Kristy McBain
Eden-Monaro · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“I move: That in accordance with section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974 , the House approve the following proposal for work in the Parliamentary Zone, which was presented to the House on 22 June 2026, namely: Commemoration of Nangar (Jimmy Clements) and Ooloogan (George John Noble).”
“This piece will be located on the lawns opposite Old Parliament House in a setting purpose-built to suit the sculptures. Works are intended to be completed by May 2027 to align with events to mark the centenary of Old Parliament House. A design and construction team has been selected to deliver the commemoration.”
“These two men, well into their 80s at the time, had walked barefoot from the Brungle Aboriginal mission across the Brindabella Range—a multiday trek of some 150 kilometres—to attend the opening. On arrival, they were nearly evicted for their lack of appropriate attire.”
“I thank the member for Lingiari. She's a fierce advocate for her community, and her community has been severely impacted by floods and cyclones. Thank you for all the time you've spent with me in my office speaking about that.”
“I saw firsthand the impacts on our communities, from Harcourt in Victoria and Dolphin Sands in Tassie to Julia Creek in Queensland and Katherine in the NT—homes and livestock lost, businesses closed and major infrastructure damaged. And, tragically, we lost community members, including first responders.”
“They play a critical and trusted role providing services in our communities, and we know our communities rely on those. The Albanese government has a longstanding commitment to local councils, and our budget reaffirms that.”
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“More meaningful, responsible cost-of-living relief will continue rolling out throughout the remainder of 2025. Tax cuts for every taxpayer kicked in last year, with two more tax cuts to come—next year and the year after. Another 50 Medicare urgent care clinics will open throughout the rest of the year, and, of course, we are now seeing bulk-billing expanding at GP clinics across the country. This excise pause is an example of good, steady, responsible government in action. There will be targeted relief, real results and a fair go for Australian workers and small business owners alike.”
“We are delivering what we said we would at the election, including new measures that started on 1 July, including the national minimum wage and award wage increase by 3.5 per cent; the superannuation guarantee increase to 12 per cent; paid parental leave increase to 24 per cent; super now being paid on all government paid parental leave; another $150 in energy bill relief before the end of the year; $10,000 incentive payments for new housing apprentices; cheaper home batteries; cutting 20 per cent of student loan debts for three million Australians; and Commonwealth prac payments for nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students. And hardworking aged-care nurses will receive the next instalment of their pay rise in October, following the first instalment in March this year.”
“Businesses, particularly small businesses, really are the backbone of regional communities. It's a cost-of-living measure that also strengthens small-business resilience. When you're running a small business, every little bit helps, and this legislation is part of the government's targeted cost-of-living relief. The Albanese government has listened to industry feedback from brewers, from publicans and from small-business groups, who have consistently called for relief from automatic excise increases during a period of high inflation, and this is a clear example of a responsible government acting, designed to make a difference without driving inflation or compromising fiscal discipline. Alongside this measure, the Albanese government is delivering real, practical and ongoing help with the cost of living for Australians.”
“This bill also supports Australian brewers, particularly small and independent producers who supply draught beer to local venues. Many of these brewers rely heavily on keg sales to maintain cash flow and jobs, and we've got some great local breweries in Eden-Monaro. There's Dalgety Brewing Co. and Jindabyne Brewing in the Snowy Mountains, Breakwall Brewing in Narooma, Longstocking Brewery in Pambula and the list goes on and on. Pausing indexation will help local brewers manage costs too. It will help them plan production and continue investing in local communities and regional economies. But the benefits of this policy reach far beyond pubs and brewers. They flow through to farmers, transport operators, equipment suppliers and the thousands of small businesses linked to the hospitality supply chain.”
“All across the Eden-Monaro, it's great to have more people coming into towns to stay in our pubs, to stay in our hotels and motels and our caravan parks, to eat in our restaurants, our cafes and our pubs, and, of course, this is great for local business. This measure reinforces the government's commitment to regional Australia, helping to protect tourism and local hospitality jobs. While I'm at it, I want to mention how fantastic it is that we've now got a buyer for our regional airline Rex. Regional towns rely on strong regional airlines and aviation, and our government has been strident in our support for the regional aviation sector, because we know how important it is right across the country. Ensuring that there is access to our regions via air is vital to keeping our local economies going.”
