Steve Georganas
Adelaide · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“It reflects one of our most important national values. Health care should be available to everyone, not just to those who can afford it. Many people prioritise their health and paying their everyday essentials. That is a fact.”
“That means more than 172,000 occasions when individuals and families have been able to receive urgent medical care without needing to attend an emergency department or a public hospital and without needing to face out-of-pocket costs.”
“That is really important because that gives the confidence to those people that I spoke about earlier, those families that are doing it tough that may have previously considered whether they received the health care that they really required and was a necessity or whether they put food on the table.”
“People receive treatment earlier, chronic illnesses are managed more effectively, hospital admissions are reduced and pressure on our emergency departments is eased. Every dollar invested in effective primary care saves costs elsewhere in the system while delivering better health outcomes for Aussies.”
“I too rise to make a contribution, just as the member for Pearce just did, on the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026. At its heart is Medicare.”
“In my home state alone, bulk-billing has risen to 80.4 per cent across the state, representing one of the strongest improvements in the country. We heard, the other day, other statistics around the country. They are all increasing, and this is a good thing. It means people are having to fork less out of their pocket when visiting a GP.”
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“That's something really worth protecting, that is something worth improving and it's something that every single Australian deserves. This bill strengthens superannuation. It makes it fairer, it makes it more understandable and it ensures that people, whether they're starting work or whether they are about to retire, know the exact position that their superannuation is in. Superannuation is one of the most important cornerstones of our industrial relations system. It gives people dignity in retirement, the ability to live with that dignity once they stop working, once they're at home, and to plan their retirements in a way that perhaps they couldn't before the eighties. I commend this bill to the House.”
“It has grown into one of the most respected and successful retirement saving frameworks in the world through the vision that the Labor Party and that Labor government had in the Hawke-Keating years in the eighties. Systems must evolve as people's needs evolve, and that's what this bill is for. It's about changing the system, evolving to the needs of Australians. It must stay strong, it must stay fair and it must stay focused on those that it's designed to serve—and that is people in retirement. Every improvement we make strengthens the retirement outcome for millions of Australians. At the end of the day, superannuation is not about politics; it's about people and their retirement saving funds. It's about their savings, their future, their families and their right to grow old with security and with dignity.”
“This bill also sits alongside broader reforms that are designed to protect the integrity of that superannuation system. Together, these efforts help ensure that superannuation continues to fulfil its core purpose. What is its core purpose? To provide an income for a secure, dignified retirement. That's its purpose, a purpose that matters deeply to every single Australian, from the teenager starting their first job or apprenticeship, doing part-time work when they're at university or starting their first full-time job to the parent returning to work and older Australians planning their next chapter in their lives. We should take pride in our superannuation system.”
“That reduces the risk of duplicate funds, duplicate accounts and duplicate fees that quietly, as I said earlier, drain away thousands of dollars over a lifetime of work. With earlier access to their stapled fund details, employees can make decisions with confidence—when you have all the information, you can also make informed decisions—and employers are better equipped with accurate information as Australia moves towards payday based contributions. These changes are not just about administrative efficiency; they're about respecting people's futures. They're about making sure that the wealth workers build over a lifetime remains protected, not chipped away by unnecessary duplication or choices that are made under pressure, duress, confusion or lack of information.”
“Sometimes a single moment of onboarding—a rushed form, a digital checkbox, an unexamined default—can shape the structure of that person's retirement for decades to come. Many end up with duplicate accounts, each quietly draining their savings through fees and insurance that they never needed. This legislation recognises the weight of that moment. By ensuring workers can easily see and choose their existing fund when they start a new job, we give them something invaluable. We give them choice, clarity and control. It gives people clearer control over their own superannuation by ensuring that they can easily identify and choose their existing stapled fund when starting a new job.”
