Jerome Laxale
Bennelong · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“The interim report makes 13 recommendations in time for the government and the parliament to consider their implementation before the next federal election. The committee has recommended reviewing the thresholds under the significant third party and associated entity framework to capture coordinated involvement in elections at scale.”
“Many describe this assault by third parties identified in submissions to the committee, like the Plymouth Brethren and ADVANCE, as a fundamental disruption to the foundations of our free and fair voting process. This parliament cannot ignore this evidence.”
“On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, I present the committee's interim report incorporating dissenting reports entitled Inquiry into the conduct of the 2025 federal election . Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).”
“These recommendations respond directly to the many accounts of overwhelming, unsafe and intimidatory experiences at polling places during the 2025 federal election in targeted electorates.”
“It is also considering universal voter access and the suitability of authorisation requirements, noting our rapidly changing communication technology. The inquiry is also looking at domestic interference in our electoral processes. There have been 360 submissions to the inquiry to date.”
“In order to protect the electoral process, the committee recommends that the matter of domestic interference be considered and addressed as a priority.”
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“There was their failed policy of super for housing, and then, during COVID, making younger workers in particular raid their super just to get by during a worldwide pandemic was just an awful policy by a government that got so much wrong during that COVID response. The impacts of young Australians wiping 20 grand or 30 grand out of their super will be borne not only by them individually but by the taxpayer when those people come to retirement and have lost tens of thousands of dollars in returns because the Morrison government allowed them to raid their super during a national emergency. We've had to come in and legislate that objective of superannuation for the first time so that the Liberals and Nationals can't unpick it at their whim. The objective provides a clear benchmark against which future changes must be judged.”
“It's about protecting informed choice and advertisers not taking advantage of the situation where they're onboarding. These are two more reforms to super as part of a broader, deliberate agenda by the Labor government to strengthen the Australian superannuation system so it works in the interests of members across their working life. We've legislated the objective of superannuation for the first time, with the ultimate aim of preserving savings to deliver income for a dignified retirement. We saw, at every opportunity, the Liberals and Nationals try and attack super and erode the concept of that accumulation.”
“Something like that shouldn't be treated as a marketing opportunity where advertisers seek to take advantage of that decision point and maybe encourage employees not to make the best decision in their interests. A review of earlier reforms found that onboarding software providers were being paid to advertise superannuation products—often products linked to the provider—during the onboarding process. We believe that creates a bit of a conflict of interest. This bill cleans that up a bit, bans advertising during onboarding, but allows sensible and tightly controlled exceptions. Employees will still be able to see their stapled fund, their employer's default fund and certain MySuper products that must meet strict conditions, including passing the performance tests and being accompanied by clear disclosures.”
“They can open a new one, they can make sure their super payments go in their stapled fund, or they can go with the employer's default fund. Schedule 2 of the bill reforms it even further, and introduces a targeted ban on advertising superannuation products during employee onboarding. For those that have electronic onboarding, what has found its way into the system is some super funds—you can't blame them, they've tried to exploit a loophole here, and employees are getting are advertisements during the onboarding process, enticing them at that critical time, perhaps, to either go with a product that doesn't suit them or open a new fund which may have those issues of duplication and extra fees. Onboarding is a critical decision point, and it's when workers provide sensitive information and make financial decisions.”
“With the rollout of electronic payroll systems, single-touch payroll, the ATO playing the role they play in superannuation compliance, and Payday Super coming in, it should be pretty easy for those software providers to update their coding so that they can chat to the ATO and get that detail right at the time when they need to fill out their super choice form and the employers can know where to pay their super. This will mean workers can make an informed decision. It astronomically reduces the risks of duplicate accounts, and it ensures that employers have accurate information rather than just defaulting to the employer's default fund. Importantly, this reform doesn't limit choice. Employees have the right, as they should, to choose any super fund they wish.”
