David Smith
Bean · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“When Australian sport is showcased on the international stage, all Australians feel proud. But I think the best by-product of international success is the inspiration it provides to people back at home to get involved in community sports. There are few things as rewarding, both physically and mentally, as getting involved in sports.”
“But, unfathomably, this club has been prevented from seeking promotion to the ACT National Premier League Girls competition and prevented from providing girls and their club a strong pathway into higher levels of participation in their sport.”
“And it does this without increasing the administrative burden on our doctors. This bill also outlaws another practice that is becoming increasingly problematic in the insurance system, which is the practice of product phoenixing.”
“It is unjustifiable to expect Australians to commit to a medical treatment without being able to compare those costs against the fees charged by other providers. Australians have the right to know the level of support that is provided by their private health insurer so they can determine from the outset their likely out-of-pocket costs.”
“The Albanese government has delivered the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS, with the maximum cost of a general script falling from $42.50 to $30 in January 2023 and now to $25.”
“This bill before the House creates changes that will require an insurer to seek ministerial approval for the premium charged for a proposed new product and, importantly, where changes are made that reduce cover, a benefit or a term of condition of an existing product.”
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“You would have thought that maybe it's a description of the approach of the coalition to oil refineries in this country over the last decade. What we know is that leadership isn't about the one to yell the loudest in the room, and I am proud to be able to stand on this side of the chamber—which is actually taking action, displaying clear leadership and supporting Australians right across the community. It's time for those opposite to do the same.”
“Who championed the privatisation of Medicare so there could be a transfer of the health financing burden, shifted from government to individuals? That would be the shadow Treasurer. Who criticised the Rudd Labor government's stimulus during the global financial crisis as a shameful act that did more harm than good? Who has consistently criticised low interest rates, claiming that 'nobody wins from low interest rates'? That's a message many people across my electorate would love to hear. Who advocated repealing the right to disconnect? That would be the shadow Treasurer. Who argued that Australia is no longer able to make things? In his own words: The days of Australia being an island continent producing finished goods for domestic consumption are over.”
“Who criticised better wages for frontline workers, including aged-care workers and early childhood educators, as 'borrowing from future generations'? That would be the shadow Treasurer. Who railed against paid parental leave, labelling it as 'a very bad scheme' and saying, 'It's not my choice that women have children, it's not; it's genetic'? That would be the shadow Treasurer. Who advocated replacing the progressive income tax system with a flat tax and broadening and doubling the GST to 20 per cent—in his words: We must stop fiddling at the margins. … we have to move towards a simpler 20 per cent flat personal, company and consumption tax … That would be the shadow Treasurer. It's getting a bit easy!”
“It's time for the Liberals and Nationals to put their money where their mouth is, and, for a change, stand with the Australian people instead of standing divided against them. They may love to come into this place and grandstand, and make grand speeches to clip for their socials and websites, but, when it comes to making a difference for their communities, they are missing in action. Every opportunity they have had to support cost-of-living relief, they have opposed. I remind people in this House that often the best way to determine future behaviour is remembering the words that people have used in the past. Here's a bit of a game for the House late on a Thursday. Who was it that derided work-from-home arrangements as 'professional apartheid'? That'd be the shadow Treasurer.”
“We're not immune from that uncertainty and volatility across the global economy, and that's why our priority remains addressing inflation, productivity and that global uncertainty. Our work on fairer petrol prices and stronger supply chains is an important part of these efforts. Legislation passed through this House earlier today that will help consumers get a fair go at the petrol pump—with bigger penalties for misconduct, including for the fuel sector. Nobody—no organisation, no sector, no member of this parliament—should be using such volatile circumstances to profit off Australians. That's not in the spirit of this country and it cannot be permitted to occur. That is why we are putting petrol companies on notice.”