“As I said, these clubs became evacuation centres, so I do want to give a shout-out to Club Narooma, Club Sapphire, the Bermagui Country Club, the Eden Fishermen's Club, Tathra Beach Country Club, Tura Beach Country Club and the many, many more up and down the east coast who acted as evacuation centres. Earlier this year, when I was in the Mid North Coast, following their dramatic floods, clubs were again opening their doors to be evacuation centres in our local communities. Recovery, we know, is a long road, but the best thing we can do for people, particularly in regional Australia, is to make sure that tourism remains at the top of these communities and a way for people come together. Every summer in Eden-Monaro, we welcome many holidaymakers, particularly to our coastal towns.”
“COVID was tough for a lot of towns, but across Eden-Monaro our regional communities had already suffered through the Black Summer bushfires and floods before COVID hit us. These clubs and pubs were more than just places where people gathered. They became evacuation centres. They were evacuation centres that kept people and animals safe as a bushfire raged around them for more than six weeks. It's been a long road to recovery in Eden-Monaro, but this small measure makes sure that community clubs and pubs in our small communities stay open, stay active and stay there for community connection.”
“I was also recently at the Bemboka Hotel, which had only just reopened in the small town of Bemboka—which is great news for that local community. Karen and Rowan at the Bemboka Hotel have done a magnificent job at bringing it back to life, and it now includes a cafe too. It's the people in regional towns like Delegate and Bemboka who will benefit from this pause in indexation. Our government is focused on what they can do to keep local venues open, to keep people in work and to keep communities connected. Importantly, this measure provides breathing space to a sector that has faced successive economic challenges, including pandemic lockdowns, supply chain disruptions and rising input costs.”
“It helps to protect jobs and it keeps the price of a pint stable for everyday Australians. This decision recognises that local pubs, clubs and breweries are not just businesses but community institutions that bring people together. They provide employment and help regional communities remain strong. I visited a number of pubs and clubs around Eden-Monaro, and it is true of my community like it is true for many of the other speakers that have spoken on this debate that pubs, clubs and breweries are the lifeblood of small towns. Everyone can come together at the local pub or hotel and support the community that supports them right back. I recently dropped into the Delegate Hotel to check out their fantastic renovations. The hotel is under new management and is looking fresh and welcoming, which is perfect for locals and visitors.”
“It doesn't apply to bottled or canned beer, spirits or other excisable beverages, which ensures that the policy remains tightly targeted to hospitality operators rather than retailers. Around 75 per cent of those venues are small, family-run businesses that employ local people and support community events, sporting clubs and local charities. This is a cost-of-living measure that will help take pressure off at a really critical time. Cost-of-living pressures have affected pubs, clubs and other licensed venues as they have for the rest of us. These amendments will reduce the pressure for businesses on the price of beer at pubs, clubs and other licensed venues. The venues, in turn, will support other businesses and regional tourism across the country. This is a practical, targeted and responsible measure that supports small business.”
“I'm pleased to speak on this legislation today, which amends the Excise Tariff Act and the Customs Tariff Act to support a pause on indexation of the excise of duty rates and customs duties on draught beer for two years. The amendments to the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 will take pressure off business when it comes to the price of beer poured in pubs, clubs and other venues and will support small businesses and regional tourism across the country. This is a measured, temporary pause that will help keep operating costs stable for small venues while maintaining the integrity of the broader alcohol excise framework. The measure applies to containers between eight and 48 litres, which are commonly used in pubs and clubs, and containers over 48 litres used in larger hospitality venues.”
“Building national preparedness in the face of increasing disasters and responding to events like Tropical Cyclone Fina is a priority of this Labor government and will continue to be.”
“Our preparedness activities include how we collaborate with state and territory governments to deliver, most importantly, our $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund to look at how we reduce disaster risk in communities. So far more than $600 million has been committed to 446 projects, with round 3 announced just last week. Round 3 runs a range of projects from cyclone shelters on Palm Island to an emergency coordination facility in Alice Springs. We're investing in our national aerial firefighting fleet's multihazard capability, and we're continuing to expand the national emergency stockpile to ensure specialist equipment can be rapidly deployed, just like it was to the NT during Tropical Cyclone Fina.”
