Angie Bell
Moncrieff · Liberal National Party · Australia
“Twice the Prime Minister was directly asked whether he could guarantee that house prices wouldn't tank as a result of his government's housing policies; twice he refused to answer.”
“At the same time, the government's own budget papers show rents are set to rise. Do those opposite realise that cheaper house prices mean nothing when the cost of living makes it impossible to save for a deposit? We already see young Australians locked out of independence, forced to live at home longer as rental stress worsens.”
“Over 2½ thousand people experience homelessness on the Gold Coast on any given night, and the money raised from this event will go directly to supporting those locals getting back on their feet. I want to thank everyone who donated so generously to the CEO Sleepout.”
“Back to the bill in front of us, this is a bill that changes a process, to give more power to a minister—the same minister who had to pay back the debt—and a bill that nobody has asked for. The government has not justified the need for a change in process.”
“Labor is more interested in their bottom line than supporting grassroots sport and the communities—like the communities of everybody in this place—who rely on it. At a time when families are tightening their belts, affordable community sport has never been more important.”
“I want to start by talking about sport, the inspiration that is sport and what it can do for young lives. I was inspired, as the federal member for Moncrieff, just a few weeks ago when I attended the Benowa State School, where there was a boccia tournament for three primary schools across my electorate.”
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“Under this government's watch, productivity and inflation are pushing living standards backwards for Australians by 10 per cent. After four years of this Albanese government, Australians have lived through a cost-of-living crisis, a cost-of-doing-business crisis and a household recession. Prices are up. Real wages are down. Australians are working harder for less. While government is getting bigger—much, much bigger—Australians' lives are simply not getting better. On a per capita basis, our economy is poorer than it was in March 2022. We've gone backwards. According to the latest figures from the OECD, Australians experienced the largest collapse in living standards in the developed world. We have made no progress against the OECD average. We're still down 10 percentage points. That's not just bad luck; it's bad management.”
“Has anyone noticed the two things the government doesn't talk about? They don't talk about productivity, and they don't talk about inflation. They are the two topics that this government has absolutely avoided. The member across there, the member for Bonner, just mentioned a number. That number was 41,000. What do you think Australians might equate that number to? Well, I'm telling you now that it's 41,000 small and family businesses—incomes and livelihoods—that have gone broke since this government came to power. It's a disgraceful number, and the member for Bonner should think about that number that she just spruiked. That's 41,000 families who now do not have a small and family business. They've probably got mortgages that are attached to those businesses that have gone broke and they may have lost their homes as well. Who knows?”
“I'd like to acknowledge the support for this stunning exhibition from my Gold Coast colleague and friend the Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek. JP proudly supported this remarkable exhibition as the Crisafulli government contributes to the success of the arts sector in Queensland. The free exhibition will be on show until 31 May 2026. I would encourage Gold Coasters and Brisbanites—and, indeed, and anyone passing through—to take the time to explore the fascinating mix of history and art while it's on display at the Gold Coast Home of the Arts, right there in the centre of the Moncrieff electorate, Surfers Paradise, of which I'm very, very proud.”
“It was a rare and intimate look at one of Europe's most iconic historical sites, available to Gold Coast residents for the first time. Photographs were taken during a period of unprecedented quiet during COVID, and Spina has curated 38 large-scale works offering a rare glimpse into the homes of the perished residents of the ancient city. I was quite surprised by the power and strength of the colours and angles and the details within the photographs, which weren't the usual ashy remains someone may think of when you talk about Pompeii. I was pleased to be joined by several of my Gold Coast City Council and state MP colleagues, as well as supporters of the local arts and members of our community. We had an incredible time exploring the gallery and taking in the timeless exhibit.”
“This free trade agreement was something that began under the former coalition government back in 2018, and I note that it still has not been finalised under the Albanese government after a number of years of negotiations. The free trade agreement would allow for a significant amount of two-way trade between both Australia and the EU and foster stronger relationships and more opportunities for Australians. The Pompeii display is a unique European arts touring exhibition, photographed during the quiet of COVID, showcasing many areas generally not accessible to most tourists if they were to visit in person. The pandemic allowed an unprecedented type of photographic access to the site by artist Luigi Spina—gracias, senor.”