“As we heard other speakers earlier speak about, many young workers were not receiving superannuation entitlements at all, even though they were entitled to them. We've seen many constituents come through the office, usually with their parents, to basically say that they had unpaid super in their last employment or wherever they were working last. It's often too difficult and very complicated to get that superannuation back paid. All Australians but especially young Australians need to be able to identify, read and know exactly what's happening with their super, and too often they're signed up to superannuation products without understanding them, without guidance and without realising they even have a choice.”
“It's always been more than a policy; it is a promise that, after a lifetime of work, every Australian deserves the dignity, security, stability and peace in retirement, and it's about ensuring that every Australian, no matter where they work or what stage of life they are in, has the chance to look towards the future with confidence rather than with fear. The measures in this bill reflect a simple but powerful principle: people deserve to be in control of their own retirement savings. It's a principle that strongly resonates with this Albanese Labor government. Yet for many Australians, especially young workers in their teens or early 20s, the very beginning of that journey can be confusing and overwhelming.”
“Back then, not many people had superannuation or retirement plans. There was superannuation in place, but it was for the very, very few in elite positions—in managerial roles and CEOs et cetera—so it was great reform. It was reform that allowed ordinary workers to ensure that a bit was put aside every week, every fortnight or every month for their retirement to be able to do the things that we all aspire to do when we retire, which is to ensure that we can pay our bills and continue to live the way that we did when we were working. So it's a very important Labor policy. We've always supported superannuation reforms because we know that, when we introduce this legislation, it makes it better for the average worker. Therefore, superannuation has always been about something far greater than numbers on a statement.”
“This bill is a reflection of this good Labor government, which is a party of superannuation and supporting the Australian worker. Of course, superannuation was a Labor policy back in the late eighties under the Hawke-Keating administration. We identified that too many workers were retiring with not enough savings and were relying on the social security pension scheme at the time. So it was identified back then that we needed a scheme like many other countries had around the world, such as pension schemes and superannuation schemes, to ensure that when workers retired they were able to either supplement their super with a small pension that was available or retire with super funds that would give them the dignity required once they stopped working. It's a very important policy that affects every single Australian.”
“A recent review of the Your Future, Your Super framework found that some onboarding software providers had been paid to promote particular super funds—often those linked to the software platform itself. These practices risked influencing employees at a moment when they should be receiving important and impartial information about the future of their savings when they retire. The reforms are designed to strengthen consumer protections, reduce the likelihood of workers being steered into unsuitable products that perhaps have enormous fees and help prevent the accidental creation of duplicate accounts. Overall, the measures aim to ensure that every Australian can make more confident and informed decisions about their superannuation.”
“We've seen many constituents—I'm sure both sides of the House have seen this—that have come into the office chasing unpaid super. Previously, it would take up to three months to put the super into the account. Now it's with every pay, which makes it easier both for the employee and for the employer, and it's very important that transparency is there so that people can see what's going into their accounts. They know what's going in, when it's gone in and how it's accumulated. This bill also provides employers with more timely and accurate superannuation information, which helps them prepare for upcoming changes under these new payday super reforms. A key feature of the bill is a ban on advertising superannuation products to employees during the onboarding process when an employee starts his new position or job.”
“It is no different to your wage and your hourly rate. It is no different to getting your pay at the end of the week. We know that this bill, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025, aims to strengthen the transparency in superannuation and inform decision-making for employees when they start a new job. It introduces measures that make it easier for workers to see and select an existing superannuation fund if they wish to continue using it. One of the other measures that we've brought in is about getting super when you get paid—in other words, to receive your entitlements for superannuation in your superannuation account as your wages are getting paid—and there was a reason for that.”
“I recall very clearly, because I was following the debate, the then Treasurer, Mr Hockey, saying when he made that decision not to increase superannuation to 12 per cent that workers would rather have it in their pockets and that most bosses would give it out as a pay increase. Well, guess what? I don't think there was a single increase in wages over the next few years in lieu of the 12 per cent super—not a single increase anywhere. I remember following it very closely, monitoring it and speaking to people in my electorate, asking if they got that increase that the then Treasurer, Mr Hockey, alluded to. In other words, it was just to cover up that they didn't want to give that 12 per cent. Superannuation is not a gift. It doesn't just appear. Superannuation is for services given by the employee.”