“I hope the M ad Max reference wasn't to any of the members of this House with the prefix 'Mc' to their names. I have due respect for all those members! This evening I'm looking forward to attending the routine by acclaimed Canadian mime artist Joylyn Secunda down at the Tuggeranong Performing Arts Centre in my electorate. It's been described as ' D eath of a S alesman meets Mr Bean '. What I know for certain, though, is it will be more impressive than the routine we have witnessed across the aisle today. It is crucial in times of uncertainty that this House comes together and acts, and the Albanese Labor government is doing just that. The recent conflict in the Middle East has compounded uncertainty in the global economy and led to significant volatility in oil and petrol prices.”
“That's why we've also cut student debt, cut the cost of PBS medicines, delivered the largest investment in bulk-billing in Medicare's history, cut 30 per cent off home batteries to lower power bills, supported apprentices with $10,000 bonuses and introduced paid prac for nursing, teaching, social work and midwifery students. I've heard from people across my community that these policies are having a positive impact, as they should, because this is what governments are meant to do. This government is delivering, whilst the opposition is just divided.”
“Not only did yesterday mark my birthday and Greek Independence Day; it marked, more importantly, 12 months since the Albanese Labor government announced tax cuts for almost 14 million Australians. Today it's 12 months since the coalition voted against these tax cuts—a decision made by the now leader of the opposition as the then shadow treasurer. And tomorrow will be the anniversary of the Leader of the Opposition telling 14 million Australians that the coalition would increase their taxes if they voted for them. On this side of the chamber, the No.1 priority is helping Australians with the cost of living whilst building a better, stronger future. That's why we legislated tax cuts and why we've ensured there'll be tax cuts coming this financial year.”
“These are real, practical improvements to the lives of those in my community. It is these changes and these stories that are why I'm passionate about continuing the work that we started in our previous term. The Albanese Labor government has introduced a broad range of supports and programs to address the cost of living. We know that there's more work to do in 2026, and we're committed to doing more of the same.”
“Paul, managing director of Exceed Homes, who employs these two apprentices, echoed these sentiments and reinforced that the structure of the program, with payments being spaced out over the program, means that there is assistance there to ensure that apprentices get through their apprenticeship and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I would not only like to thank Paul and the team for having me on site but also for the work that they do right across the community. There is always a lot of talk about government funding in an abstract sense, with huge figures discussed at a national scale, but this is what these numbers mean in my local community. These are real, practical changes that have been provided to my community. These are real, practical improvements delivered to the hip pocket right across my community.”
“When asked what he was going to be able to use the KAP for, Liam said that he would be using it to buy new tools so that he could be more useful on site, learn new skills and service his car. He said it would help cover rent and the cost of living while he trains to develop the skills that will help build our community. Max said that the incentives had already come in handy for him and spoke about how it takes a weight off your shoulders when you know that, as an apprentice, you will be buying tools and a vehicle for work. It is really handy to have support from the government to progress with your apprenticeship and get the things you need.”
“I also want to talk a little more about what the Albanese government is doing to assist those taking up a trade because, as we all know, the only way we can build Australia's future is by investing in those who will be the ones building that future. We are boosting support for apprentices, delivering a $10,000 bonus to housing, construction and clean energy apprentices so more tradies can finish their training under the Key Apprenticeship Program. I was able to hear firsthand last month how this funding is making a real difference on the ground. I was able to meet with Liam and Max, apprentices working in my electorate of Bean, last month at a at a building site in Torrens and hear about how this program and other government incentives have enabled them to get on with their training.”
“At the same time we've increased the HECS and HELP loan repayment threshold, so students get to keep more of what they earn before repayments kick in. We are paying students on prac for key degrees such as nursing, midwifery and social work so that they're able to complete their training without those extra economic stresses. I enjoyed being at the Australian National University recently to directly speak with students about how these changes will help ensure they have access to quality education and the opportunities that that provides, without having to stress about the expenses that can too often be incurred receiving that education.”