“I also joined the member for Lingiari, the Minister for Indigenous Australians and the chief minister to assess the damage in Wurrumiyanga in the Tiwi Islands. This was one of the areas hardest hit, with downed trees and power lines, as a result of the cyclone. The community there was in good spirits, and it was good to hear from them first and about their experience. The Albanese government, the NT government, local councils and the community will continue to work together as we enter the recovery phase. We're keeping a close watch on Tropical Cyclone Fina, which has been downgraded to a category 1 as it passes across the Kimberley. I'm proud to be part of a government that is improving how we prepare for each high-risk weather season. We take our responsibilities seriously.”
“I joined the chief minister to announce that the Albanese and Finocchiaro governments have activated our disaster recovery funding arrangements in several local government areas. This will ensure immediate relief is provided to individuals and families who have been displaced during the event. It will also support temporary repairs to public infrastructure and long-term reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges and public infrastructure. While I was in Darwin, I had the opportunity to visit the emergency control centre to personally thank those who worked so hard during the event to prepare local communities. Emergency service workers and power and water teams have done an outstanding job and continue to do so as recovery is underway.”
“I thank the member from Solomon for the work he has put into preparing his community against Tropical Cyclone Fina. Communities in the Northern Territory are well-placed for Tropical Cyclone Fina, which tracked through the Van Diemen Gulf and past Darwin and the Tiwi Islands over the weekend as a category 3 system. I recognise the member for Solomon, the member for Lingiari and the Minister for Indigenous Australians in the other place for their work in providing timely updates and support for their communities. I also acknowledge the hard work of the Northern Territory government, the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Defence Forces and our embedded officials from the National Emergency Management Agency who worked so well together to keep local community safe. I was able to visit the Northern Territory yesterday.”
“She's been the captain of TS Orion cadets and the captain of Jindabyne High School. She was Snowy Monaro Young Citizen of the Year and is an all-round inspiration to young people. She said, when she was congratulated on the award, in the Monaro Pos t : 'Don't forget to smile. Its power is often underestimated, but it truly makes the biggest difference.' Thanks so much, Hunter, for all your work.”
“Representing our diverse and stunning region are: Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council for delivering authentic cultural experiences and creating meaningful local jobs; the Narooma Oyster Festival, now in its 19th year, for showcasing our world-class oysters and coastal culture; Tathra Beach Eco Camp for its sustainable, nature based tourism; and Merimbula's Eat Festival for celebrating local food, chefs and producers on the beautiful foreshores of Fishpen. From the coast to the mountains, Eden-Monaro offers unforgettable experiences. Congratulations to all the finalists. You make our region proud. Finally, I want to give a shout-out to Hunter Clark, a year 12 student, for her achievement of the Service Award for the New South Wales branch of the Order of Australia.”
“Over the years Doug attended more than 552 call-outs, undoubtedly saving countless lives, homes and our beautiful countryside. People like Doug are the cornerstone of our community, and I congratulate him on a well-deserved achievement. In the 2025 New South Wales Tourism Awards, Eden-Monaro stood out. We had finalists across a number of categories, including tours, festivals, accommodation, food and more.”
“For the South Coast awards, volunteer and senior volunteer of the year went to Maree O'Neill for her tireless work across numerous Eden community organisations. Adult volunteer of the year went to Samarah McGovern for 20 years of dedication to the debutante ball tradition in Merimbula. To all recipients: thank you so much. Your service and leadership continue to inspire us all. I'd like to congratulate Doug Palmer on being awarded life membership of the Bungendore rural fire brigade, after 27 years of dedicated service. Doug joined the RFS in September 1988 and has since received the National Medal, the National Emergency Medal and the 2019-20 bushfires clasp, the RFS Long Service Medal and the Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation. Between 2005 and 2018 Doug served in a variety of roles, including as deputy captain, senior and captain.”
“Volunteers are the heart of regional communities, and I'm really proud to stand here today to congratulate the outstanding Eden-Monaro volunteers who were recognised in the 2025 southern inland and South Coast volunteer of the year awards. In southern inland, volunteer and adult volunteer of the year, Abby McPherson, from the Michelago RFS—of whom she is the RFS captain—was recognised for her leadership, innovation and dedication to community safety. The senior volunteer of the year was Adolf Franko for 14 years of service with the Snowy River and alpine search and rescue, marine rescue and Berridale RFS. The volunteer team of the year was the Terry Campese Foundation youth mentoring Tonga team, for supporting at-risk youth through community service and international outreach.”