“It gives me great pride to speak on this bill on superannuation, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025. I've always had a keen interest in superannuation while I've been in this place. We just heard the member for Forde outline the reasons for superannuation and the benefits to workers that superannuation gives in later life. It was interesting listening to the member for Forde talk about the increase to 12 per cent that Labor introduced when we were last in government in 2013. The last coalition government stopped this or delayed it.”
“I ask: what have the opposition done? They have done nothing but criticise and undermine, and their record shows that they have no ability to do anything. In fact, when they were in government, electricity costs increased by 40 per cent.”
“His record displays actions from secretly increasing electricity prices to constantly failing to deliver on his promises of cheaper energy and more electricity. We're taking public action with the nation's best interests in mind. We have made and are making it easier for Australians to save on energy bills and to take advantage of clean, reliable and renewable power. Australians deserve clarity, transparency and fairness when it comes to energy bills. This year the new national energy rules will come into effect to strengthen the protections that we have put forward for households and businesses. Importantly, the new rules place stronger responsibility on retailers to support customers experiencing hardship. Together we are giving Australians control over energy. Together we are paving the way for a renewable and sustainable future.”
“Record investments in renewable energy and storage show the momentum is real. The development pipeline of new projects is growing, communities are beginning to host the clean industries of the future and a new generation of workers is being trained to support the renewable economy. Beyond numbers and technology, this transformation is about people: families who want lower bills, young people who want a liveable climate, regional communities who want economic opportunity and businesses who want reliable power. We're advocating for better energy, we are advocating for a renewable economy and we are advocating for more power to the people. I wish I could say the same about the opposition. The now leader of the opposition, who was once the energy minister, had anything but the best intentions for Australians.”
“Fairness means making sure energy companies are transparent, fairness means ensuring no household is caught off guard by sudden price hikes and fairness means giving every customer access to simple, fee-free payment options. Fairness means strengthening protection for people doing it tough so they aren't left behind. A fair energy system is one where bills are understandable, pricing is predictable and households know the provider's best offer is actually what they're receiving. A fairer energy system is one where people feel empowered, not overwhelmed, and fairness also means ensuring that everyone from renters to pensioners and from families in apartments to households in regional towns can benefit from this shift to clean energy—not just those who own big rooftops or can afford upfront costs.”
“We saw this whilst they were in government of nine years, where they had nine different energy policies, delaying any outcome to getting renewables in and making energy cheaper. We have assisted the nation with power bill relief, gas price caps and investing in cheaper renewables where the coalition have stood in opposition rather than support. Record numbers of households in my electorate and all over Australia are installing solar panels and home batteries, and this means that people are generating their own electricity on their rooftops, storing it in their garages in their batteries and using it at night when energy would normally be more expensive. Families are gaining more independence, more control and more certainty over their energy use and bringing their energy bills down. This transition is also about fairness.”
“This Labor government has committed to a future where energy is cleaner, fairer and more affordable for every household and every business no matter where they live, and that has been our commitment. Australia is in the middle of one of the biggest transformations in our modern history. For more than a century, our energy system has relied heavily on a small number of large, central power stations, but now we're seeing an extraordinary shift toward a system powered by abundant sun, strong wind, smart technology and the power of everyday Australians who are embracing that particular change. It's change that is led by this Albanese Labor government, not the coalition. We know that they have opposed our renewables. They've opposed renewables. They're still in a debate about whether we're living through climate change.”