“It again highlights the importance of having two strong, united Labor governments working together for our community. Over the last month, the ACT federal Labor team have been out welcoming back students to campuses and talking to them about how the Albanese Labor government is supporting all aspects of the tertiary education system. Labor promised to cut student debt, and now the Albanese Labor government is delivering. Australians with student debt, including HECS-HELP, VET and TAFE loans will have seen a 20 per cent reduction—no application, no forms, just real cost-of-living relief. We have made free TAFE permanent, opening the door to secure work for more young people right across my community.”
“Just over in Whitlam—not only a great prime minister but one of our newest suburbs in Bean—last month, the Albanese and ACT governments announced that they have reached a historic agreement, delivering $10 million through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to deliver more not-for-profit early learning at the Whitlam School in Canberra. This Albanese Labor government funding will go towards building a new early childhood education and care service at the new Whitlam School, delivering 130 new early childhood education and care places for families in 2028. This is a crucial investment being provided in the fastest-growing area of our community, and I wish to thank the federal health minister and the ACT deputy chief minister, Yvette Berry MLA, for this investment.”
“But the good news is that the Albanese Labor government is giving parents one less thing to worry about by making sure all schools will be fully funded no matter where you live. This increase in funding represents an extra $16.5 billion over the next decade and an extra $49 billion in the decade after that, meaning millions of extra dollars being invested in schools, teachers, educators and students right across Bean. This is the biggest new investment in public schools by any Australian government, and it will ensure that students get the best start to schooling not just across local schools in Bean but right across the country.”
“Deputy Speaker Chesters, if you would allow me, I would like to take this chance to recognise my local schools across Bean and let them know that the Albanese Labor government has their backs. We have great schools across Bean, underpinned by dedicated and caring principals, educators and staff and supported by volunteers and P&Cs. Whilst it's a little overdue, I wish to welcome back all the local schools in Bean for the 2026 school year. To my local schools, a new school year brings fresh opportunities along with new challenges, and your ongoing commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and engaging environment for students is truly valued. It's a busy time of year for parents, particularly in term 1, as they worry about setting up their children for the new year with stationery, uniforms and restarting the school lunches and routine.”
“Joining them last December, I was able to directly hear from them how these record changes to the PBS will really help our community. Like many community pharmacies, they had noticed the cost pressures on constituents and had advocated for change. I'm fortunate enough to be able to say that this pharmacy isn't the only award-winning pharmacy in Bean, with the team at Capital Chemist Mawson receiving Guild Pharmacy of the Year in 2024 and the team at Coleman Court being recognised for the same award in 2025. Knowing that I am, as part of the Albanese Labor government, able to support the work of these wonderful teams is one of the many privileges of my position.”
“This is from a Pharmacy Guild media release: Every week, more than 400,000 prescriptions will now cost no more than $25—putting up to $6.60 back in patients' pockets for every prescription. It makes medicine the most affordable it's ever been. It also stated: The cost of medicine for those without a concession card is reducing to $25. That's the lowest amount since 2004 and only the second time in history that the price of medicine in Australia has been reduced. These are direct quotes not from the government but from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and their national president, Trent Twomey. I was able to recognise these changes with the award-winning Wanni White Coats, the team down at Capital Chemist Wanniassa, led by Elise and Honor. I've risen in this chamber previously to acknowledge their incredible work.”
“This is part of a package that is worth over $4 billion in the ACT. The Albanese government has also established 1800MEDICARE, because life isn't nine to five, and neither should be access to health advice. This new phone line offers free advice and out-of-hours telehealth, backed by Medicare. You should be able to get the medicine you need without worrying about the cost. That's why Labor is making prescription medication cheaper by slashing the cost of medicines listed on the PBS. From January, that has meant it's no more than $25 per script and just $7.70 for concession card holders. You will have heard many members on this side of the chamber, as well as key stakeholders, discuss the importance of this policy.”