“But what we're seeing is that when employees onboard—obviously, nowadays usually in a electronic onboarding system where you go online and you fill out all your details—that stapled fund is not being displayed at the point of onboarding. That means that it goes around the intent of what stapling was designed to do. This amendment provides greater flexibilities for employers or their agents to request an employee's stapled fund details from the ATO earlier in the onboarding process, rather than months later or by paper forms, as sometimes happens. If the stapled fund exists then those details are provided at the time that they're filling out that super choice form.”
“It reforms the employee onboarding process to ensure that workers can see and consider their existing stapled superannuation fund earlier, at the point where they're making decisions about their employment arrangements. Stapling means that when a worker starts a new job, their superannuation account is stapled to them and follows them from employer to employer—unless they actively choose a different fund, which is an important aspect of what we believe super to be. Super choice is really important. Stapling was introduced to stop people unintentionally opening a new super account every time. It was an important first step.”
“Too often, super's kind of not considered important, and the result for many employees at a new job is that they just go with the default fund of the employer, which may or may not match with the fund they've got, and that duplicates these accounts. You duplicate account fees, you duplicate insurance policies and workers lose money through those fees, because they've opened unnecessary accounts. I don't think that's a failure of individual responsibility—there's a lot going on when you start a new job, particularly if you've moved town or if it's your first job. There are things that can happen with the system design that can make that experience a lot easier and a lot better, and that's what schedule 1 of this bill does.”
“Importantly, these reforms that we're rolling out now, as well as the ones we've done in this term and seek to do with legislation introduced yesterday, all have the goal of improving retirement outcomes over time. Starting a new job is one of the most common moments that Australians are required to make decisions about their superannuation. It's also one of the moments when people are least equipped to do so. Obviously you're starting a new job, you're trying to fit in, you've got to go through your work contracts and understand what's going on there, as well as your pay. You're negotiating hours. You're thinking about probation periods. Superannuation can easily become an afterthought—easily—even though we know that the consequences of that can compound over decades if you make the wrong choice.”
“When accounts are duplicated, where fees accumulate or contributions go unpaid, the consequences in Bennelong are felt more sharply. The median balance of a super fund member in Bennelong is $52,100, compared with the New South Wales median of $61,800. The median balance for Australia overall is $62,100. But, at the same time, many people in Bennelong, like others across the country, are approaching their age of retirement after many years of working. Their super balances represent decades of steady contribution and in many cases some pretty decent gains year on year. Protecting those balances and ensuring that every dollar owed is paid and preserved and that accumulation keeps going is essential. That's why these reforms improve how people engage with super.”
“Like most things, it needs to be maintained, it needs to be strengthened and it needs to be modernised as the economy changes, as work changes and as the risks facing workers evolve. This bill is a practical example of that theory. Reforms in this bill are targeted, they're sensible and they improve the experience of how Australians engage with their super at one of the most important moments in their working lives, and that of course is when they start a new job. These reforms improve that experience in a way that supports informed choice, stronger consumer protection and ultimately better retirement outcomes. In Bennelong we see clearly why the design of the superannuation system matters. Bennelong has lower median super balances than the state and national average, and where there are lower balances there's less margin for error.”
“For most Australians, superannuation is their second-largest asset, after their home, and it represents decades of effort, sacrifice and contribution. And because super is compulsory, because Australians cannot opt out, governments carry a serious responsibility to ensure that the system works fairly, with transparency and in the interests of its members—not for profit, not so that others can jump into it and take it when they need it. It's got to work well for the members. So we have that responsibility, as the government, for members to get the maximum they can from this world-class retirement system. We built superannuation, but we've always understood that just building it is not enough; it's not just a 'set and forget'.”
“It's great to see you up there in the chair, Deputy Speaker Sharkie, and I look forward to addressing the chair as we talk about this TLAB. It obviously has lots of schedules, but I'll be focusing—as you would expect from a Labor member of parliament—on our wonderful reforms to super, not only located in this bill here today but also more broadly. Because here on this side of the House, as a Labor government, we recognise that superannuation is one of the most significant economic reforms ever undertaken in this country. For us, it's not a side policy or a 'nice to have'; for Labor, super isn't an optional extra. We see it as a central pillar of how Australians can fund a dignified retirement after a lifetime of work. It's about fairness, and it's about ensuring that people have that dignified retirement after working so hard.”
