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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“If only those opposite had cared so deeply about this issue when they were last in government! It took the Albanese government to get these pressures under control, and we are focused on continuing that work with the Australian people. On this side of the chamber, we are united in the face of the challenges that affect the Australian people and are taking concrete steps to address the rapidly changing international economic climate. There is more work to do in 2026, and I hope those opposite will join us rather than talking endlessly about themselves and opposing every practical measure that is helping take pressure off the Australian people.”
“We are boosting support for apprentices, delivering a $10,000 bonus to housing-construction and clean-energy apprentices so that more tradies can finish their training, as those cost pressures can flow through to the construction sector. These are real, practical measures that are assisting those in my community and those right across Australia. I would like to remind the member for Goldstein and those opposite that, at every moment they were presented with an opportunity to assist the Australian people with the cost of living, they said no. They said no to Medicare urgent care clinics, they said no to lower HECS debts and fee-free TAFE, they said no to tax cuts for all Australians and they said no to energy relief. When the Albanese government first came into power, inflation had a six in front of it and interest rates had begun to rise.”
“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 applications, no forms, just real cost-of-living relief. We have made free TAFE permanent, opening the door to secure work for more young people, and 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 they are able to complete their training without economic stress.”
“Our commitment to the health and wellbeing of Australians doesn't stop there, with agreements reached last week that will see the ACT receive 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 is part of a package of over $4 billion in the ACT, allowing affordable and timely access to quality health care for all. It has already been one month since the Albanese Labor government made medicines on the PBS just $25—the biggest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS. This means that people in my electorate of Bean are now paying less for medicines they rely on every day. That is real, practical assistance. We are also backing Australia's students and young people.”
“We have also made generational investments into affordable and accessible health and education. In December, the Woden Valley, in my electorate, welcomed the opening of the ACT's newest Medicare urgent care clinic. It's located at 33 Colbee Court in Phillip and offers free, GP-led health care, without an appointment, seven days a week. This clinic joins pre-existing clinics in Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, Dickson, Belconnen and Gungahlin, across the territory. Labor's Medicare urgent care clinics have already seen more than 2.2 million presentations since the first sites opened in June 2023. This new clinic in Woden will ensure that those numbers continue to climb and that all those who need medical treatment are able to receive it without having to worry about the cost.”
“I would like to thank the member for Goldstein for bringing forward this important issue in his own special way. The fight to bring down the cost of living is front and centre for my constituents in Bean every day, and I'm happy to tell them that the Albanese Labor government is right alongside them in that fight. That is why the Albanese Labor government is introducing real, practical assistance in approaches that work to help local families every day. We have delivered tax cuts for every taxpayer, with a further tax cut coming this July. We have consistently supported pay rises for all minimum-award-rates workers and re-energised enterprise bargaining for fairer pay for all workers and their families. We have changed the architecture of workplace relations.”
“Dr Stephanie Reeder for services to children's literature, including as an author, mentor, editor and, most importantly, a Hansard editor. Mr Paul Owens received the Australian Fire Service Medal in recognition of a 23-year operational career. Mr Paul Ryan for outstanding public service in advancing climate smart land management in Australia. Ms Anne-Maree Sabellico for outstanding public service in leading reforms in child protection and youth justice. Thank you on behalf of the whole of the Bean community for all that you've done to build and bring our community together.”
“Residents across my community work tirelessly to improve the lives of those around them. Each Australia Day, through the honours list, special recognition is made to citizens who have made outstanding contributions. Today I would like to put on the record my thanks to these locals for their work in making our community and nation a better place. Dr Bruce Moore for distinguished service to linguistics, to the scholarship of Australian English, to lexicography, to the history of language and to tertiary education. Robert Cranston for service to the arts with Queanbeyan Arts Society and Arts National. Mr Brett Odgers for service to history preservation, to planning and to the broader community of Canberra.”
“However, the Bhutanese community has come together in strength, raising over $130,000 to support the family. This was through the combined effort of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy, the Australia Bhutan Association of Canberra and families and individuals right across the community. I wish to extend my gratitude to them for the supports that they have provided the family. In Bhutanese culture, the funeral marks the beginning of a series of sacred rites and prayers to guide the soul towards peace and swift rebirth. Here, locally in Dickson, a 49-day Buddhist ritual is ongoing at the Bhutanese Buddhist & Cultural Centre in conjunction with Hindu rites being conducted in Gelephu, Bhutan. I wish to echo the words of the Australia-Bhutan Association of Canberra: together, let us stand with them in their darkest hour.”