“This is in addition to the supports already provided by the Tuggeranong Medicare Mental Health Centre, an important avenue for those in my community to access mental health information, services and supports from qualified professionals over extended hours. Anyone can reach out for support for themselves, a loved one or a patient. It is free and no appointment or referral is needed. But investments in health care do not stop just there. The Albanese government has made record investments in our healthcare system, reaching new agreements with the states and territories to deliver record funding into the hospital system. Here in the ACT, it will mean an additional $557 million boost to hospital funding, alongside additional funding of $75 million to assist with the challenges of being a smaller jurisdiction.”
“This will soon be joined by more mental health support for Canberra parents. New and expectant Canberra parents will get free, personalised mental health support, with a new perinatal mental health centre to be established in Tuggeranong in Bean. The Albanese government funded centre will offer Canberran families support during the vital perinatal period, from pregnancy through to the baby's first birthday. This is a time when up to one in five women and one in 10 men experience anxiety and/or depression. The centre will help meet local demand for mental health care and provide psychological services with no out-of-pocket costs.”
“While the relatively small uptick in bulk-billing in the ACT is welcome, there is more work to do. It's also one of the reasons I welcomed one of Australia's newest Medicare urgent care clinics in my electorate of Bean in the Woden Valley. This clinic opened in December of last year and strengthens the already existing network of clinics across the territory. It is the first in the ACT to be GP led. It's close proximity to Canberra Hospital means that it will work to take pressure off the emergency department at Canberra Hospital. I look forward to the tender being finalised for the three bulk-billing clinics that we committed to during the 2025 election. These clinics will be critical to providing greater access to affordable and accessible health care in Canberra.”
“I rise today to discuss the appropriation bills. We've heard from the health minister recently that the work the government is undertaking on bulk-billing is ensuring our bulk-billing rates are climbing and are back on the right track after years of lost investment under the previous government. In just three months, we have seen the bulk-billing rate for all Australians jumped to 81.4 per cent nationwide. That is the largest quarterly bulk-billing jump in 20 years, outside of the COVID pandemic. To put this into more practical terms, this increase in bulk-billing and bulk-billing practices means that approximately 96 per cent of Australians are now within a 20-minute drive of a registered Medicare bulk-billing practice. But the ACT does face its own unique challenges when it comes to bulk-billing.”
“With recent news around the closure of domestic cabin crew bases in Canberra, as well as Hobart and Mildura, there are major concerns about how Qantas is choosing to operate and restructure. Too often Canberra is overlooked and taken for granted by our national carrier. These global decisions have local consequences. Qantas should reconsider this move so that our local workers and economy are not negatively impacted. Show more of that spirit of Australia that they market themselves on so heavily.”
“Qantas was recently held accountable by the union movement—in particular, the TWU—for its inadequate payment of international staff at the Jetstar Singapore international cabin crew base. This is just months after Qantas was fined $90 million for its illegal outsourcing of 1,800 ground staff and $120 million paid to those workers in compensation. But what has Qantas announced now? That Qantas themselves will open a new international base in Singapore. Constituents have directly raised to me the concerns they have for their jobs and that this risks further entrenching long-term offshoring of Australian jobs. Under previous management, staff at Qantas went from being fully directly employed to being scattered across 38 different wholly owned subsidiaries and labour hire companies to drive down pay and conditions.”
“She served on the committee responsible for the start of Meals on Wheels in the region and the committee responsible for the start of the children's kindergarten in Harris Park. After living in Curtin for many years, Noeline has now settled in the best part of the region, the proper south of Canberra in Monash. Thank you, Noeline, for everything you've done for our community right across the region, and I look forward to writing to you on your 100th.”