“I recently had the pleasure of attending my first event as the shadow minister for the arts, a topic I'm deeply passionate about. As part of a strategic cultural partnership between the European Union, Arts Queensland and the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts, locally known as HOTA, I explored the new and acclaimed exhibition Inside Pompeii : Origins of a European Way of Life . It was a delight to meet with the European Union ambassador, Gabriele Visentin, at that event. We engaged in rich discussion about the displays, along with opportunities that could be available to Gold Coasters and Australians more broadly as part of the Australia-European Union free trade agreement.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. Under Labor, Australia is the only advanced economy where living standards have gone backwards. Today's national accounts show that Australia's population has increased by 1.9 million since Labor came to office, putting pressure on housing, on services and inflation. After four years of Australians going backwards under Labor, when will the Prime Minister finally accept the buck stops with him and that migration is out of control?”
“Those opposite say they support our young Aussies, but the truth is that their future savings are at risk of being stolen by this big-spending, big-taxing Labor government.”
“It's like parking tickets and the local council, isn't it? 'Let's raise some revenue. How can we tax our constituency?' This debate, this proposal, this retreat under pressure is what life under a Labor government looks like into the future. Have a look into the crystal ball. The coalition will always stand for a tax system grounded in principle, for retirement savings that are stable and predictable, for fiscal discipline that protects future generations rather than quietly taxing them. We forced this government to retreat once, and we will continue to hold them to account for the sake of retirees, for the sake of small businesses and especially for the sake of young Australians.”
“Today, it is superannuation balances above $3 million. Tomorrow? Who knows. It could be another threshold, another definition, another asset class. Is the family home next? Will Labor tax your family home when they run out of money to spend? That's a question that all Australians should be asking, because it's a slippery slope with this government. Once the principle of taxing unrealised gains is entertained, it does not remain neatly contained. Australians deserve clarity with their investments and for their future, especially young Australians. As the shadow minister for youth, I stand up for young Australians and I say: 'Watch this government. They are coming after your money. And not just now, but into the future.' Or is it the opening chapter of a high-tax, high-spending approach to governing? What about revenue raising?”
“A future offset adjustment in superannuation does little to relieve those stresses now. If the government is serious about helping households, it must tackle inflation now for everyone, for every single Australian. Inflation impacts your everyday spending because you get less in your shopping basket every time inflation ticks up. The government must tackle inflation at its source, not reshuffle offsets with the retirement income system. This proposal should not be viewed in isolation. It's about enabling more spending. That's what it's about. It's about pouring more debt petrol on the inflation fire. When spending accelerates without structural reform, governments reach the limits of conventional revenue sources. They test new boundaries: thresholds left unindexed, new bases for taxation, new definitions of income.”
“Any change that increases volatility, reduces predictability or complicates access carries real human consequence. Tax policy cannot be designed in isolation from lived reality. When retirement income settings are destabilised, confidence in the entire system is eroded. The government points to increases in the low-income superannuation tax offset as evidence of balance. Any measure that supports low-income earners building retirement savings is of course welcome, but let us be honest about scale and timing. The low-income superannuation tax offset adjustments do not lower grocery bills today. They do not ease mortgage repayments today. They do not reduce electricity costs today or tomorrow. Australians are facing immediate cost-of-living pressures now.”
“What they do not accept is retrospective tinkering, ad hoc changes and ideological experiments dressed up as modest adjustments. This proposal reinforces a broader pattern from the government: spend first and tax later. That is not reform; that is fiscal mismanagement at its worst, and beyond the headline changes lie new risks. The removal of the effective death tax exemption introduces uncertainty for families at precisely the moment they are most vulnerable. Surviving spouses that rely on super balances to maintain stability after the loss of a partner could face additional complexity and reduced security. Total and permanent disability recipients must also be considered. These Australians, through no fault of their own, are no longer able to work, and their superannuation is not an abstract investment; it's a lifeline.”