“In my electorate of Bean, I want to recognise the outstanding contribution of our local clubs: Greenway, Tuggeranong, Wanniassa, Farrer, Lake Tuggeranong, Weston Creek ladies and Weston Probus clubs. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 09:58 to 10:08 Today I rise to express my condolences to a local family who tragically lost their four-year-old on the morning of 18 January. It serves as a painful reminder that tragedy can strike suddenly and to treasure every moment that we have with those we hold dear. It also serves as a strong reminder about the strength in community. This family is part of our Bhutanese community here in Canberra, here on temporary residence visas, and were left facing the most heartbreaking challenge, with support from extended family far away.”
“Congratulations to Probus on recently celebrating its 50th anniversary. It's a fantastic milestone, and I wish to extend my congratulations to members who have helped build this community across the country. Today, Probus is a not-for-profit network of more than 90,000 members across over 1,300 clubs around Australia, all managed by dedicated volunteers. At its heart, Probus has always been about connection, bringing people together and creating opportunities for retirees and semi-retirees to share interests, build friendships and stay active in their communities. We all know how important social connection is for mental health and physical wellbeing and for reducing loneliness.”
“My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to provide real cost-of-living relief to Australians and support them to get a university degree? Why is it so important to continue to deliver rather than divide when it comes to education?”
“Jim continued to play an active role in his community right up until his final days. I met him initially through his work with Boxing Australia and the successful campaign to revive and retain the AIS in Canberra. I was honoured to have him assist in my campaigns in Bean, including my most recent one. Vale, James Alexander 'Jim' Ferguson. Our hearts go out to your family and to your many, many friends.”
“Jim Ferguson was dedicated to serving the Australian community on both the international and domestic stages. From 1966 to 1986, Jim worked for DFAT, with several senior overseas postings, most notably as ambassador to Peru between 1981 and 1983. In 1990, he was appointed the Executive Director of the Australian Sports Commission, coming in at a time of great change with the merging of the ASC and AIS. Jim was able to guide the ASC through this turbulent time, greatly expanding into new sports and programs and leading the organisation up to and beyond the Sydney Olympics. The then ASC chair, Peter Bartels, stated: Jim's contribution to the development of sport in Australia is immeasurable. The level of excellence now reached and the international standing of Australian sport is the best testament to Jim's time at the ASC.”
“Now is the time to remember the loss, to honour the bravery, to mourn, to weep and, I hope, eventually to heal—to come together across our communities. There is much work to be done this week and in weeks to come. This parliament has a lot to unite over.”
“We have lost mothers, fathers, partners, sons, daughters, work colleagues and neighbours. There is a pathway forward for us to tackle and defeat the evil of antisemitism, but it's not easy. It is not easy, but it is necessary. The way we'll defeat antisemitism is not to divide and blame each other; the way we'll defeat antisemitism ultimately is by removing the gaps and cracks in our public spaces where the forces of evil which lead to violence fester and grow. The way we'll defeat antisemitism is to, in the face of violence and danger, come together and unite with a common drive and purpose. If we react with fear and division, they will win. When we respond with love, with unity and with courage, then we will win and overcome this scourge.”
“Equally worthy of recognition are the off-duty lifesavers from the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club and the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club who, under fire, rushed to the scene, rendered assistance and sheltered hundreds in the surf lifesaving clubhouse. I also play tribute to the police and ambulance officers who responded to the attack, particularly the police who were injured responding directly to the attack and those officers who ensured that the attack went on no longer than six minutes. The attack may be over, but its consequences remain. As a community, Australia faces a choice right here and now. This act of terrorism should not have happened, but we can act to prevent it happening again. Make no mistake: when hate meets violence, we all lose.”