“Leon was nominated 13 times for the Australian Commercial Radio Award for best talkback and current affairs and was also nominated for Australian of the Year on three occasions. That is a testament to his impact on our state and our nation. Sadly, Leon passed away late last year. Our condolences go to Sean, to his family and to all those who will forever miss him, not only on radio but just in general. (Time expired)”
“Time and again, Leon used this influence to assist listeners who were navigating complex bureaucratic challenges, and it wasn't unusual to hear someone come on the talkback program as a member of the public to raise an issue that was very unfair, that just didn't sound right. The next minute, Leon would be on to the minister and have him on the next day, regardless of what political party he belonged to, to explain why this was happening. He made many changes in legislation through this particular tactic, which was a good thing, because people without a voice were heard—and they were not only heard but heard at the highest levels. For that, he gained a reputation of trust. His contributions didn't go unnoticed.”
“Eventually he made Adelaide his home and became the host of the Radio FIVEAA morning program, a talkback program that resonated deeply within Adelaide and our community. It wasn't just a talkback program; it was a lifeline for many South Australians. Leon Byner gave people a voice. He broke stories as they happened and held those in power to account. His program became a trusted source of news and a forum for robust debate. He'd interviewed every prime minister. He had interviewed premiers as well as opposition leaders. He covered politics news and he broke leading stories. Leon was persuasive, authoritative and courageous. He never shied away from asking the tough questions, and he did so with integrity and respect. He understood that radio is more than entertainment; is a platform to help people.”
“Today I rise to pay tribute to a remarkable individual from South Australia who passed away late last year: Leon Byner, radio host of the FIVEAA program. Leon was not just a radio announcer and a journalist. He was a trusted voice on radio and an icon of South Australian media. Leon Byner's career in radio spanned three decades in Adelaide, but his journey began much earlier. At the age of just 13 years he discovered his passion for the spoken word, a passion that would shape his entire life. He officially entered the world of broadcasting in 1966 in Shepparton, Victoria, and from that moment his voice became a fixture on the airwaves. Leon Byner's reputation grew steadily, built on credibility, experience and an unwavering commitment to truth.”
“Just before I resume my seat, I'd also like to pay tribute to a great Australian in my electorate, Julie-Ann Finney, who worked so hard for the royal commission a few years ago and still works voluntarily without pay and without any benefit to have veterans' voices heard. I think that at times like this we come to a certain point with legislation, with royal commissions and with the work that we do here, but we should always think of those people who advocated strongly to bring us to this position and to bring about change. I pay tribute to Julie-Ann Finney today as well.”
“So the commissioner's work ensures those experiences are not lost, ignored or dismissed but instead are part of the driving force behind the systemic change. It means veterans are not expected to struggle alone; it means families can trust that someone is watching over the system; it means problems that were once hidden or not brought to light can be brought forward and addressed properly and systematically; and it means every story, every challenge, every frustration and every moment of courage can help create change. Ultimately, it means that veterans and their families can feel seen, respected and supported by a system that genuinely strives to do better.”
“This draft will include the findings, the evidence behind them and any recommendations for change. If an agency or organisation is involved, its leadership is given the chance to respond. This step matters because it recognises that change is most effective when everyone has been heard and when those involved can clarify, correct or contribute to the understanding of what has happened. All of this is about ensuring the experiences of veterans, including their pain, their courage and their hope, lead to real change. We know that all of the experiences of veterans—Vietnam veterans living alone, young veterans raising families, naval personnel connected to the shipbuilding precinct, RAAF members transitioning into civil life, or reservists balancing service with their careers—can help shape the national picture.”
“People who share their stories, often painful and private stories or difficult stories, must know that they are safe to speak out honestly and openly. Because the commissioner will be entrusted with highly sensitive information, the bill creates strong safeguards. It becomes an offence for the commissioner or anyone working with them to share that protected information unless it is currently allowed under the law. This ensures that personal stories, private information, medical details and confidential experiences are treated with the respect, dignity and care that they deserve. When the commissioner completes an inquiry, the process is open, fair and designed to ensure accuracy. A draft report must be prepared and shared with those whose actions or responsibilities are discussed.”