“The structural issue confronting our country is spending growth that is outpacing sustainable economic growth. We need to grow the economy, not grow the spending from the government. The more they spend, the more inflation goes up. Does everyone understand that? It's a basic principle that everyone seems to understand, and pay for, except for this government. When governments spend beyond their means, they inevitably reach for new taxes to fill the hole, and that's precisely what we are witnessing. Rather than confront wasteful spending, rather than prioritise programs and rather than restore fiscal discipline, Labor has chosen to hunt for new pools of capital to tax. Trust is fundamental in tax reform. Australians accept reform when it's principled, when it's predictable and when it's based on consultation.”
“Bill Kelty called taxing unrealised capital gains bad policy and said it would distort income flows and undermine superannuation itself. Paul Keating, the architect of the system, warned that workers would be caught up. Industry suggests that up to 1.8 million people could eventually be impacted. Small businesses were rightly alarmed. So many Australians who own small businesses hold their assets in their superannuation. This proposal would have forced complex liquidity decisions and would have potentially compelled asset sales based on paper gains. What does that mean? It means you have to sell something to pay the bill. You have to sell an asset that you've worked for your whole life to pay a tax bill. If it wasn't already clear, it is now. Labor has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.”
“So then they've got to find other ways of getting money in so that they can send it out into the economy and push inflation up. It is not only the coalition that have raised concerns. Prominent voices from Labor's own ranks, from within their own ranks, warned against this approach. When Sally McManus, Bill Kelty and Paul Keating say this is a bad idea, that means it's probably a pretty bad idea. Sally McManus said it must be indexed and warned that without indexation people would eventually be captured. Three million dollars in super doesn't sound like much now. But think 10 or 20 years ahead to when young people will retire, and then it is a big problem, because that's probably how much you will need to retire at that time.”
“Instead, families have had less flexibility, less choice and more and more and more pressure piled on them by this government's mismanagement of the economy. It's harder to pay the mortgage, it's harder to pay the bills, it's harder to pay the energy costs, it's harder to make ends meet. The fact of the matter is inflation is high and interest rates are high and have been beaten by this Treasurer and this government. Inflation and interest rates have beaten the government; the government hasn't beaten them, which is what it's supposed to do for all Australians. When the government overspends and loses control of inflation, it starts looking for new revenue sources. So they're addicted to spending, perhaps there are fewer people working, so there is less tax coming in.”
“They know when they can smell a rat, and when it comes to retirement savings, their nest eggs built over decades of hard work—decades and decades of hard work, sacrifice and deferred consumption—the bar for legitimacy must be higher. We were promised by Labor and by this Treasurer that inflation had been beaten—remember that? We're on the other side of inflation now! We were promised that high interest rates were under control—remember that? Then interest rates went up again. We were told that life would be easier for families around this country. We were promised a $275 reduction in our electricity bills. How did that work out for the government, with electricity prices up 40 per cent?”
“The government's backdown demonstrates one thing clearly: this was never settled policy grounded in principle. It was a blatant revenue grab that collapsed under scrutiny. At the last elections Australians were not presented with a policy on tax to unrealised gains on superannuation. They were not told that longstanding superannuation settings would be fundamentally altered. They were not warned that indexation would be stripped away. Promises matter in a democracy. Major structural tax changes should be put clearly and transparently to the Australian people. Instead, this proposal appeared out of nowhere, with limited consultation and a rushed legislative timetable. Australians instinctively understand when something has been slipped in without their consent. You can't get much past Australians.”
“In an inflationary environment that's about to get more inflationary, made worse by this Treasurer's willingness to pour debt petrol on the inflation fire, failing to index thresholds is a silent tax hike in itself. This government is addicted to spending, and it will tax in order to spend. That means the government will come after your money when it runs out of your money. Over time, more Australians would have been captured not because they were wealthier in real terms, not because they'd become tycoons, but because inflation eroded the value of the threshold. That is bracket creep by design. That is what 'bracket creep' means. That is flawed policy in itself, and if it wasn't flawed policy, then it was a sneaky trick to take more of Australians' hard-earned savings.”