“We think of Alex Kleytman, a man who survived the holocaust. We think of Tibor Weitzen, 78, who died shielding his wife and others from the gunfire. We think, of course, of Matilda, only 10, a little girl who had her whole life ahead of her, an innocent victim of evil. Over those six minutes, we saw not only unspeakable violence but also remarkable acts of courage. Boris and Sofia Gurman, in their 60s, confronted the terrorists and tried to disarm them, being murdered in the process. Reuven Morrison, also in his 60s, charged the terrorists before being murdered. Geffen Bitton left a place of safety to charge the terrorists, being critically wounded in the process. Ahmed al-Ahmed acted with such selflessness that his courage has been recognised the world over. These are the names we know.”
“I rise today to address the House on a subject I hoped we would never have to contemplate. Since this House last met, we have witnessed an horrific act of terrorism. At a time when Australians should have felt most at peace and in a place where they should have felt the safest, they were not. Over a period of six minutes, 15 innocent Australians enjoying Bondi Beach and celebrating the festive season were murdered and 40 others were injured. The terrorists, motivated only by hate, chose their victims because they were Jewish and celebrating Hanukkah, a festival of hope and joy. It is difficult for us to comprehend the depths of irrational hatred that led to such an act of unspeakable violence. At times like this, our thoughts go first to the 15 victims and their loved ones, and the hearts of the Bean community go out to all of them.”
“We know there's always more to do, but we're very much moving in the right direction and we are working with our communities of health practice right around the country to do what we can to support Australian families and communities. Thank you.”
“In particular, I've been engaging with local schools on this topic, including today. Today there are two schools from my electorate in here grilling the Prime Minister and the Minister for Communications for Behind the News , that iconic ABC program. And their questions were pretty tough! But both the minister and the Prime Minister were able to provide pretty good responses about why the ban will make such a difference to mental wellbeing for young people right across Australia. The feedback from young people across our schools is clear: social media is a vector for poor mental health that many of them have experienced, and our action on this front will make a real difference to their lives. The government is taking steps to improve and support the mental health of all Australians.”
“New and expectant parents in Bean will be able to get free and personalised mental health support through this new centre. This support for families will run from the perinatal period to the first birthday of the baby. We know that the demand is there for these services, and through this centre families will be able to get services without cost. The centre will be operated by the Gidget Foundation, and I can't wait for it to open next year. I would like to applaud the Gidget Foundation for the extraordinary work they've done right across the country in promoting the need for this perinatal support. Beyond this, and coming up very quickly—in early December—our social media ban for young people under the age of 16 will make a real difference for their mental health. We have been listening to parents, experts and schools.”
“I've had many conversations with staff over the first few months of its operation, and already they've become a well-understood, -respected and -regarded part of our health ecosystem. Having free, ready, walk-in access to mental health support is a real win for people right across Bean, and it's already making a real and tangible difference on the ground. But this wonderful Medicare mental health clinic is not the only new piece of mental health infrastructure that will help so many in Bean. Next year, we will deliver a new perinatal mental health centre in Tuggeranong at the same location as the Medicare mental health clinic, in the heart of my electorate. We know how stressful pregnancy and new parenthood can be and that it's a period when poor mental health can become more common.”
“In July, I opened a new Medicare mental health centre in Tuggeranong with the assistant minister. It is operated by Think Mental Health and funded through $3.5 million to the ACT Primary Health Network. The centre on Eileen Good Street—just down the street from my electorate office—is a welcoming, calm environment staffed by a multidisciplinary care team which includes mental health clinicians and peer workers. The care that they offer is tailored to each person who visits the centre, and, crucially, you don't need an appointment, referral or mental health treatment plan to access support at the centre. All you need is a little piece of green plastic—your Medicare card. I couldn't be happier that my constituents now have a local, accessible walk-in centre providing mental health support.”
“We're doing this to the tune of $1.1 billion. This is the largest mental health package, the single biggest investment in mental health services, backed by Medicare. What this looks like in practice is impressive. We are establishing 91 new Medicare Mental Health Centres; we are establishing 20 new Perinatal Mental Health Centres; we are establishing 17 Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, which will provide children and families with behavioural, social, emotional and wellbeing support; and we will establish and support 203 headspace services, which will support the mental health and wellbeing of our young people. I was happy to host the assistant minister in my electorate of Bean not long ago to see what this $1.1 billion package means on the ground in my community.”
