe, high-quality courts. This is a much-needed upgrade. The courts at Grovedale have been deemed unsafe for this season, and this means the netball club have to play all of their home games indoors.”
“This is an opposition that favours long lunches over support for families, and they want to slash workers' wages and rip apart the Public Service—a Public Service that is reducing waiting times for so many of the supports Australians rely on. These services matter to people. They improve lives. The Albanese government are committed to building on our work and empowering regional Australia. We're committed to forging a future that opens the door to opportunities for families across the Bellarine and Surf Coast, across wider Geelong and across the regions of the nation. It's a future where workers are supported, infrastructure is actually delivered and our manufacturing industries are revitalised.”
“The coalition need to make clear what their plans are for these crucial services and opportunities that improve the lives of regional Australians. For women and families, we also know paid parental leave is at risk. Our government is expanding the program to 26 weeks for new parents, with super payments included. It's a policy that is truly life changing, and it's a clear example of how our Labor government is prepared to support families. We understand that family is the foundation of a prosperous and optimistic nation, and the most critical time for a family is when a child is born. We're also about to have groundbreaking, new educational agreements to properly fund public schools. This matters in the regions. Under the coalition, this is all at risk.”
“We've revived bulk billing with Australians in regional Australia, having had an additional 586,000 free visits to a GP in the past year. That's a fact. No matter how those opposite try to spin it, the data speaks for itself. We also know that free TAFE is changing the lives of so many people across my region and Australia. Australians across the nation are embracing this opportunity and embarking on a new journey as builders, electricians and support workers in the aged-care and care sector. More than 500,000 Australians have jumped at this opportunity to get the skills they want and to fill the jobs our nation needs. But we know all of this is at risk under the coalition. I can't imagine how devastated my communities would feel to have fee-free TAFE scrapped or to have their Medicare urgent care clinic closed. It would be heartbreaking.”
“Then there's the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds rail line, which includes $784 million of federal government investment. There's the Midlands Highway in Bannockburn. Then there are road upgrades across the Surf Coast, the Otways and across regional Victoria. We've upgraded school technology in schools like Surf Coast Secondary College and Drysdale Primary School. We're strengthening Medicare for regional Australians, rolling out Medicare urgent care clinics across our country, including one right in the heart of my region. And, of course, bulk-billing rates are on the up, enabling more people to see a GP without it impacting their bank balance. Medicare billing data shows that the Albanese government is working to strengthen Medicare.”
“The Albanese government is backing in rapidly growing regions like mine because Labor understands the importance of the regions and how much we need to support them. We're delivering critical investment to build a better future for locals across my electorate of Corangamite, from major road improvements to rail upgrades, from new facilities for footie and netball clubs to new learning centres for schools, supports for men's sheds, community houses, surf lifesaving clubs, food relief services and farmers and primary producers. That's not all. We're upgrading Barwon Heads Road in the fast-growing suburb of Armstrong Creek. We're upgrading dangerous intersections like Grubb Road in Ocean Grove, Reserve Road in Grovedale and Murradoc Road in St Leonards.”
“My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to expand access to early education and care in the outer suburbs and regional Australia? What has been the response, and are there other approaches to spending taxpayers' money that would leave Australians worse off?”