“In other words, you don't have to sell your house in order to pay a tax that the government is wanting to collect. You can see how retrograde that is. Australians have always understood that simple truth, to tax when a gain is crystallised, when cash is actually in hand. To propose taxing paper gains—not real gains, gains that are on paper, gains that exist only on a balance sheet and can evaporate overnight, particularly in volatile asset classes—was not a minor tweak. This is not a minor tweak. It was a structural shift that they were proposing. It would have set a dangerous precedent across the entire tax base. It's not modest reform. Equally concerning was the government's refusal to index the $3 million threshold.”
“It was quietly stealing from younger Australians without their knowledge or consent in the future. I give warning to all young Australians: this Labor government was going to tax you at that level. It sought to change the rules of the game for retirement savings in a way that would have echoed for decades. In the course of this debate, we also expose what appeared to be a clear breakdown between the Prime Minister and his Treasurer—a lack of clarity, a lack of unity, a lack of principle in the design of this policy. The original proposal to tax unrealised gains represented a fundamental break with longstanding principles of the Australian taxation system. Australians have always understood a simple truth: tax is paid on income realised. That makes sense to Australians, doesn't it? You pay the tax when you've actually earned the money.”
“Let's be very clear, from the outset, that the coalition and community pressure forced Labor to abandon its most egregious elements: the taxation of unrealised gains—that's paying tax on money that you don't actually have; that's how dangerous this so-called non-radical reform is—and the freezing of indexation. The government has been found out, and it's now retreating under pressure. It was not of its own volition that it reconsidered these measures. It was because of sustained scrutiny from this side—from the coalition—from the superannuation sector, from small-business owners who hold up this country, from financial experts and from Australians who understood instinctively that something was deeply, deeply wrong. This was not simply a proposal aimed at hurting retirees; it was aimed at hurting young people, the future of our nation.”
“The member for Reid says that this is not radical policy reform, but how is moving the goalposts on Australians' superannuation accounts not radical policy? It undermines certainty in the whole system of superannuation across Australia. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill 2016 is a bill—make no bones about it—that goes to the heart of Australians' retirement savings, to the trust that they, or you, place in this parliament, in this 'all roads lead to tax' government that we now have running our country, and to the principles that have underpinned our tax system for generations. We know that the more you tax, the less you get. The government spin about earning more and keeping more of what you earn evaporates when inflation goes up, by the way—it's gone; it's all spin and no substance.”
“The government has claimed it had no role in the repatriation and could do nothing to stop it—that is simply not good enough. It should not be lawful for anyone to facilitate the re-entry of individuals connected to terrorist organisations without explicit approval from the Australian government. The coalition's message is simple: we must shut the door to those who abandon Australia to align themselves with Islamist extremists. Repatriation should only occur when the Commonwealth determines it is safe, not when third parties decide. We on this side of the House will always put national security first, 100 per cent. Those who reject those values in favour of—”
“The first job of any government is to keep its people safe. But over the past week, Australians have watched this minister for home affairs dodge serious and legitimate questions—questions about what assistance the Albanese government has provided to individuals linked to ISIS. This is not a political game; this is a matter of national security. Has the government directly or indirectly facilitated the return of people who chose to travel to a declared terrorist hotspot, like Syria, to support a death cult? Australians deserve clear answers. Were Commonwealth resources used? What security assessments have been undertaken, and are there any additional ISIS linked individuals preparing to return? National security should never be outsourced to NGOs.”
“It is about the integrity of public life. It's about whether a government can allow a cartel culture to flourish in exchange for political support and donations. It's about whether taxpayers' money is being funnelled through the corrupt network while Australians struggle to pay their bills. Wake up, Albanese government! Wake up!”
“Now the truth is emerging. But this chamber should not have to wait for drip-fed revelations. The minister must release the full, unredacted non-whitewashed report now—not a sanitised version, not a politically convenient summary, but the whole report. Australians deserve to know: What did the minister know, and when did she know it? Why was the administrator allowed to excise chapters linking corrupt conduct to the Labor Party? And why has the government consistently run interference to shield the Prime Minister from scrutiny? Let me say this: the administrator's position is now completely and utterly untenable. To seek the removal of not just a few lines but entire chapters detailing connection between that sort of conduct and the governing party of this country is simply extraordinary. This is not just about industrial relations.”