“The current membership of 12 includes nine members new to the committee. In this annual report the committee acknowledged those members who participated during the reporting period and are no longer serving on the committee. These include three former chairs of the committee: the member for Wills, the member for Canning and Senator James Patterson from the other place. The present committee thanks the former chairs and all the former members for their contributions up to and during 2024-25 and looks forward to continuing the committee's important work during the 48th parliament. I commend the report to the House.”
“Notable reviews and inquiries concluded during the review period include inquiries into the Cybersecurity Legislative Package 2024; the listing of Ansar Allah, otherwise known as the Houthis, as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code; and the Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, which laid the important groundwork for the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025, passed by the parliament with the committee's endorsement in November last year. On behalf of the committee, I wish to thank all those who made contributions to the committee's inquiries and reviews during the 2024-25 financial year. This report is being presented to the parliament by the current committee as constituted after the conclusion of the reporting period and the commencement of the 48th Parliament.”
“Between 1 July 2024 and the end of the 47th Parliament, in March 2025, the committee presented seven reports, which included one annual report, one review of intelligence agencies' administration and expenditure, one review of the listing of a terrorist organisation, and four bill inquiries referred by ministers. The committee held 28 meetings and briefings, including four public hearings, which supported the committee's work across 12 inquiries in total during the period.”
“On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, I present the committee's Annual report of committee activities for 2024- 20 25 . Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e). by leave—In line with the requirement under section 31 of the Intelligence Services Act 2001—that the committee report annually on its activities—the report provides details of the committee's work in the financial year ending 30 June 2025. The report year covered the last nine months of the 47th Parliament. Over the review period, the committee continued with a busy program of work. It was largely occupied with reviewing a range of prospective and existing national security legislation in addition to its ongoing oversight activities.”
“Australians rely on Medicare every single day, and most of us expect health care to be accessible when we need it. But there are some in this place who don't think the same. Never forget what the Liberals and the Nationals do to Medicare when they take government. Last time, they cut $50 million from hospital funding and they froze the Medicare rebate for six long years. Labor understands that Medicare is in Australia's DNA, so be it for Medicare urgent care clinics, Medicare mental health centres or more bulk-billing practices, we'll always strengthen it.”
“What happens in this place matters. What programs we fund, what laws we pass and what decisions we make all have the potential to change lives for the better. When it comes to Medicare, I'm so proud that this Labor government has worked hard to make Medicare better each and every day since we were elected in 2022. In October last year Healthdirect listed nine bulk-billing general practices in Bennelong. Today's data shows that there are 18 fully bulk-billed practices in Bennelong. Now we all know that the member for Hume has been doing the numbers lately, and he told me that 18 is double what it was in Bennelong only three months ago. One in three practices in Bennelong now fully bulk-bill meaning free care for those who need to see a GP.”
“Finally, we have two recipients of the Public Service Medal. Ms Margaret Baker of Marsfield is recognised for her service to public education in New South Wales. Ms Julie Ravallion of Eastwood is recognised for her more than 30 years of outstanding contributions to environmental planning and natural resource management in the New South Wales public sector. To all of this year's Australia Day honourees from Bennelong, we say this: your service reflects the very best of our community, from Lane Cove and Hunters Hill to Ryde, Gladesville, Eastwood, Marsfield and North Ryde. You've strengthened our schools, our courts, our hospitals, our education facilities and our community.”
“For more than 50 years, Mr Butt volunteered in the Gladesville and Ryde communities, including a decade—a decade!—as president of the Gladesville RSL and community club. He's remembered for his leadership, his advocacy and his dedication to supporting veterans and strengthening local community ties. We then have Mr Benjamin Gregory of Gladesville, who is recognised for his service to rugby union, across junior, senior and professional levels. His ongoing involvement with New South Wales rugby and the Hunters Hill Rugby Cup reflects a lifelong commitment to grassroots sports. We then have Mr George Moscos of Ryde, recognised for his service to community and education, being a former president of the North Ryde Soccer Club and Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox church, in Crows Nest.”
