Aaron Violi
Casey · Liberal Party · Australia
“I think it's really important when we have this discussion, that we separate the intent versus the outcome. Now, it's clear the intent is to make sure all those under 16 do not have access to social media.”
“CFA volunteers give back so much to our community, and today I want to pay tribute to a good friend of mine, someone I've known for 20 years: Tim Mitchelson, better known to all of us as Loaf. He's stepping back from the BMT at the Wandin Fire Brigade, but he has served our community with distinction.”
“We see time and time again that the backbench has to follow orders. They can't get what they want on gambling reform. They have to take the sandwich from those. They have to follow the Prime Minister's lead on a bad budget, and they have to continue to follow the minister that is failing when it comes to social media.”
“You spend a lot of time rushing legislation through this House for political means, but doing your job is getting the legislation right. This legislation is not working. Young— A government member: How? How is it not working? I will explain to you if you stop interjecting and listen. Young children are still on social media.”
“The coalition is saying, 'Let's take the time to have an inquiry, to do the work, to understand why it has failed and why we can get it right the second time.' As the member for Berowra said, we don't want to be back here in six months' time having to amend it again. The detail was wrong the first time.”
“They weren't prepared to look at the detail and understand. Let's look at history. This legislation was introduced on Monday this week. This government wants to ram it through the house on Thursday. But let's look at December when the first legislation was brought in.”
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“With so much of our community surrounded by the beautiful Yarra River, it is so important that students learn how to protect our environment for years to come. I recently had the opportunity to head back again to Yarra Junction to recognise the grade 6 leaders. Congratulations to them. I was also out last Friday at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School to recognise the leaders. Speaker, Bimbadeen Heights might sound familiar. That was the school you came and visited with me last year, and you're warmly remembered there. The new leaders will still debate whether pineapple should go on pizzas or not. I also had the opportunity to go to Oxley heights Christian school to recognise the new leaders for 2026. I want to wish all the primary school and high school students in Casey all the best for 2026.”
“I'd like to give a shout-out to the students at Yarra Junction Primary School, who've been learning about the impact of plastics on our marine life and local environment. Ms Thomas's grades 1 and 2 students took their knowledge of single-use plastics and turned it into a persuasive letter that they shared with me during a recent visit. Prime Minister, on behalf of the Yarra Junction Primary School students, I wanted to let you know that they are concerned about the single-use plastic packaging used by supermarkets and the impact it is having on our waterways. I urge you to do all you can to reduce this. In many of their letters, they have requested that supermarkets stop using or use less single-use plastic packaging. Congratulations to Ms Thomas and the grade 1/2s on their great environmental advocacy.”
“He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his commitment to local government and our Yarra Ranges community. Jim has been serving our community for a long time that he was a councillor when it was the Shire of Upper Yarra, before the Yarra Ranges was created in the early nineties. Congratulations to Jim Richards, Paul Birch, Alan Clayton, George McDonald and Neil McLeod for each receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia as well; and to Detective Sergeant Dr Jenelle Hardiman, who received the Australian Police Medal. Jessica Drummond received the Ambulance Service Medal and Anthony Kolmus received the Public Service Medal. We have some wonderful schools in my community of Casey, and it was fantastic to get out to many of them while in the community over summer.”
“Emma was recognised for amazing work with the Wattle Wildlife Shelter in the Dandenong Ranges. Unfortunately, Emma couldn't be there—but it was for a great reason. She was out at the firegrounds volunteering to help look after wildlife. Thank you, Emma, for your service to our community. I also want to congratulate the Community Group of the Year, the Montrose Township Group; the Environmental Achiever, Patrick Natoli; the Young Environmental Achiever, Coen Pearson, who delivered a brilliant speech on the day. I also congratulate the recipient of the Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership, Heath Pawley; and the recipient of the Mayor's Lifetime Achievement Award, Mr Warburton, Gordon Buller. It was special that I could also personally congratulate former mayor, current councillor and great friend of mine, Councillor Jim Child.”
“In true Australian spirit, the Community Bank Wandin-Seville announced $10,000 each for four local CFA brigades: Coldstream CFA, Gruyere CFA, Wandin CFA and Seville CFA. This is the third time that the Community Bank Wandin-Seville have made this contribution. They have given $120,000 to these much-needed and deserving brigades. Thank you to Ray and the team at the Bendigo Bank. This money will help with equipment and operations as the brigades continue to protect our local community and communities all across Victoria and the country. It was fantastic to welcome our newest citizens at the Yarra Ranges Council citizenship ceremony before the annual community awards event. I had the privilege of announcing the 2026 Yarra Ranges Citizen of the Year as Emma Sullivan.”