“There are people across my community who've lived extraordinary, selfless lives, and today I want to shout-out to one of those people. I recently had the opportunity to write to Noeline Scarlett to celebrate her 90th birthday. Noeline's family hails from Montrose, Scotland, with her father travelling here in 1925 before settling in Queanbeyan and running a local bakery. Noeline, alongside her husband, Keith, had a corner store in Queanbeyan. From there, she went on to work at the Queanbeyan Golf Club. Noeline eventually came over to the better side of the border and worked with the Rugby Union Club at Barton as an office clerk and then manager. Noeline has also served our broader community with extensive volunteer work, including 39 years with the Quota Club of Queanbeyan.”
“She is also a keen organiser of branch wide events such as the recent Kub Kars event, partnering with volunteers from the South Canberra Veterans' Shed who helped Cubs with woodworking and finishing to get their cars track-ready. She was also the Contingent Lead for the ACT Contingent to the 26th Australian Jamboree at Maryborough, Queensland in January 2025. This involved setting up and managing a team to prepare and coordinate 314 leaders and youth participants for their journey, to get the most of their experience and to come home safe and sound, muddier but wiser, from this once in a lifetime event Thank you, Michelle, on behalf of the Bean electorate, for all the work you've done in our community over the decades.”
“I rise today to highlight the work of Michelle Taylor, group leader of Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts, who has worked in our community for over 30 years taking on many roles and being a leader for hundreds of youth members. Acting Chief Commissioner of Scouts ACT Daniel Bartlett summed up her work best, telling my office: Michelle is someone who is truly passionate about scouting. She is exceptionally keen to get her group out on the water, practicing sailing, canoeing and kayaking on Lake Tuggeranong and competing with other Canberra based and inter-state groups at the Tri-Lakes and Sirus Cup events and also sharing these experiences with other groups from across Australia at the Governor General's Camp in 2024.”
“It is critical that Tibetans have the right to determine the identity of the next Dalai Lama using their traditional practices, without the interference of the Chinese government. I urge the government of the People's Republic of China to recognise this authority, recognise the fundamental human rights and dignity of the Tibetan people and approach this through genuine dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We can only achieve long-term peace and freedom in Tibet through genuine dialogue without precondition.”
“I rise to acknowledge the 67th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, to pay tribute to all those that rose up in 1959 and to stand in solidarity with those that have kept up the fight for basic human rights. I recognise that this year, the Dalai Lama's 90th year, is being observed as a year of compassion globally, celebrating his significant contribution to humanity. The Dalai Lama is loved throughout the world for his courage and commitment to the universality of human rights and promotion of interfaith harmony, compassion and democracy. The people of Tibet face repressive policies that are aimed at eradicating their distinct cultural and religious identity. This includes plans to interfere in the centuries-old spiritual tradition concerning the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister outline the significance and outcomes of Canadian prime minister Mark Carney's visit to Australia? How is the Albanese Labor government working with our partners to build a more peaceful and prosperous world?”
“He volunteered for years with Prisoners Aid and within the legal system and was awarded the Order of Australia for this work in 2012. Bill was a lifelong member of the Labor Party. We'll never be able to thank Bill enough for his services to our party and to his community. When being interviewed by the ABC for his 100th birthday, Bill said: You've got a life ahead, and mine's just about at the end, but you've got a life to go. So keep going forward, never looking back. I wish to extend my condolences to Bill's family and his many friends. He'll be greatly missed by us all.”
“Vale, Bill Aldcroft. Born in east London in 1922, Bill left school at the age of 14 barely able to read or write. Not letting that stop him, Bill served as a paratrooper during the Second World War, across Africa and Europe. He was captured in Holland and served eight to nine months in a work camp in Poland. He retrained as a marine engineer before making Australia his home. He worked on the Snowy hydro scheme and used his spare time there to volunteer, teaching English to workers that had come to Australia from all around the world. Upon moving to Canberra, he became an early advocate for a prison in the ACT and a Canberra based parole system to ensure those caught up in the system were not separated from their families.”