“The late Dr Christopher Armitage of Greenwich is posthumously honoured for his exceptional service to the judiciary. Dr Armitage served with distinction as a judge of the Compensation Court of New South Wales and was appointed to both the Dust Diseases Tribunal and the District Court of New South Wales. His work delivered fairness and dignity to people facing some of life's most difficult circumstances. Mrs Nunziata Basile of Gladesville is recognised for her service to seniors. For more than four decades, Mrs Basile has been a tireless community volunteer with the Italio Australian Senior Citizens Group, fostering connection, purpose and joy for older residents right across Bennelong. We then have the late Mr James 'Jim' Butt, who is posthumously recognised for his outstanding service to veterans and their families.”
“His contribution to neurodevelopmental and child adolescent mental health research has been profoundly important, particularly for families navigating complex diagnoses. Alongside his clinical and research work, Associate Professor Dossetor's dedication to paediatric education has helped shape the next generation of clinicians. This is well deserved. Professor Robyn Gallagher AO of North Ryde is recognised for her distinguished service to nursing, cardiovascular health and disease prevention research. Through her work at the University of Sydney, Professor Gallagher has been at the forefront of advancing contemporary health technology, rehabilitation and cognitive impairment research. Believe it or not, there's more! Five Bennelong residents have been recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia.”
“Through her distinguished career at the University of New South Wales, she has advanced teaching excellence, research capability and gender empowerment on a global scale. Congratulations to her. Secondly, Christopher Robison AM of Hunters Hill is recognised for his significant service to the law and the legal profession. Across nearly three decades in both civil and criminal jurisdictions, Mr Robison has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice. His judgements have been marked by fairness, rigour and humanity, and his long service has strengthened confidence in our legal system. Two Bennelong constituents have also been appointed as officers of the Order of Australia. Associate Professor David Dossetor of Hunters Hill is recognised for his exceptional service to psychiatry.”
“Australia Day honours are among our nation's most meaningful acknowledgements. They recognise Australians who have gone above and beyond, often quietly and without expectation, to serve others, strengthen institutions and contribute to the common good. Recipients from Bennelong this year exemplify the values of service, integrity and generosity that sit at the heart of our national story. This year, Bennelong is proud to see two constituents appointed as members of the Order of Australia. Emeritus Professor Prem Ramburut of Lane Cove is recognised for her outstanding contribution to tertiary education. Her impact has been felt nationally and internationally through her leadership in business and management education across African and Asian communities.”
“To the Iranian people inside Iran, in my home in Bennelong and right across the world, please know this: you are seen, you are heard and your call for change and your action do not echo into the void. Today they speak loudly, here in this parliament, and, for as long as it takes, we'll continue to share your stories, your struggles, and stand with you here.”
“He serves that community so well, and I congratulate him for bringing this motion here today. This motion moved by members of the government backs in our tough and principled stance against Iran since we came to government in 2022. We've imposed targeted sanctions on more than 200 Iranian individuals and entities, including more than 100 linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. We've strengthened our autonomous sanctions framework so we can directly target those responsible. We've listed the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism, which, importantly, criminalises here in Australia support and cooperation of the IRGC. We've backed that with decisive diplomatic action, including expelling Iran's ambassador to Australia and withdrawing our own ambassador too.”
“It travels with them. That shared courage inside Iran and across the Iranian diaspora carries with it a responsibility for those of us who have the freedom to speak to speak out, because the desire for freedom does not disappear when it's beaten down. It doesn't vanish when the internet is cut, when phones go dead or when fear is meant to do the regime's work for it. It simply finds a new way to be heard. When those voices are raised here in Australia, our responsibility is clear. Our responsibility is not to look away, because silence only helps the oppressor. Bearing witness matters and speaking truth matters. That's why this motion is so important and why I'm proud to second it alongside the fantastic member for Menzies, representative of the largest Iranian Australian community in the country.”