“Australia Day is one of my favourite days in my community. We're a community backed by our strong volunteerism, a place where people show up, help others and find ways to bring our community together. That's exactly what our local Rotarians did at the annual Monbulk Rotary and the Wandin Rotary Australia Day breakfasts. It was great to chat with local families, hear from Megan from the Royal Children's Hospital about the impact of fundraising on sick Aussie kids and listen to Woori Yallock Primary School students Dixi and Molly, who were guest speakers at the Wandin Rotary event. From there, it was on to the Rotary Club of Wandin's Free Family Fun Day, an amazing day with food, entertainment and fun for the whole family.”
“I'm looking forward to also recognising a student from Mater Christi College in Belgrave as well as students from Monbulk College and Mount Evelyn Christian School. Congratulations to the 2025 recipients of the Casey Shield award. Keep up the great work in our community.”
“It was an honour to recognise the following students with my Casey Shield award: Mackenzie from Upper Yarra Secondary College; Madison from Lilydale High School; Bethany from Edinburgh College; Michaela from Oxley Christian College; Clover from Lilydale Heights College; Shayla from Mooroolbark College; Lucia from Yarra Hills Secondary College; Inuka from Belgrave Heights Christian School; Oscar from Upwey High School; Jacinta from Mount Lilydale Mercy College; and Kailee from Healesville High School. Congratulations to you all. These students were recognised for supporting other students; their commitment to personal growth, respect and kindness; their assistance with school events; and their positive can-do attitude.”
“Over summer, I had the privilege of visiting many local schools across our community. It was fantastic to congratulate new leaders and hear from students about what they'd been learning, and it was a privilege to recognise local students with my Casey Shield award. I created this award to recognise student achievement and contribution that is over and above academic achievement. My award recognises students who embody their school core values and who display personal growth, leadership and community spirit.”
“The backbench of the government know that, if they go against the Prime Minister, what happens to them is that they're out. They get kicked out of the government. They get kicked out of the ALP.”
“I second the motion. I tell you what—there is a lot of hubris in the House on that side. There is a lot of hubris within the Canberra bubble. Yesterday, while the government got together and the Prime Minister was making jokes about the Australian people, talking about MAFS and other things, I was out in my community talking to community members. Someone said to me yesterday that they are shocked and scared. They are shocked and scared about 2.30 this afternoon. They are shocked and scared about what the RBA is going to do. And there is a reason they are scared. They are struggling to put food on the table. The reason this government continues to fail is because it has no scrutiny. This prime minister has no scrutiny within his caucus. The backbench of the Labor Party know very clearly that they cannot follow their own conscience.”
“This is just a snapshot of the people they were and the lives they lived. They won't be remembered as a number or a victim tied to the tragedy; they'll be remembered for the lives they lived, the hearts they touched and the good they shared with the world throughout their lives. Today and always, we remember the 15 victims for the people they were, not the tragedy that found them, and we commit to living in honour of their memories and ensuring that, in this House, we do all we can to stamp out the scourge of antisemitism in this country.”
“Edith was a cherished leader who led antiprejudice and antidiscrimination committees. Adam was a father of four who loved his sport and loved his pets; he was walking at Bondi with his wife, Katrina, when his life was taken too soon. Boris was a gifted musician who was deeply connected to his community. Rabbi Eli Schlanger was a father of five and a highly respected and devoted Jewish leader. Tania was a beloved grandmother and member of the Sydney community. Boris and Sofia Gurman lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone they met with kindness and respect. They were known for their generosity and quiet strength, and they tragically lost their lives after stepping in to try and prevent others from being hurt. They will always be remembered for their courage.”
“He spent his career serving the public and was a valued member of the Randwick rugby club. Marika was a dedicated community volunteer who had previously been recognised for delivering more than 12,000 kosher meals on wheels since the late 1990s. Rabbi Levitan was a deeply respected member of Sydney's Jewish community known for his generosity and quiet service. Tibor was a beloved grandfather and husband. He died while trying to shield a family friend. Dan had recently moved to Australia and was already an integral member of the Rockdale Ilinden Football Club in West Sydney. Alexander survived the Second World War; he was a keen chess player and man of many passions. Reuven was generous to the end; he was seen running towards the danger in an attempt to defend his community.”