“This bill would not apply to the cohort currently in Syria. But it would criminalise the pilots of the commercial plane that flew them back, it would criminalise the baggage handlers and it would criminalise our allies and any aid workers trying to get people out of the camps. This is lazy, shoddy legislation that doesn't do anything to stop the current cohort of people in Syria but that does criminalise other people who nobody thinks should be criminalised. It's theatre, and this government doesn't engage in theatre.”
“That's advice that many of the individuals in this cohort unfortunately chose to ignore when they travelled to Syria. Of course, we have great sympathy for the children who are in this situation through no fault of their own. The decision made by their parents to go and support ISIS has had dreadful consequences for these children. The safety of Australians and the protection of Australia's national interests remain the Albanese government's overriding priority. The bill that the opposition put forward today would potentially criminalise a whole bunch of people that nobody in their right mind would think should fall foul of criminal law. It wouldn't criminalise the fighters who came in under their watch, under the Abbott government, under the Turnbull government and then under the Morrison government.”
“If our national security agencies provide advice that additional people in the cohort meet the threshold and should also be issued temporary exclusion orders, then of course the government would act on that, just as the government would act on any advice from national security agencies that a passport should be refused or cancelled. As always, the Albanese government will act on the advice of our security agencies to ensure the safety of Australians. We know the safety situation in Syria remains extremely dangerous. DFAT warns of the continuing threat of armed conflict, air strikes, terrorism, arbitrary detention and kidnapping. Our travel advice to Australians remains the same today as it was in 2011: do not travel to Syria.”
“People in this cohort need to know that, if they have committed a crime and they return to Australia, they'll be met with the full force of the law. A number of male foreign fighters came back to Australia when the Liberal Party were last in government. The coalition built the legal framework we are now operating under and at the time acknowledged it goes as far as it constitutionally can. Maybe that's why we haven't seen anything of substance from them on their proposals, particularly today. As Minister Burke has said, one individual in this cohort has been issued a temporary exclusion order, which was made on advice from security agencies.”
“The Albanese government's position on this issue is clear and longstanding. We are not providing assistance and we are not repatriating individuals from Syria. National security is not political theatre. We follow the advice of our security agencies and we follow the law. That is how we keep Australians safe. That is responsible government. If any of these individuals find their own way to return to Australia, our agencies are prepared and will be able to act in the interests of community safety. Our agencies have been monitoring these individuals for some time, and we have confidence in our security agencies. Our law enforcement and national security agencies are following the same approach they have followed for over a decade—the same approach the former government followed.”
“I remember the heady hum of activity around her office and her branch, the Belconnen branch. Ellnor provided a start to many in the Labor movement, including current ACT chief minister Andrew Barr. Along with her husband, she played a significant role in opening up a multicultural Australia and Canberra, where diversity was embraced and celebrated. Her loss is felt deeply by all those close to her and across the party. Vale, Ellnor Grassby.”
“Ellnor Grassby was a powerhouse of politics and community in the ACT. Elected to the first ACT Legislative Assembly and serving until 1995, she was part of Rosemary Follett's first government as the Minister for Housing and Urban Services. As well as serving in a plethora of public roles, both before and after political life, including her service on the Chief Minister's Ministerial Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs, the ACT Legal Aid Review Committee, the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, Friends of Old Parliament House Rose Gardens, Women in Racing, Friends of Ireland and many, many more. Ellnor's Catholic faith was central to her life and shaped the values that guided her public work: social justice, fairness and deep compassion for others. Eleanor was in the thick of countless Labor campaigns, both local and federal.”
“The President of the Weston Creek Men's Shed, Brian Black, described him as 'your quintessential "doer". Practical, skilled and ever ready to help without question. He thoroughly deserves to be honoured by his community.' And I couldn't agree more. Bill's story is just one example of the incredible volunteer work completed by people across the Bean community every week. One of my highlights each year is the Bean volunteer recognition evening, where volunteer organisations right across the community come together to celebrate the work of those that so often go unrecognised and unrewarded. I look forward to continuing to recognise these individuals throughout this term of parliament and celebrating the Bean volunteer recognition evening again in the Main Committee Room of this parliament building as well.”