“The sheer scale, diversity and complexity of the mental health challenge is staggering. As the assistant minister outlined and reminded us in her statement to the House, mental health is the number one reason that Australians visit their general practitioner today. For eight years in a row, mental health issues have topped the list of concerns that are raised with GPs. More than 70 per cent of general practitioners have reported this trend. The Labor government has been listening to the community and to health practitioners, and we are acting to provide the necessary support and resources for this important challenge. The theme of Mental Health Month this year was 'Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey'. That is a very good summation of what our government is seeking to facilitate and make easier for all Australians.”
“Mental Health Month presented us with a moment not only to take stock of the challenge we face with regard to mental health but also to review what our government is doing about it while being cognisant that this is an issue which is with us year-round. We all have a sense of the scale of the challenge that faces Australia. No-one in this place or outside it has avoided being impacted by poor mental health. Millions of Australians experience poor mental health every year. If anyone has not needed mental health care themselves, then they have undoubtedly known and cared about someone who has. Some will experience poor mental health once or twice. For many, it's an ongoing health challenge which requires treatment and care. For too long too many suffered without appropriate, timely or quality health care.”
“Mental Health Month has been an opportunity for us to reflect on an important issue that deeply affects our community. I thank the member for Macquarie for her fine, fine words. I think the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention put it best when she made her statement on significant matters in the House—she said, 'mental health is health, it's central to how we live, work, and connect.' I want to thank the assistant minister, the member for Dobell, for her extraordinary work in such an important area of public health and policy. Mental health considerations are front and centre across the work of this government, and that is, in large part, thanks to her work and advocacy, supported by caucus.”
“My question is to the Minister for Communications. Australia's world-leading social media law starts two weeks from today. How is the Albanese Labor government helping Australians prepare for this important change?”
“From New York to right here in Australia, Amazon refuses to bargain or acknowledge concerns. They've shut entire facilities to stop legitimate union activities. They deploy an array of intrusive and dehumanising surveillance systems that monitor every second of employee activity and stamp out any efforts to organise. This is not good enough. This Black Friday it's time to make Amazon pay.”
“Black Friday is only a few days away. It has become cemented as one of the premier shopping days of the year, with customers tracking down deals before the Christmas season. But, with so many Australians turning to online retailers to find deals, there is a dark side to this shopping spree. Amazon, one of the most significant online retailers, will rake in profits from Black Friday and is not a company that embraces Australian values. The best way to describe Amazon's conduct and attitude is maximum control paired with minimum transparency. Amazon has consistently demonstrated itself to be anti-union and anti-accountability. Their corporate conduct centres on robust efforts to silence their workforce and not allow anything to get in the way of their high-volume business model.”
“In fact, they didn't just didn't stand in the way of a tax cut; they, through the then-shadow treasurer, the member for Hume, called our plan a 'cruel hoax' without proposing an alternative view. In fact, the only plan they announced to support small and family businesses was to offer some personal income tax cuts. I wouldn't quite categorise that as an affirmation that those opposites stand with small and family businesses. We are getting on with the job of helping small and family businesses to grow and prosper. We want to see them become medium and large businesses. The member for Goldstein is right about one thing. Small and family businesses create jobs and keep our communities strong. The Albanese government will always stand up for the engine room of the Australian economy and stand side-by-side with small and family businesses.”
“It provides support in the areas of websites and selling online, social media and digital marketing, use of business software, cyber security and data privacy. Our $23.4 million Cyber Wardens program helps small businesses build resilience against online threats, and our $11.1 million Small Business Cyber Resilience Service provides free, one-on-one tailored support for small businesses to prevent and recover from cyberattacks. The responsibility of all of us in this place is not just to criticise but to offer an alternative action or arrangement. Let's look at what those opposite have actually offered for small and family businesses. One thing they did do was to stand in the way of a tax cut which was of benefit to 1.5 million sole traders.”
“The risks and dangers caused by exposure to ongoing and evolving threats is a real and present danger for small and family businesses. But we cannot allow these risks to get in the way of opportunity. Digital technology is key to a strong, productive and resilient economy. Small and family businesses need protection and support to take advantage of this technology. Our government recognises this, and we have taken action. We have introduced digital supports, including more than $80 million investment in the Digital Solutions program, the Cyber Wardens program, the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service and the Cyber Health Check tool. Our $18.6 million Digital Solutions program helps small businesses adopt digital tools and grasp the opportunities that going online offers.”