“On Sunday 14 December, as they celebrated the first night of Hanukkah, 15 Australians fell victim to abhorrent antisemitism and terrorism, but today we remember the people they were before this tragedy. At just 10 years of age, Matilda is remembered for bringing light to everyone around her. Her parents, Michael and Valentyna, were so proud to become Australians that they named her Matilda, the most Australian name they could find. She had her whole life ahead of her and will never be forgotten. Like so many parents around the country, and as the father of a 10-year-old daughter—it breaks all of our collective hearts to think about what Matilda's parents are going through. No words can ever do justice to their pain. Peter was a retired police detective.”
“It is a nation where we look out for one another and enjoy the quiet safety of our surroundings, and it is for that reason that we must do everything we can in this country to stamp out this senseless, hate fuelled violence and antisemitism. We stand together to say that violence, extremism and hate have no place in this nation. It won't be tolerated, but, most importantly, it won't divide us. In the face of such hate, Australians showed our best as a nation. To our police and paramedics and the everyday Australians who stared these terrorists down to protect their fellow Australians, thank you. Thank you for choosing mateship over division. Thank you for choosing love over hate. Thank you for showing the best of Australians.”
“The message of Hanukkah is that light will always overcome darkness. Today we see the truth in those words as we stand to remember the 15 innocent victims of the Bondi attack and refuse to let that hate divide our nation. We must be clear. This was not just an attack on Jewish Australians; it was attack on all Australians and our way of life. The idea of looking over their shoulder for danger is a thought that Australians have never had to carry when they gather for Christmas carols or local events. Bondi forced us to live with what should never be imaginable in our nation. This fear is the lived experience of Jewish Australians today. For generations, Australia has been a sanctuary that so many have chosen as their home for the peace and safety it provides.”
“I want to pay tribute to you. I hope everyone does get a chance to rest, recover and spend some time with their families. I will finish by saying 'I love you' to my beautiful wife Rachel on our 15th wedding anniversary. It's poetic that I am up here in parliament. I could not serve our community in Casey without her and her support. I appreciate everything she's done for me and for the community of Casey.”
“I want to extend my condolences to Ray's wife, Catherine; his family, friends and loved ones; and all those in our community who were privileged to know him. On Monday, we will gather to celebrate, mourn and pay tribute to Ray Yates. Thank you, Ray, for making our community a better place. Rest in peace. As we hit the final sitting day for the year, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year—here in parliament, and in my community of Casey. To the CFA volunteers I say: stay safe this summer. There are dangers, but we know you're well trained and you're well prepared. I want to thank all the community groups who have given so much to our community, particularly the food banks—who are going to be needed more than ever this summer—and our retail, tourism and agriculture workers, who don't get a break over summer.”
“Ray was a true champion of our community. He wasn't just a member of our towns; he was an architect of community life as we know it. His devoted public service touched every layer of community life. His legacy will live on in every organisation that he touched and in the strength that he left them in; in the connections that he helped forge; and in the countless lives that he improved. I was fortunate to get to know Ray over the last 3½ years as the member for Casey. Ray was a great source of advice. You could see the pride he had in the community. I remember a speech that he delivered on Australia Day, at an Australia Day breakfast in Monbulk, talking about opportunity and what it means to be Australian. You could see that principle come out in him and in the lessons that he taught us all that day. Ray gave so much back to our community.”
“He was a Justice of the Peace, a foundational member of the Monbulk and District Community Working Group, secretary and treasurer of the Sylvan Glades Retirement Village and a longstanding trustee of the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. He was instrumental in establishing Japara Community House, was closely associated with Monbulk RSL and served as the president of Monbulk Rotary. Ray envisaged that having a community bank in Monbulk would generate opportunities for the entire community. He joined in 2012, serving as director, and he was instrumental in shaping the legacy of the bank which gives back so generously to our community to this day. He was board member and CEO of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council from 2011 to 2025, and he also supported the Kilsyth Youth Club and preschools and assisted local sporting clubs.”
“It reads: On Wednesday he stopped mid-interview to help a weeping preppy, strolling with him through the school he built; a school that was downtrodden when he arrived in 1974 but is now a robust institution and a point of community pride. … … … Arriving at school at 7am, he won't go home until after 6pm. Even then, Mr Yates never really goes away. After hours, the main phone number to the school is patched to his mobile phone. I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to visit Monbulk Primary School. It was wonderful to see the children and the thriving school that is an ongoing and everlasting legacy to Ray Yates. Ray also served as a shire councillor for 21 years and as the Mayor of the Shire of Lilydale.”