“Not only has it increased for every local council across the country, but road blackspot funding has also increased. We have created the new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program. Member for Page, you might be interested in this. It means an increase of $461 million across councils in New South Wales—over $1.2 billion in road funding to every single council—and that's not some beauty pageant grant contest. It's money that automatically goes to every single council; no colour coded spreadsheets needed. Every local council is getting more money for local roads than ever before, because we know how important it is to travel safely to your school, to your sporting events, to medical appointments, to work—”
“1 was to review speed limits in rural and regional Australia. In fact, it was the former deputy prime minister, the member for Riverina, who made the commitment. It was priority action No. 1. The communique that was released following that has his name attached to it along with a bunch of Liberal and National state counterparts. I'm just going to table that. So, when the Nationals are out there on some folly about how reducing road speed limits has somehow got something to do with carbon emissions, please know that the Office of Road Safety is following through with a priority action plan that was devised under their former government. I know that might not seem important, but, to us, telling the truth in local communities is important. The other truth that's incredibly important is that road funding has increased under this government.”
“I must admit I can't believe the member for Page had time to pitch that MPI, because of the amount of time that is being chewed up by the internal fighting between the Nationals and the Liberal Party. I'm sure it has taken up a huge amount of time. He has the absolute gall to accuse this government of abandoning regional Australia and hurting household budgets and businesses, when the Nationals spend more time talking to each other and the media than they do talking to people in their local communities. The last point that was just made by the member for Page, which was backed in by a bunch of people behind him, was so misleading. It's deliberately misleading the public on the issue of speed limits. It was the previous coalition government that determined that priority action No.”
“Because when they speak to the whole country—not just to us, but to all Australians—they can lead us to a better tomorrow.”
“There is nothing that could convince someone to care more than that. It is much more difficult to ignore somebody standing in front of you, begging you to care and to listen, than it is to simply close a book with the same message. Oral storytelling is powerful and potent. It forces us to face our humanity and morals. It allows us to connect and care, and share with real human connection. And most importantly it can convince the young to continue this culture that has existed for … 60,000 years. Around campfires, in river valleys, on beaches, in communities. The stories told by elders continue convincing the young to be blak loud and proud, more than a white man's written word ever could. That is why Elders deserve the microphone.”
“That in the lines on their weathered face and hands, we could trace paths similar to desert tracks, or in the grooves in sea worn stone. The tone of their voice and the melody of their songs trace our entire ancestry, the same songs have left the lips of hundreds of mothers before them, and we are growing in this moment to understand that they will leave our lips one day for the future lineage. In order to convince somebody to care that has to be a connection. To hear a parental figures' voice crack under the weight of the cruel mistreatment that they have endured. Is to be convinced your entire childhood is crumbling. The innate human response to others' pain—written or told, is empathy, but the sheer gravity of seeing another human's pain, written on their body, in their voice, see it well up in their eyes.”
“Around campfires my ancestors orally told stories and exchanged sacred information in the form of song. With eager ears and light filled eyes small children cast their hearts and minds to the world of oral storytelling, allowing themselves to be immersed in lore and legend. The stories my ancestors told around campfires were not fairy tales or fantasy words spun together simply to spend an evening with peaceful quiet children. No, the stories we told around campfires, continue to tell around campfires and on country, are legends, lores and the way in which we owe the country as custodians. Even now it is the most important form of which elders convince the younger generation to care. When elders tell stories they are convincing us with their utter existence that country is our soul and our spirit.”
“I'd like to read out a Raise Our Voice speech by 16-year-old Emma, who lives in Bemboka in my electorate of Eden-Monaro. The question that they were asked to respond to was, 'What steps should the government take today to build a better tomorrow for young Australians?' Emma says: If the government wants to build a better tomorrow for young Australians, the first step must be to give Elders the microphone. Not just in Indigenous spaces, not just on Country, but in front of the whole nation. Elders brought the Uluru Statement from the Heart across this continent, offering a way forward for all Australians. And then they were turned away in the referendum. That cannot happen again. Storytelling has long been a practise that is utilised by humans in a way to share experiences and entertain.”