“This is a record support in immediate and practical terms that I see every day as I travel around my electorate of Bean talking to small business owners and their employees. This is what we are delivering for small and family businesses. The National Small Business Strategy is the first of its kind to bring governments across Australia together in support of our small businesses. Through this, we are supporting the creation of efficiencies and the reduction of the duplication of effort. We are providing actionable policies and programs to support local businesses right across Australia, elevating small businesses in the government decision-making process at each level of government. An area of challenge and opportunity for all businesses, but particularly small and family businesses, is in the cyber domain.”
“It's Monday morning of the last sitting week of the year. The government is getting on with delivering its promises to the Australian people, and here we are, once again, responding to a private member's motion by the member for Goldstein, with all of the accompanying characteristics of ardour and illusion. Talk about ending the parliamentary year in a blaze of glory! I want to acknowledge my colleagues who spoke before me today in this debate, and pay credit to their efforts to set the record straight on this government's support for small and family businesses. Let me be very clear. This government has a strong record of support for small and family businesses right across Australia.”
“Mrs Taylor creates innovative programs that ignite curiosity and build confidence in students of all abilities, making STEM education accessible for thousands of students. Mrs Taylor is passionate about supporting teachers to be exceptional STEM educators and has worked with more than 10,000 students and 480 classroom teachers in her time. Thank you, Vikram and Paula, for your exceptional and inspiring contributions. The Albanese government stands with you in investing in the science of today and tomorrow.”
“I rise to recognise two outstanding Canberrans. Dr Vikram Sharma received the 2025 Prime Minister's Prize for Innovation. Dr Sharma is the founder and chief executive officer of Quintessence Labs. The prize recognises his work turning deep quantum science research into world-leading cybersecurity solutions used by companies around the world to protect sensitive information. Customers include Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, global defence contractors and critical infrastructure providers. The company employs world-leading quantum scientists, electronic specialists and software engineers, and plans to grow to around 150 people within the next two years. Mrs Paula Taylor received the 2025 Prime Minister's Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools.”
“For the vast majority of Australians, the shutdown occurred without perceptible change whatsoever. Indeed, it's fair to say most didn't even notice. So, from that perspective, the 3G switch-off was largely successful. But that in itself is not a reason to not learn from the things that didn't go properly during this shutdown process, and it's important that we ensure that we support those that have fallen through the cracks and make sure that they don't fall through the cracks going forward.”
“As an example of this, we are currently offering round 3 of the On Farm Connectivity Program, through which we are assisting primary producers to improve connectivity to their farms. Additionally, the former minister for communications, the member for Greenway, convened a roundtable with the mobile network operators, other industry actors, regulators and consumers to explore the process and outcomes of the 3G network shutdown. From it, the government has a clearer understanding of what worked, what didn't and what needs to happen differently next time—because it is inevitable that there will be a next time for a network shutdown, and, when that time comes, we will be ready. But the negative impacts from the 3G shutdown are just a very small part of the story.”
“But, as with all change, the 3G switch-off has not come without some cost. All technological change comes with impacts that are not all positive. That does not mean that change and progress should be avoided or allowed to occur without any support or intervention at all. Indeed, the difference between this government and the previous one is that we're committed to seeing the change through and ensuring that no-one is left behind or falls through the cracks that can sometimes form between opportunity and progress. The government has made its expectations clear to the mobile network operators, and we are continuing to monitor the impacts of the 3G switch-off. We've already identified areas where coverage and access to communications have been adversely impacted, and we are providing support in those areas and to those affected.”
“The decision to turn off the 3G network was not one made by the government. This was a commercial decision, a decision made by Australia's three mobile network operators—namely, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone-TPG. They made this decision, and, while we are navigating the impacts and implications of this switch-off, the reasons behind the change as stated by the three mobile network operators make sense. The 3G network was very suitable for calls and texts but only for basic online activities and completely unsuitable for accessing the full range of data-intensive online applications and services which are an everyday part of our economic society. In short, we had outgrown what 3G could offer, and the continuing presence of this capability was taking up valuable spectrum.”