“To ensure the commissioner can uncover the realities that veterans and their families face, the bill grants special powers when an issue is serious enough to require deeper investigation. In these situations, the commissioner can request documents, ask questions and, if necessary, seek a warrant to gather that information directly. These are powers that don't exist at the moment. These powers will exist not to intimidate but to make sure nothing stands in the way of understanding why detrimental situations occur and, even more importantly, how they can be stopped. At the same time, the law protects the commissioner, their staff and anyone who steps forward with information, and this is essential.”
“Instead, the commissioner steps back to see the bigger picture and identifies underlying, systemic patterns and issues that may be contributing to harm. This broad perspective is deliberate. It ensures the commissioner can focus on what truly matters: preventing future suffering by recognising system-wide problems that might otherwise remain hidden. To honour this responsibility, the bill gives the commissioner full independence in how they carry out their work. Absolutely no-one, including the minister, can tell the commissioner what conclusions to reach or how to conduct an inquiry. Their loyalty is solely to the truth and to the wellbeing of the people their work is meant to protect.”
“The commission has been up and running since September and has been overseeing the whole defence ecosystem; however, that's not enough. We need these bills to pass for our commitment to better the lives of ADF personnel and veterans. We need a commissioner to act in the best interest of veterans and those serving in an independent manner. We need to see proactive steps to prevent the ongoing trend of all the issues associated with veterans when they leave the Defence Force and whilst they're in the Defence Force as well as all the things that we heard during the royal commission. The commissioner's role is designed to look at the entire system: the policies, structures and practices that shape the experiences of current and former Defence Force members. Their work isn't about investigating individual cases or single decisions.”
“This is after extensive research and investigation from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and we heard the member for Solomon speak extensively about the royal commission. Recommendation 122 of the final report suggested establishing a new statutory entity to oversee the system reform across the whole defence network, and it was deemed to be the most important recommendation. So this is something that hasn't just been a thought bubble. It's something that's come out of that royal commission and its most important recommendation. These bills before us are to establish the role of the commissioner. The role of the commissioner is to complement the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission that was legislated by this government back in February 2025.”
“By addressing systemic issues openly and thoroughly, we move closer to building a system that genuinely supports wellbeing, honours the service that these people have given for their nation, offers real pathways to healing and offers hope for those who have given so much. The commissioner has the ability to undertake inquiries on their own account, on their own motion, which will provide a wide net for the niche and unusual. It allows the commissioner to take initiative rather than waiting. It means being proactive and taking preventative measures before families, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers say goodbye too soon. The commissioner is not a role the government has made up to tick a box.”
“We need to build that trust that the veterans' concerns are heard, that their experiences matter and that action is being taken to better meet their diverse and often complex needs. Importantly, the commissioner's mandate is very broad. Nothing is off limits when it comes to identifying and examining the structural or administrative factors that contribute to risk. This includes looking closely at the Commonwealth's policies, programs, systems and practices. The goal is not to assign blame but to understand why certain issues persist and how they can be addressed with compassion, evidence and, very importantly, accountability. The commissioner's work acknowledges the simple truth that behind every statistic there is a human being, a family, a spouse, a child—a son or a daughter—a network of friends and a community forever changed.”
“The Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025 draws on the findings and recommendations of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee's review. It reflects an effort to take those recommendations seriously and respond in a way that strengthens the systems veterans rely on throughout and after their service. It also reflects the royal commission's 122 recommendations. The commission will play an important role in improving transparency and accountability across the broader Defence and veterans support landscape. By monitoring, investigating and publicly reporting on systemic issues, the commissioner aims to support sustained long-term improvements. This work will help to rebuild trust within the veterans community.”
“The role of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner is designed to bring greater openness, understanding and care to the system that supports current and former members of the Australian Defence Force. The commissioner will report publicly to the minister and to the parliament, creating a clear and transparent pathway for identifying what is working well and, importantly, what is not working well. This role exists to help meaningful reform aimed at improving suicide prevention and overall wellbeing for those who have served. Far too many individuals and families in the veterans community have been touched by loss, grief or a long-term struggle. The commissioner's work will recognise this reality and seek to shine a light on systemic issues that can contribute to the distress among serving and ex-serving members.”