“They sold 8,000 tickets with the help of the Australian and New South Wales governments. It was a music festival in a regional community, and I want to give a big shoutout to everyone involved, all of the volunteers. It was magnificent. That comes on the back of the Eden Whale Festival. The whale migration is happening. Get down to the South Coast of New South Wales. There was also the Lilac City Festival in Goulburn. It was aimed to get people to stay in town, not head to the coast, and shop in town. Well done to communities right across Eden-Monaro.”
“He was a proud father to Ben, Catherine, Amanda and Natasha, and his legacy will live on in the communities he served and the family that he cherished. Jim Snow's legacy is one of compassion, service and integrity. He never stopped helping others, including me by phone-banking when I was named as Eden-Monaro's Labor candidate in our byelection in 2020. His impact will be felt for generations to come, and I extend my sincere condolences to Jim's family. Vale, Jim Snow. Can I also give the House on an update on what was a fantastic October long weekend across Eden-Monaro. We had the Wanderer Festival, and a huge congratulations to Simon and Naomi Daly for putting on a two-day festival in Pambula Beach. Wanderer attracted Missy Higgins, The Living End and Saint Motel. It was fantastic.”
“I don't believe it made it to a vote, but his advocacy for drug law reform was commendable. Jim continued his advocacy long after leaving this place. He was a foundation member of the Drug Law Reform Foundation, and, together with his wife, Lesley, he worked closely with Aboriginal organisations, becoming a patron of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service. He was also co-convenor of Beyond Federation, a group seeking constitutional reform, including the removal of the state tier of government—a particular passion of his and one I highly recommend. Jim also supported his fellow parliamentarians, editing four editions of the 'After Parliament Guide', a resource printed by the parliament to assist members transitioning out of political life.”
“His unwavering focus on community needs and his ability to bring people together made him a beloved figure across Eden-Monaro and beyond. Jim's contribution extended far beyond his time in parliament, though. He was a passionate advocate for multicultural and Indigenous causes, serving as the convenor of Queanbeyan People for Peace, the vice-president of the Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation and a member of Home In Queanbeyan, which provides accommodation and care for people living with mental illness. In 1992, he moved a private member's motion that the parliament deal with drug related crime, health and social problems by initiating the availability of heroin, cocaine and amphetamines on prescription by physicians and dispensers trained in addiction.”
“Over the years, Jim was an active member of ALP branches across Victoria, the ACT, New South Wales and, most recently, the Wollongong branch. He was a life member of the Australian Labor Party, a testament to his enduring commitment to Labor values and to community service. Jim first contested the seat of Eden-Monaro in 1980. He was successfully elected in 1983. He went on to serve the region with distinction through four subsequent elections in 1984, 1987, 1990 and 1993. He was the 763rd member of the House of Representatives, the eighth representative for Eden-Monaro, and he served for 12 years, 11 months and 27 days from 5 March 1983 to 2 March 1996. Throughout his parliamentary career, Jim was known as a kind, gentle and principled man, deeply respected across the political spectrum.”
“As the member for Eden-Monaro, I'd like to take the opportunity to reflect on the life of James Henry Snow, known to us all as Jim, a dedicated public servant, a community advocate and, of course, the former federal Labor member for Eden-Monaro. Jim passed away on 18 September 2025 at Wollongong Hospital, three days after his 91st birthday. Born on 15 September 1934 in the Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills, Jim graduated from the Victorian College of Pharmacy. His professional life was as diverse as it was committed, working not only as a pharmacist but as a goat farmer and a community worker with the Queanbeyan City Council. Jim's political journey began in November 1957, when he joined the Footscray North branch of the Australian Labor Party in Victoria on the same night as future minister Ralph Willis.”