“Everyday Australians are paying more for construction. Young Australians are paying more for their first home. And this government has been running interference to stop the truth from coming out. How is that transparency? Last year, time and again, we sought parliamentary scrutiny. We sought Senate inquiries. We sought answers in question time. We sought proper examination of the relationship between the CFMEU and the Labor Party. And what did we see? We saw questions being shut down. We saw inquiries being blocked. We saw debate being guillotined. But what do we truly expect from this government? Do we expect anything else? The Labor Party, with assistance from what appears to be their coalition partner in the Greens, have repeatedly run interference for those at the top of the CFMEU tree who are engaging in corrupt and criminal conduct.”
“This comes after the Prime Minister told the Australian people he would not take CFMEU donations, only for Australian Electoral Commission disclosures to reveal that that was another broken promise. This report, in its unredacted form, reportedly highlights that some $15 billion of Australian taxpayer money has been washed through a cartel network involving the CFMEU and the Australian Labor Party—$15 billion. That is a huge number. It's around about the same amount of money as the childcare support that Australians get. At a time when families are struggling with their mortgages, when rents are soaring and when young Australians are being locked out of homeownership, what sits over the top of all of this? It is a criminal cartel tax on Australia's housing industry, driven by corrupt conduct and protected by political interference.”
“We wrote directly to Minister Rishworth seeking the full release of the report. We asked for transparency. We asked for sunlight. Instead, we now discover that the sections exposing the deep heart of corruption between the CFMEU and the Labor Party have been redacted—whitewashed, scrubbed from the public's view. According to Geoffrey Watson, anti-corruption expert and author of this report, it was because he was directed to remove those sections, directed by the government's own appointed administrator to remove references that connected the CFMEU to the Australian Labor Party. This is a complete and utter lack of accountability and transparency, all from a government that went to the 2025 election promising transparency to the Australian people. What a disgrace.”
“Well, here we go again. It seems like the CFMEU saga will never, ever end. But this time it isn't just another messy chapter in the long and troubled history of the CFMEU. It is something far more serious. It's an industrial-scale cover-up that goes to the heart of this Albanese Labor government. It has been revealed that the Prime Minister's own appointed CFMEU administrator has ordered the removal of several sections of the report into the corruption that exists between the CFMEU and the Australian Labor Party. It wasn't simply a typo; it was the removal of sections—whole chapters, in fact—that detailed the connection between corrupt and criminal conduct inside the CFMEU and the Labor Party. Let's be clear about what this means. The opposition wrote to the administrator last year. We lodged freedom of information requests.”
“Finally, I acknowledge Mr Russell Walkington OAM, recognised for his service to broadcast media. Through his work, Russell has informed, entertained and connected our community, playing an important role in local storytelling and public discourse. Known for his work at radio stations 4CRB and 4BH, he is a veteran broadcaster, famous for his 'Gerald the grasshopper' character. Each of these recipients represent the very best of Moncrieff: service, generosity and a commitment to others. I congratulate them and I thank them for all they have done and continue to do for our community and our nation and for the good people of Moncrieff.”
“This year's honours also recognised a remarkable husband-and-wife team, Mr Rock O'Keefe OAM and Mrs Joan O'Keefe OAM, both honoured for their service to the community through a wide range of organisations. Together they've given countless hours to supporting local groups, charities and initiatives, strengthening community bonds to ensure that others are supported when they need it most. Their joint recognition is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of shared service. I also congratulate Ms Karen Phillips OAM, recognised for her service to women and to the community of the Gold Coast. Karen has been a strong advocate for women's empowerment, community leadership and local engagement, helping to ensure that voices are heard and opportunities are created for future generations. Karen is also a great supporter of young people.”
“Mr Leslie Collins AM was recognised for significant service to Indigenous health in Queensland. Mr Collins co-founded the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council and has dedicated 50 years to the national Aboriginal community controlled health organisation sector. I also acknowledge Mr Tat Fong OAM, recognised for his service to the Chinese community of the Gold Coast. He's been a tireless advocate for multicultural engagement, strengthening community connections and promoting understanding between cultures. His work has enriched the social fabric of our city and reflects the diversity that makes the Gold Coast such a vibrant place to live.”