“They are deeply personal, and their impact is felt far beyond Iran's borders. Families have been cut off from one another. People cannot call their parents, children or siblings. And, for those who can get through, many report something even more chilling: third parties on the phone listening in, interrupting conversations and warning them not to speak about what is happening. Here in Australia, many Iranian Australians live with a constant anxiety of not knowing whether their family are safe. They measure time in missed calls, unanswered messages and the terrible silence that follows a protest crackdown. And yet, despite fear and uncertainty, Iranian Australians continue to stand up and speak out in our streets in our communities and by bringing their stories directly to this parliament. Their courage doesn't stop at Iran's borders.”
“Iran has shown the world that standing up to an oppressive regime has no borders. Across countries, cities and communities, including my own in Bennelong, hundreds and thousands of Iranians have raised their voices to shine a light on what is happening to the women, men and children who are standing up to the regime in Iran. Inside Iran, peaceful protest has been treated as a crime. Grief has been criminalised. Arbitrary arrest, intimidation, violence and the silencing of truth have become tools of state control. Women and girls, journalists, activists, minorities, individuals have been targeted simply for asserting their basic rights. Many remain unaccounted for. Tragically, many more have lost their lives. These are not abstract events on a distant news ticker for Iranian Australians.”
“In Bennelong, our Iranian Australian community is strong, proud and deeply connected to family and loved ones in Iran. Over recent years, I've heard from many across my electorate whose messages are clouded in desperation, many asking for hope and all asking for the stories of their family and friends to be told by those who can. Today, I want to use the opportunity of this debate to amplify the voices of the Iranian Australian community in Bennelong and to bring those voices directly to this parliament. I want to speak about their courage and about the horrific cruelty in Iran. Earlier this year, the Iranian people once again did what free people everywhere have done throughout history. They asked for dignity, accountability and a voice in their own future. For that, they were met not with dialogue but with force.”
“The committee's report makes four recommendations to further strengthen safeguards and accountability in relation to the granting and use of the powers and their oversight by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. With the entrenchment of the compulsory questioning powers, regular review, including parliamentary oversight by the committee is more important than ever. As per the proposed amendment in part I of the bill, the committee considers that it is appropriate for the committee to undertake another statutory review within three years of the commencement of the amendments. The report recommends that, subject to the committee's recommendation, ASIO Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025 be passed by the parliament. I commend the report to the House.”
“Nevertheless, the committee remains cognisant that compulsory questioning is an extraordinary power for an intelligence agency to have and is therefore pleased that ASIO is using these powers sparingly and judiciously. The committee does not accept the argument made by some that infrequent use of the regime by ASIO shows that it's not needed. In fact, the committee hopes that these continue to be powers ASIO rarely needs to invoke. The committee is satisfied that the compulsory questioning framework is necessary and also largely fit for purpose and therefore endorses the proposal in the bill to repeal provision for the periodic sunsetting of the powers. This will make the powers permanent, subject to any future amendment or repeal by the parliament.”
“The committee has concluded, as it did in 2018, that ASIO's compulsory questioning powers are necessary. The powers were originally granted in recognition of the fact that ASIO had no ability to question an individual who would not engage voluntarily, and, in the context of the heightened risk of terrorism following the events of 11 September 2001, without the questioning warrant regime, this gap in ASIO's intelligence collection capabilities would still exist. The rapidly changing and increasingly complex security threat facing Australia today is a powerful signal to the committee that ASIO's ability to question persons who may hold valuable national security intelligence, whether willing or not, must remain in the law.”
“This report also completes and reports on the committee's review of ASIO's compulsory questioning powers under the ASIO Act, which was commenced in the previous parliament, and draws on the evidence provided to that review. ASIO's compulsory questioning powers have been reviewed multiple times since their commencement in 2003. The minimal use of the questioning warrant provisions in recent years means there are limited examples of use against which the operation and effectiveness of the powers can be assessed. Nevertheless, the committee considered the experience of ASIO with the provisions to date and concerns about the powers raised by submitters. The committee's combined review then considered amendments to those powers proposed in the ASIO Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025.”
“On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, I present the committee's A dvisory report on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025 : also reporting on R eview of D ivision 3 of P art III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 (compulsory questioning powers) . Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e). by leave—On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, I present the committee's Advisory report on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025.”