“I pay tribute to the two previous speakers, the member for Canning and the member for Solomon, and recognise that they both have had distinguished careers in the Defence Force and are very capable people to talk on this particular subject. We thank them for their service and for putting themselves on the front lines to protect our wonderful nation. Governments of all persuasions, including this government, are supporting those that fight for this country. As I said, they put their bodies and minds on the front line for us. They become tough, strong, persistent leaders. However, who is there remaining to help them when they come back home?”
“Από τα έργα του Ομήρου και τους φιλοσόφους της κλασικής αρχαιότητας, μέχρι τη Καινή Διαθήκη, μέχρι τους στίχους του Σολωμού και του Σεφέρη, τα Ελληνικά έχουν δώσει στον κόσμο μια γλώσσα για να θέτουμε δύσκολα ερωτήματα και να φανταζόμαστε ένα πιο δίκαιο μέλλον. Σήμερα, ελληνικές λέξεις και έννοιες ζουν σχεδόν σε κάθε σύγχρονη γλώσσα. What I said was, 'Let's celebrate the Greek language today not for its ancient history but for everything that it has contributed to our nation.'”
“Today, 9 February, marks the recognition of World Greek Language Day by UNESCO. This recognition by UNESCO highlights the relationship between the Greek language and all other languages. Therefore, it is fitting for me to proceed in Greek for some of this speech, with a full translation for Hansard a bit later on. Mr Georganas then spoke in Greek language— Σήμερα, ενώνονται οι κοινότητες σε όλο τον κόσμο για να γιορτάσουν τη 9η Φεβρουαρίου ως Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Ελληνικής Γλώσσας της UNESCO, έναν φόρο τιμής σε μία από τις αρχαιότερες και πιο επιδραστικές γλώσσες της ανθρωπότητας. Τα Ελληνικά μιλούνται αδιάλειπτα εδώ και περίπου 4.000 χρόνια, με γραπτή παράδοση που εκτείνεται σχεδόν τρεις χιλιετίες, καθιστώντας την τη μεγαλύτερη συνεχώς ομιλούμενη και γραπτή γλώσσα στην Ευρώπη.”
“When we think of education and we go back to my days in school—or your days, Deputy Speaker Young—there are now job titles and technology that weren't even dreamt of back then. This is evolving so quickly, so we need to be on top of it. As high-tech industries evolve and come to fruition, we need to be prepared with a workforce, and that workforce will come from universities and TAFEs and through higher learning. I commend these bills to the House. It is a very good policy area that ensures we plan for the future and we plan together in partnership with our universities, TAFEs and vet courses to ensure we produce the workforce that's required to keep this country's economy going for many years into the future.”
“Finally, ATEC won't be working in a vacuum; it'll be consulting widely with universities, students, industry, state and tertiary governments, and communities. Every year it'll publish a state and tertiary education system report so everyone can see how we're tracking. This is very exciting news—especially for my home state of South Australia, with the high-tech defence builds that are taking place. We will need, it's estimated, over 30,000 employees over the next 10 to 15 years. Many of them will come through universities, TAFEs and higher technical learning. ATEC will play a massive role in the universities' goals and where they specialise, ensuring we're training students and people for the future positions that will exist not just in South Australia but all over Australia.”
“In the years ahead, as the government introduces needs based funding and a more sustainable growth system for student places, ATEC will help manage that growth so it's strategic and supports national priorities. It may also have a role in allocating international student commencements in the future. Importantly, equity is built into the heart of this reform. ATEC must always consider the needs of people who face barriers to education, such as First Nations students, people with disabilities, those from lower income backgrounds and Australians living in regional or remote areas. To support this, they'll have a dedicated First Nations commissioner and a First Nations advisory committee, ensuring Indigenous voices sit at the centre of decision-making.”