“We've built the first ever national emergency stockpile to supplement jurisdictions' own resources of emergency housing, water purification and other necessities when disasters strike. We're funding Disaster Relief Australia, a veteran-run volunteer organisation to provide boots on the ground when it comes to clean-up and to recovery. We are taking action to mitigate risks and to ensure communities are more resilient ahead of the next natural disaster. While those opposite continue to debate whether they believe in climate change or not, we are taking action. While those opposite continue to fight the climate wars amongst themselves, because the rest of us are getting on with the job—”
“Those opposite are shaking their heads, and I don't know why. In 2024-25, there were 70 declared natural disasters, impacting more than 200 local councils across the country. And some of them had more than one disaster. It is absolutely gobsmacking to sit there and shake your head and say this isn't impacting communities that you represent. It highlights the importance of taking action to help mitigate the impacts on communities, and this government is taking action. We've created the National Emergency Management Agency. We've established the Disaster Ready Fund, where we're investing a billion dollars in disaster mitigation over five years with matching funding from other levels of government. We've increased funding for aerial capability to respond to fires, to floods and to other severe weather events.”
“I want to thank the member for Richmond for her question. She understands the impact of climate change on her regional communities, and I was with her in Murwillumbah, where I had the privilege of meeting with local farmers, businessowners and community members, who understand the need for action on climate change now and investment in particular in disaster resilience. I thank her for her work in advocating for disaster affected communities. We know natural disasters are increasing in frequency and ferocity. The National Climate Risk Assessment highlighted that Australia will experience climate hazards—like floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts and bushfires—more frequently, more severely and often at the same time. It found that no Australian community will be immune to climate risks.”
“The Albanese Labor government has also announced $14 million for the Hunter Park youth and recreational precinct in Gilgandra—a major investment through our Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program in sporting facilities that keep kids active and healthy. I know the Gilgandra mayor, Doug Batten, was ecstatic at the funding announcement, because he said: 'We're very grateful. This project will change lives in Gilgandra.' On this side of the House, we're investing in better health care and facilities in our regions because we know it changes lives. Only the Albanese Labor government is standing up for regional Australia, delivering better health care, strengthening Medicare and helping our communities stay active.”
“We're improving bulk-billing rates across regional Australia and we're investing in infrastructure for our regional communities. Whether it's a swimming pool or a skate park, we are committed to delivering better sports and health facilities for regional Australia. In the last couple of weeks, we've delivered a range of projects, including the Kwinana aquatics centre on the Sunshine Coast and a new skate and play precinct in Port Fairy. We've committed $1 million and reopened the Bermagui indoor sports centre, thanks to an investment from the bushfire local economic recovery fund, and, finally, the Merimbula skate park is set to open soon, helping local kids keep active.”
“1 song on the Billboard charts was Usher's song 'Yeah!', and we'll take that as an agreement of this policy, and the word of the year was 'blog'. This year's word of the year is 'delulu', and those opposite are still delulu. This is a huge deal for people in regional Australia, because it will help improve lives. We've frozen the cost of concession card holder medicine at $7.70 for the rest of the decade. This is all about strengthening Medicare. As I said, we've established 90 Medicare urgent care clinics across the country—31 in regional Australia—in Queanbeyan, in Warrnambool, in Broome, Cairns, Coffs Harbour, Devonport and in Dapto. In addition to that, we're prioritising mental health in our regions, opening more Medicare mental health centres.”
“I thank the member for Whitlam for her question and for the work that she does supporting people in her community for their health and wellbeing. Her electorate is now home to one of 90 Medicare urgent care clinics across the country, and the Dapto urgent care clinic has now had over 16,000 fully bulk-billed presentations. The Albanese Labor government is building Australia's future by investing in our regions. We understand that regional development isn't just about investing in roads and bridges, although they are incredibly important; it's also about cheaper medicine, which, thanks to the Labor government, will come down to $25 on 1 January 2026. The last time they were this cheap was in 2004. In 2004, I was still at university and working in pharmacy. The No.”