“That will mean real investment in the school. They'll be getting upgraded and additional drama spaces and a stage, upgraded and additional art rooms, a photography room, two music rooms, upgrades to science, tech, engineering and maths rooms and food tech spaces as well. This program recognises that potential shows up in different ways, whether that's creative, academic, physical or social and emotional. It's another example of how the Albanese Labor government and the Minns Labor government are working together to improve public education right across the country. Congratulations, Rose and Hunters Hill High School.”
“From the classrooms of Hunters Hill to the bright lights of Hollywood—that is quite a journey. Just a few weeks ago, one of Bennelong's very own, Rose Byrne, took home a Golden Globe for her latest film, winning best female actor for her role in the film If I Had Legs I'd Kick You . It was a remarkable achievement and one the whole community and country can be proud of. But, before the red carpets and award nights, Rose was a student at Hunters Hill High School. She won't be the last local student to go on and do great things, because Hunters Hill High School has now been named a partner school in the New South Wales government's High Potential and Gifted Education Policy, which supports high-potential students in 33 public high schools across the state, sharing in $100 million worth of upgrades.”
“Instead of cutting funding from Medicare, instead of neglecting Medicare, instead of freezing rebates like the Liberals and Nationals did for nine years with the same warnings we're getting now, we're setting up Medicare to ensure that it can deliver the care that Australians expect, just having that green and gold Medicare card. We'll continue to remove unnecessary barriers to help ensure that the system remains responsive and sustainable, particularly for growing communities like mine in Bennelong. And this will mean fewer delays. It'll mean better use of our health workforce, and it will give us a Medicare system that works the way people expect it to. The health legislation amendment bill is a practical continuation of the reforms that we've been putting in place since 2022, and I commend the bill to the House.”
“And in Bennelong, just like right across the country, those investments are making a huge difference, taking pressure off emergency departments with our urgent care clinics' open extended hours from 8 am to 10 pm in most cases; giving locals more options for free care through more bulk-billing; through the passage of this legislation, making it easier for people to get prescription medicine; and, of course, making that prescription medicine cheaper. The future will put pressure on Medicare, and we need to make sure that our entire health system can respond to what will be challenges in our health system. Australians are living longer. More people are managing chronic and complex conditions, and demand on primary care will continue to rise. We can see that happening.”
“We've expanded access to Medicare mental health centres so people can get the support they need without long waits or complex referrals through the mental health network. The Ryde mental health centre is now under construction and is expected to open in the first half of this year. This is what strengthening Medicare is all about. It's about making sure that our system works, that it's fit for purpose in 2026 and that it's set up for the future. It's a system that should work for patients and for the clinicians delivering care. It's about getting people the right care in the right place at the right time.”
“We backed that up by expanding bulk-billed care, tripling the incentive for concession card holders and children under 16 and then making sure that tripled incentive was available to every Australian with a Medicare card. That's seen real results. Since 1 November last year, we've gone from nine bulk-billing practices in Bennelong to 14 bulk-billing practices in Bennelong, and we expect more to follow in 2026, meaning that more families, the elderly and other residents of Bennelong can access free bulk-billed care right across the community. We've invested in Medicare urgent care clinics. Overdelivering on our promise to do 50, we have hit over 100 open right across the country—importantly, one in Top Ryde and one in Chatswood, promised and delivered by this government.”
“The first nurse prescribers are expected to commence from July this year, following the completion of required education and training, because we understand that patient safety remains central to this reform, just as it is across every form of Medicare supported care. Australians should and can have confidence that the same standards will apply regardless of which health professional is providing this care and which health professional is prescribing these medicines. This bill is not an isolated reform. This is a deliberate next step in the agenda that the government has to strengthen Medicare, things we've been doing progressively since we were elected in 2022. Rightly, we started by tackling affordability, cutting the cost of medicines and easing pressure on household budgets.”