“If a university hits a bump in the road, where enrolments shift or there are economic changes or workforce shortages, ATEC won't punish them; it will work alongside them and to adjust the compact if needed to achieve their objectives and help them improve. It's about a partnership. It's not about punishment. Only if a university consistently fails to meet its commitments and only after genuine engagement would ATEC take stronger measures like applying a default compact. This is about fairness, accountability and supporting high-quality education across the broader spectrum. It's about creating a stable and universal system to support higher educational institutions and, of course, students.”
“One of ATEC's main jobs will be working with universities to create mission based compacts. These are agreements that spell out what each university actually stands for—their strengths, their goals and how they serve their community. And every university, of course, is different. Some lead in medical research, others in teaching, others in science and others in regional development or industry partnerships. These compacts will reflect that diversity while still lining up with national goals. We want to ensure that they're not rigid. They'll evolve as circumstances change, when different needs arise through different industries.”
“This new commission will have a clear mission guided by the new National Tertiary Education Objective. Basically, one shared vision for the whole tertiary system means universities and TAFEs will finally be working towards the same goals, not competing or operating in separate silos. ATEC will have three expert commissioners—a chief commissioner, a First Nations commissioner and another commissioner—with deep expertise. At least one must have strong VET knowledge, because vocational education is just as important as university education. These commissioners are appointed based on experience, not politics, and they'll make decisions based on evidence, research, fairness and what's best for Australian students, enforcing the commission's independence.”
“They're looking after family members and dealing with rising costs all while studying, so paid prac will be life-changing for so many students. We're also strengthening student advocacy. Under the new rules, at least 40 per cent of student services and amenity fees must go to student led organisations, making sure that students have a real voice on campus. And we're expanding Commonwealth Supported Places for First Nations students and introducing a national code to better respond to gender based violence in higher education, something that has been urgently needed. Let's not forget we've already cut HECS debts by 20 per cent for current students and graduates, and that's real relief for so many Australian students. ATEC is the next great thing this government will implement.”
“Out of the 47 recommendations from the accord report, this government is implementing 31, and that includes some major improvements: doubling the number of university hubs across regional and suburban Australia, making it easier for people to study close to home—we know that, when you have options to study closer to home, it becomes a much easier task; expanding free university bridging courses, helping more Australians get the skills they need to begin a degree; and something students have been asking for for many, many years, and that is paid practical. For the first time, university students doing mandatory placements in areas like nursing, teaching and social work will finally receive some financial relief. We all know the pressures students are under. Many work part-time jobs.”
“This was the government's major review of the higher education sector, and it spelled out clearly that, without a dedicated and independent steward like ATEC, Australia can't properly prepare for our future skills needs or meet the expectations of students. The accord report made a powerful point: in the coming decades, around 80 per cent of all new jobs will require a TAFE or university qualification—80 per cent. That means more Australians will need to be able to access tertiary education and more pathways into study—whether it be through TAFE or through other higher educational options—and more support to actually complete the courses. So this bill is about getting ahead of that challenge of seeking the future, seeing what it'll be like and preparing ourselves for the future demands.”
“We need the central body looking ahead, planning across the whole system and making sure that Australia is ready for the challenges and the opportunities of the future. The truth is Australia's been missing parts of the bigger picture sometimes, and that's exactly what the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, or ATEC, is designed to fix. ATEC will act as the system's big-picture planner. It will guide how universities and vocational education work together, not just for the next year but for the next generation. That's so important, because it isn't something that we just dreamed up. The Australian Universities Accord Panel released its final report in 2024.”
“I rise to speak about this very important bill, a bill that will shape the future of how we learn, how we train and how we prepare our country for decades ahead. Of course, I'm talking about the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025 and its companion, the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025. At their core, these bills are about creating a stronger, fairer and more coordinated tertiary education system for everyone. For years we've asked our universities and our TAFEs to do a huge amount of heavy lifting, and they've done a great job. They've served us well, but they've had to do it without a central body looking ahead.”