“I'm pleased to rise to speak to this motion and recognise the contributions of earlier speakers. I thank the member for Mallee for bringing this matter to the attention of the House. In doing so, the member has afforded us the opportunity to explore the importance and implications of the 3G shutdown and what can be learned from it. This issue sits at the crossroads of so much of what is important and relevant for all people everywhere 25 years into the 21st century. It's an issue which touches on safe and accessible communications across all avenues and spectrums. It also directly concerns the constant change and advance of technology and the means by which upgrades take place. I suspect that this will not be the last time that this House will debate similar issues. Let us be completely clear.”
“One pharmacist who I have had the privilege of working with closely is Elise Apolloni. Elise is not just a healthcare leader but a community leader, leading the team at Capital Chemist Wanniassa and committed to delivering innovative, patient focused health care right across the Tuggeranong Valley and a voice for community pharmacy right across Bean. I want to thank Elise and her team for all their fantastic work in our community, and I want to thank all of our hardworking pharmacists in Bean and across Australia. The work you do improves health outcomes and saves lives. So Bean is a wonderful community, clearly the best electorate in our country, and it's an absolute privilege to represent it and its citizens in this place. House adjourned at 17:00 The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Boyce ) took the chair at 09:30.”
“There is certainly a fair amount of fun and interest coming over the next few weekends in Bean, so, for members who decide to stay in Canberra over the weekend, it will truly be the place to be. I would like to turn now to acknowledging some hardworking people performing a critical function in Bean. Last month, on 25 September, we marked World Pharmacists Day. We all understand the important role our pharmacists play in our community. When I think of health care, I always think of pharmacists first. I know firsthand the good work they do every day, playing a critical frontline role in the provision of health care, and I well remember that, amidst the fear and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmacists in Bean performed with uncommon courage and bravery, providing health care and certainty right across our community.”
“Bands composed of young people aged 13 to 25 with a connection to Tuggeranong have been selected to attend and perform on Saturday afternoon. The application process is rigorous and requires highly developed organisational skills. Bands have to produce a one-minute video of their performances and prepare a short statement on their style and performance. They then have to essentially audition. I've always been impressed by the quality and cohesion of both the bands and the performances. One of the most fun parts of my job has been serving as a judge for the Battle of the Bands. It's a great opportunity to get out my favourite band shirt and embarrass my children. I would encourage everyone who has some time available to head down to Tuggeranong to listen to some of the great young bands emerging in our district and have some fun.”
“I have had a stall at SouthFest from its inception a few years ago, and for me there are few better and more effective ways to catch up with my community in a relaxed and engaging environment than through the SouthFest event. I extend my congratulations to the Tuggeranong Community Council and the SouthFest organising committee for all their efforts over the past few years and in anticipation of another successful huge day on 15 November. Another exciting event on the Bean calendar will be happening this weekend, on Saturday 1 November. The annual Tuggeranong Arts Centre Battle of the Bands is on again, and I am very much looking forward to it. I've had the great privilege of supporting this amazing event over some time.”
“I am of the firm view that I represent the best electorate in Australia, and I am pleased to rise today speak to some of the reasons why. In the middle of fete season, one of the most exciting events on the Bean calendar is upon us again. SouthFest 2025 will be happening on Saturday 15 November in Greenway in the heart of Bean. SouthFest is a festival celebrating everything Tuggeranong. It's a celebration of the colourful and important parts of our local community. There are stalls of different varieties and offerings, delicious food and always some very engaging and entertaining musical and artistic offerings. But, most importantly, there are always exciting and fun activities on offer for the youngest members of the community.”
“My question is to the Acting Prime Minister. How are the Prime Minister's recent engagements in the United States, Malaysia and Korea and with a range of world leaders providing economic growth and opportunities back here at home?”
“I'm passionate about protecting ocean environments and speaking up for the animals who cannot speak for themselves. I respectfully urge the government to implement a ban on single-use plastics, support innovation in sustainable packaging, and improve public access to recycling. Education is also vital, young Australians should be taught the importance of ocean conservation and the long-term impact of plastic waste. The ocean sustains life on Earth. It provides oxygen, regulates our climate, and supports countless species. The action we take today will shape the kind of Australia we grow up in. I believe we all deserve a cleaner, safer, and more responsible future, especially … the sea creatures who depend on us.”