“For working families, it means quicker access to treatment without having to take time off work, without eating into an already packed weekend. It means those families can get quicker access to the medicines they need. This is a careful and deliberate reform. Only registered nurses who meet strict education, training and endorsement requirements will be authorised to prescribe. Prescribing will occur under a national registration standard, approved by health ministers, which is now in effect. Nurses will only prescribe within their scope of practice, clinical setting and level of competence. Prescribing services provided by nurse prescribers will be subject to existing professional oversight arrangements. These safeguards are important because they ensure prescribing is appropriate, evidence based and consistent with PBS requirements.”
“Registered nurses are ready to serve more. They already play a critical role in access to primary care and aged care and in community health settings. In many cases, patients are already receiving appropriate care from these very highly trained nurses, but they still need an additional appointment or referral just to access a prescription. In 2026, I don't think that makes sense anymore. This bill will reduce that duplication. This reform will remove another friction point for people accessing primary care. It means that this care can be delivered more efficiently and without compromising safety standards. For older residents, it means fewer appointments at the doctor, less back and forth. Travelling to and from a doctor can be of concern for some of our older residents. This will help them with that.”
“It gives easier access to medicines in a streamlined and more cost-effective way, not only for the system and the taxpayer but also for family budgets, meaning you don't need to go see a doctor to get a script for certain medicines. You'll be able to see a nurse to get that done—a huge change. This change is needed because, in suburbs in Bennelong like mine, the demand for primary care continues to grow. Suburbs like Ryde, Lane Cove, Eastwood and Macquarie Park are all seeing general population growth because—let's face it—it's a great place to live, I've got to say, in Bennelong and some of those suburbs. We see a growth in population, and we also have an ageing population, so people need more access to primary care, when, as we've heard, there are constraints in the supply of qualified people to provide it.”
“The Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 is very important. It makes a targeted, practical change to the way medicines are accessed under the PBS. It amends the National Health Act of 1953 to allow designated registered nurses to prescribe certain medicines that are subsidised through the PBS. It also ensures that, when those medicines are prescribed, patients can access the same PBS subsidy that they would otherwise receive if those medicines were prescribed by a doctor. This isn't a broad rewrite of Medicare. It's not a change to who oversees primary care. It doesn't replace the role of doctors, particularly at initial prescription, but what it does is remove a barrier that no longer reflects how health care needs to be delivered on the ground.”
“It's about reforming the system so it's fit for purpose today and is ready for the future of health care. It's about how easily people can access care and how smoothly the system works when they need to access care. Even with these reforms, people still tell me there are moments where the system gets in its own way, where they're seeing a qualified health professional, receiving appropriate care but yet still facing unnecessary delays, unnecessary appointments or avoidable inconvenience. That's exactly the kind of friction that our long-term health reform agenda is designed to address, and this bill is designed to reduce that friction. It builds on the work we've been doing to make Medicare more accessible, more flexible and better aligned with how care is actually delivered in a community like mine in Bennelong.”
“Katrina from Blenheim Road Pharmacy, Rebecca from Eastwood Pharmacy, and George from Boronia Park and Gladesville pharmacies have all told me that these changes delivered by a Labor government that cares about Medicare meant that families haven't had to pick and choose what medicines they need to provide for their kids or provide for themselves. People used to go up and say, 'Well, I can't afford $42 this week across three medicines. Can you tell me which one I can skip?' Or they would say, 'My kids need some more medicine this week. I'm going to go without for the next fortnight.' That's all but gone now, because Labor has halved the cost of prescription medicines at pharmacies. But it's not just about cheaper medicine or more bulk-billing; we're committed to reforming this Labor creation—Medicare—created in 1984.”
“Since coming to government, our cheaper medicines reforms alone have saved billions of dollars nationally and, as I said, millions in my electorate. The cost of PBS medicines on 1 January dropped to $25, the lowest it's been since 2004. As I said earlier, had we not come to government in 2022 and incrementally reduced that cost, medicine today without Labor's intervention would have been close to $50 in out-of-pocket costs. Today it's half of that—$25 for people to get the medicines they need. Pensioners and concession card holders continue to pay no more than $7.70. A few years ago we froze that for five years. Ask any pharmacist about this, about what our investments in Medicare have meant.”