“In fact, there were nine declared natural disasters in my time as mayor. What many people might not know is the only thing that put out our Black Summer bushfires was a flood, so I know what it's like to live through events that are back to back, and I take the responsibilities of Australia's emergency management minister very seriously. These events aren't going to go away, and they have been getting more frequent and more intense. In this role, I want to ensure that we are investing in preparedness and building more resilient infrastructure. I want our communities to be in the best position to respond to and withstand these events, and I'll be working hard to deliver for Eden-Monaro and Australia each and every day. Question agreed to. Federation Chamber adjourned at 13 : 30”
“They wanted to slash the Public Service, which would have had huge ramifications across the community that I represent. But the people of Eden-Monaro rejected that. They voted for strengthening Medicare, for more urgent care clinics, for cheaper medicines and for more tax cuts. They voted for a government that is intent on uniting the country and a government that focuses on what we have in common, not what sets us apart. I'm honoured that the Prime Minister has expanded my ministerial responsibilities, adding Minister for Emergency Management to my role as Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. As the mayor of the Bega Valley Shire during the devastating Black Summer bushfires, I saw firsthand the impact that a natural disaster has on regional committees.”
“To Leanne Coleman, Stephen Quilkey, Noah McMillan, Adam Busselman, Julia Lawrey, Jo Riley-Fitzer, Peter Brown, Laura Egerton, Angus Mouncey, Dorothee Steinbach, Chris Paterson, Laura Adam, Noah Hardie, Kate Scott-Murphy, Danielle Condon, Rebecca Duncan and Blake Danilzac, thank you so much. You're an incredible team. Your dedication and belief in me are unwavering, and the future is brighter because of the work that you do. I want to give a massive shout-out to my family—to my husband, Brad, and my three kids, Ruby, Max and Jack. You put up with mum travelling a lot, but there is no place like home, and that's wherever you guys are. There was a lot on the line at this election. We were dealing with an opposition who couldn't be trusted with Medicare, wanted to cut fee-free TAFE and was seeking to divide our country.”
“You're all amazing people who always put your local area first. I also want to give a shout-out to Ricky Stuart. Your support was appreciated. I'm really excited to see what these next few weeks will bring for the Raiders, and I'm really looking forward to watching the sold-out match against the Tigers this weekend. Up the mighty milk! I want to say a big thankyou to NSW Labor. Thank you to Dom Ofner, David Dobson and Callum Bain for all their hard work and support. You always go above and beyond, and this time was no different. To my campaign team and my staff, it has definitely been a journey. We've got memories that will last a lifetime, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to spend so much time with you all.”
“I want to thank the United Services Union; the Australian Workers' Union; the Transport Workers' Union; the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union; the Health Services Union; and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association for their continued support. The Labor Party is a party of working people, and the work you do every day to make our country fairer for working people is extraordinary. It's an honour to stand alongside you and have your support. I am also honoured to receive support from many locals across Eden-Monaro who aren't Labor Party members but community members who felt compelled to join our campaign. I give a massive thanks to Rusty, Rocky, Peter Lindbeck, Gillian Southwell, Frank Pangallo, Tony Wood, Jenny Cruise and the many other friends who gave up their time for our community.”
“They are long hours and unpredictable weather, particularly in our part of the world, but the positives far outweigh the negatives, and I want to thank some people who have helped us during this campaign. Can I start with the true believers in Eden-Monaro, the most supportive branch members a candidate could ever wish for. Their energy and support got me through the months of campaigning—at times in some extremely cold weather. Thank you to both the NSW Young Labor and the ACT Young Labor groups for their support and for all the doors that they knocked on and the phone numbers that they called. Their enthusiasm was contagious across our team, and I'm really grateful for all the free time they gave up for our campaign for a better future.”
“I haven't had much of a chance to get up and speak post election about the election itself, so I want to take this opportunity to do that today. I'm honoured to be standing here today as the re-elected member for Eden-Monaro, which I believe—and I'm sure there might be some contestation—is the greatest electorate in the country. To the people of Eden-Monaro, thank you again for your vote. I'll continue to spend every day working to represent you and fighting for the best outcomes across our community. Whether you're on the coast or in the snowfields, whether you're up in Goulburn or down in Googong, I'm here to represent you in our nation's parliament. Campaigns aren't easy.”
“I also rise to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievement of Sophie Ashton from Goulburn, who is currently representing Australia at the 2025 World Bridge Teams Championships in Denmark. She is the first woman to compete in the Australian open team in almost 20 years. Her selection follows an outstanding performance after the 2025 open play-off, where Sophie and her team came out on top. Her strategic brilliance and calm under pressure were evident throughout the tournament, and her presence in the open team has been impactful, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of players. Sophie also runs a medical practice in Goulburn, so she supports our local community as well. Well done to Sophie.”