“Thank you all for your service to our community and for safeguarding our nation. Last week I had the opportunity to visit the Weston Creek Men's Shed down in Rivett to recognise the incredible volunteer work of Bill Wallace. Bill's work as a volunteer began with the Scouts and led to him being heavily involved in the development of Camp Cottermouth. From there he has assisted in numerous volunteer roles, including assisting the police force with bush survival training and volunteering with the Mountain Trails Adventure School at Wee Jasper. Bill is the Weston Creek Men's Shed's current workshop manager. He spends many hours a week tutoring and nurturing others in the woodworking trade and ensuring that the workshop is a safe, comfortable workplace for anyone that wants to join.”
“Australia Day is a time to reflect on our community, welcoming new citizens into it and recognising those who have completed incredible acts of service within it. The Bean community is fortunate to have many of these individuals, including a significant number of people receiving recognition for work within the Australian military and defence forces: Brigadier Nathan Juchniewicz, for exceptional service in senior command appointments in Forces Command and Special Operations Command; Commodore Nathan Robb, for exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy in the field of maritime logistics; Group Captain Anthony Kay, for outstanding achievement in the application of extraordinary skills and judgement in the development and control of air mobility capability for the Australian Defence Force; Wing Commander Grant Leader, for meritorious achievement as the Liaison Officer within the United States Air Warfare Center; Warrant Officer Cheryl Collins, for meritorious performance of duty as Command Warrant Officer Training Force, Command Warrant Officer Navy People, and Warrant Officer Joint Operations Command; and Warrant Officer Class One Anthony Luchterhand, for meritorious service over successive regimental sergeant major appointments as a senior enlisted adviser, master trainer and mentor.”
“There was also the chance to sample food and drink from producers across the region, including Underground Spirits, a strong representative from the Bean electorate; Eden Road Wines; the Canberra Distillery; Garlicious Grown; BentSpoke and many others. Thank you to all those that participated in the event for making it a wonderful evening, and thank you to the National Capital Attractions Association, the ACT government and VisitCanberra for their assistance in pulling this event together. One of the many privileges of my role is having the ability to elevate and showcase the incredible things on offer in my community and the broader region, and I look forward to being able to continue to showcase my community throughout this term of parliament.”
“Last week I hosted the Capital Region Showcase here at Parliament House. It's an event to highlight the breadth and depth of experiences and attractions that are available right across the capital region. Canberra is written off by many, as a boring place for politics, politicians and public servants, and I always appreciate being able to showcase what our region has to offer, including pieces from national cultural institutions, local foods, local wines and attractions. The showcase featured 38 exhibitors and included the National Gallery of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive, the National Museum of Australia, the AIS, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Portrait Gallery, Questacon, and the National Zoo and Aquarium.”
“I also joined on stage with Nim Osborne, a great leader of our multicultural community, to demonstrate not only my Thai cooking skills—or lack thereof—but more importantly to help showcase a strong example of culture, cuisine and community working hand in hand to unite us. Diversity is one of the great strengths of this nation, and being able to join in this celebration at the centre of our city is always a joy. And may this joy continue for all across the Bean electorate and right across Australia that celebrate the Lunar New Year.”
“This past weekend, Canberra held its annual multicultural festival, one of the highlights of the calendar every year. And—while it's rare you'll find me praising events held on the wrong side of the lake!—the festival brings together the multicultural community from right across Canberra and Australia and showcases our community in its best, with its great diversity and its great strengths. From adobo to za'atar and momos to gyoza, a plethora of cuisine and culture was on display. It was great to be able to meet with my friends across a number of communities, including the Bhutanese, Thai, Tibetan, Nepalese, Latin American and Greek communities.”
“My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to grow the Australian Defence Force's capabilities in new domains, and why is this important?”