“It is indeed a privilege to represent the good people of Moncrieff, and it's something I will never, ever take for granted. Moncrieff is in the heart of the Gold Coast, and we're so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful community—a community built on mateship, on shared values and of course on service. That's why I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding Aussies from Moncrieff who have been recognised in this year's Australia Day Honours. Australia Day is a time to reflect on who we are as a nation. At their heart, these honours recognise the foundation we've built as a community through that service—the quiet and consistent service that is often carried out without expectation of recognition. Moncrieff is proud to be home to Australians who embody that very spirit.”
“The professionalism, broadcast appeal and global reach of elite ironman and ironwoman racing demonstrate that surf lifesaving has matured into a highly competitive, spectator-friendly sport. These qualities make surf lifesaving an ideal candidate for inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. It is uniquely Australian. Coastal nations across the world already participate in international surf lifesaving competitions. Olympic inclusion would accelerate global growth, participation and safety outcomes, and surf lifesaving aligns perfectly with the Olympic spirit. It would showcase the Gold Coast's natural arena and leave a lasting legacy of increased beach safety. It's a national asset worthy of the world's biggest sporting stage—just like Ali Day.”
“Its beaches host some of the country's most iconic carnivals and events, attracting athletes from across Australia and from around the world. From Nippers to open competitors, surf lifesaving provides a clear, life-long pathway that combines athletic excellence with community service. Athletes are not only competitors; they are trained lifesavers who protect our beaches and save lives. As a sport, surf lifesaving demands extraordinary versatility. Competitors must master swimming, board paddling, surf ski and running, often in unpredictable and challenging ocean conditions. It tests endurance, strength, tactical intelligence and mental resilience in ways few sports can match.”
“It will be felt in the next generation of ironmen and ironwomen, in the culture of excellence he helped to shape and in the continued strength of Australian surf lifesaving. On behalf of the parliament and on behalf of the people of Moncrieff, I thank Ali Day for his outstanding service to Australian sport. I congratulate him on a remarkable career and wish him every success in the next chapter of his life. I congratulate the Surfers Paradise Surf Lifesaving Club—101 years old this year—on their homegrown champ. Surf lifesaving began as a volunteer movement to keep Australians safe at the beach and has evolved into a world-class sporting pathway—one that produces elite athletes, inspires community participation and strengthens our national identity. The Gold Coast is the beating heart of surf lifesaving as a sport.”
“Importantly, Ali's influence extended well beyond the course. To young athletes watching from the shoreline, he became a role model. He was proof that excellence is earned through commitment, sacrifice and persistence, and his career showed that greatness is built in early mornings, long sessions and quiet determination. As the federal member for Moncrieff, I'm particularly proud of Ali Day's connection to our coastal communities. Surf lifesaving is woven into the fabric of the Gold Coast and coastal Australia. It represents service, safety and community spirit. Ali Day has embodied those principles throughout his career, and he's represented Australian sport with distinction both at home and on the world stage. Retirement marks the close of an extraordinary competitive chapter, but Ali Day's legacy will endure.”
“Raised in a family deeply connected to surf lifesaving, Ali brought to the sport a profound respect for the ocean, for competition and for the values that underpin surf lifesaving in Australia—discipline, service, resilience and mateship. These values were evident every time he stepped onto the beach. In a sport defined by endurance and adversity, Ali Day distinguished himself through consistency and professionalism, year after year—I think it was 11. Across changing conditions and fierce competition, he performed at the highest level. He raced hard, he raced fair, and he conducted himself with humility in victory and grace in defeat. He forced others to lift their standards, sharpen their preparation and push beyond what they thought was possible. In doing so, he elevated the entire sport.”
“The Gold Coast is home to some of our nation's most extraordinary athletes, and I rise to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible career and retirement of one of Australia's greatest surf lifesaving athletes and legends, Ironman champion Ali Day. Ali Day's career stands as one of the most dominant and respected in the history of Ironman racing. Over more than a decade at the elite level, he did not simply compete; he set the standard. His achievements include multiple Australian Ironman championships, Coolangatta Gold victories and national series titles that place him firmly among the legends of sport. But statistics alone do not capture Ali Day's contribution.”
“I acknowledge the upcoming anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations and the members of the Stolen Generations that will be present in the chamber this week for that very sad anniversary. The bill empowers the national commissioner to promote, improve and support the rights, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children while driving greater accountability for policies impacting this group. The associated transitional provisions bill ensures the continuity of the national commission as it transfers from an executive agency to a statutory authority. But this empowerment will do little. Indigenous Australians deserve more than symbolism. They deserve more than Canberra-centric bureaucracy. They do not need more talk. They do not need more consultation.”
“Yes, for those listening from home, you've got me again. I'm here to represent Senator Kerrynne Liddle, a South Australian senator and an Indigenous senator from Adelaide and, actually, from the Northern Territory as well. Today I rise to speak on the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 and the associated National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026. At the outset, I acknowledge the seriousness of the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children today, issues that demand practical action, accountability and relentless focus on outcomes on the front line. That is key.”
“Australia's welfare system must strike the right balance between supporting Australians who need it the most and remaining sustainable, responsible and fit for purpose so it can maintain public confidence and long-term viability. That is the expectation of the coalition, and that is the benchmark to which the Albanese government must be held. Debate adjourned.”
“The opposition recognises the broader intent of this legislation and the need to clarify technical aspects of the social security and child support frameworks. For that reason, the opposition will not oppose the passage of the bill in the House of Representatives today. We do, however, put the government on notice. The government must follow through on its commitments. It must ensure that robust safeguards are implemented. It must ensure that financial counselling and social support services are accessible, timely and available to individuals and families who rely on them during periods of financial stress. And it must guarantee that the changes to urgent payments do not entrench disadvantage, deepen vulnerability or create new risks for the very Australians that our world-class social safety net is meant to protect.”
“Urgent payments are being used at scale because people are struggling under the weight of an economy and a government that is failing them. The government is failing you. Urgent payments are being accessed disproportionately by vulnerable Australians, and they're being relied upon in an economic environment where the cost of living continues to rise. The government must demonstrate that it's put in place robust safeguards to ensure that this change does not unintentionally or inadvertently increase financial stress or hardship for people who are already doing it the toughest. It must also demonstrate that it has effective systems in place to identify repeat use, emerging risk and patterns of vulnerability and that it's actively intervening with appropriate support, not simply processing a higher volume of advanced payments.”
“It also ensures that attributed income continues to apply for the full attribution period, including where a payment is cancelled or suspended. The coalition accepts that clarity in income attribution rules is essential for both recipients and administrators. Clear language and certainty will reduce errors, disputes and administrative complexity and help ensure that payments are calculated consistently and lawfully. Taken together, these three schedules are designed to provide legal clarity and certainty around practices and policy intentions that have existed for some time. However, notwithstanding our decision not to oppose the bill, we will continue to scrutinise the government's approach, particularly in relation to schedule 2, as is our role as an opposition.”
“They need a hand up, particularly those living in remote and regional areas. I'm sure the member for Durack, who is here in the chamber, will agree with all of the words that I'm talking about right now when it comes to the constituents in her electorate. Schedule 3 of the bill amends the Social Security Act to clarify how employment income is attributed when calculating a person's rate of social security payment. It expressly provides that income attribution rules may apply to attribute employment income paid to the social security recipient or their partner for the purposes of working out the recipient's rate of pay, regardless of whether the relevant payment is a social security pension or benefit or whether the partner receives a social security payment.”
“The government must explain what concrete measures it has implemented to prevent urgent payments from being exploited or diverted toward harmful activities, including gambling and excessive alcohol consumption, especially in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Remember that I'm representing, in the lower house here today, Senator Kerrynne Liddle, who is herself an Indigenous Australian. The government must also explain how it will ensure that the promised supports, including financial counselling and access to social work services, will be available to all Australians who need them, regardless of where they live. The coalition calls on the government to guarantee that the changes in this bill will not have a negative impact on our most vulnerable Australians—those who need the most help.”