“Last week my community lost a generous and beloved member of the Yarra Ranges, Ray Yates. Ray was truly immersed in community life. Some called him Mr Monbulk; others knew him as Mr Yates from Monbulk Primary School, where he taught from 1970s until 2014, retiring aged 74. He spent 28 years of that time as Principal of Monbulk Primary School and a total of 54 years in education. Many Monbulk locals had Mr Yates as their principal and their children's principal. He left a legacy, impacting so many lives and so many generations of the Monbulk community. His impact was so profound the Age ran an article on his retirement. It sums up his persona well.”
“Well, it is disappointing. I was looking forward to hearing from the Minister for Climate Change and Energy on this MPI about energy, but I understand he's quite busy. He has other activities. He has something else—”
“The other finalists were Ebony Eagleton, a plumbing apprentice at Specialised Plumbing Group; Ayden Keithley, a mechanical apprentice at the VACC; Hayden Neil, an electrical apprentice at Acton Electrical; Oscar Scash, an electrical apprentice at In Electrical Services in Kilsyth; and Tim Sullivan, an electrical apprentice at DCP Electrical in Healesville. At both events, it was inspiring to acknowledge the people who contribute to our community today and into the future.”
“These awards highlight that university is not the only pathway to success, and that trades are vital to our region's future. The event also recognised the contribution apprentices and trainees make to local businesses. I'd like to acknowledge the award recipients. The winner was Eden Roberts, apprentice chef at Dudley's Restaurant in Olinda. The runner up, Jarryn Stephenson, is an electrical apprentice at Stretch Electrics in Lilydale. The distinguished finalists were Aimee Kleehammer, a trainee chef at Three Sugars Cafe in Warburton; Lily Reynolds, a hairdressing apprentice at Blonde & Co in Yarra Glen; and Nathan Robinson-Darvell, a carpentry apprentice at Maltarona Constructions.”
“They give so much without ever asking for anything in return, and I'd like to acknowledge the three community group recipients: She Won't Be Right Mate. Southern Cross Kids' Camps Yarra Ranges and the Philanthropic Collective. I'd also like to acknowledge the many individuals across the region who were recognised, including representatives from the CFA, local sporting clubs, community houses, guides and scouts, emergency services, food relief organisations, Rotary, Lions, historical societies, men's sheds and so many other local groups. At the Casey Apprentice and Trainee Awards, held on Thursday 20 November, 10 local apprentices and trainees were recognised across a variety of fields. It was encouraging to see so many local business owners nominate their apprentices and trainees.”
“This month, I was privileged to hold my Casey Volunteer and Community Awards and my Casey Apprentice and Trainee Awards. Volunteers, community groups, apprentices and trainees had their dedication to our region recognised across the two ceremonies. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 10:01 to 10:09 At the Casey Volunteer and Community Awards, held on Saturday 8 November, three community groups and 70 individuals were recognised for their outstanding service. It was an honour to celebrate the heart of our community and offer well-deserved recognition. Our volunteers are the people who consistently show up and dedicate their time to make the Casey community strong and connected.”
“He does the rounds every year to ensure we make a difference for veterans and their families. Initiatives like this play a crucial role in ensuring we never forget the sacrifices of those who serve our nation. I recently had the honour of joining the Seville War Memorial Committee to remember local soldier and Victoria Cross recipient George Ingram VC MM. George called Seville home and was awarded the highest award for gallantry in battle during World War I as well as the Military Medal. On the day, we unveiled two new commemorative benches for the Seville Memorial Park, generously donated by Community Bank Wandin-Seville as well as the new information board. I congratulate Seville War Memorial Committee chair Anthony McAleer for his ongoing commitment to preserving history and honouring locals who served.”
“I would like to thank the students and RSL representatives who laid wreaths on my behalf at other local services, including those at Yarra Glen, Lilydale, Seville, Wandin, Yarra Junction, Healesville, Monbulk, Warburton, Upwey-Belgrave, Sassafras, Montrose, Millgrove and Mooroolbark. Thank you to the local RSLs, Seville War Memorial Committee, Wandin Rotary, Millgrove Residents Action Group, the Mooroolbark History Group, and Max Lamb and the Montrose Township Group for organising these remembrance services for our community to pay their respects. Many businesses in Lilydale, including my office, love seeing after Arthur, from the Lilydale RSL, drop in around Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, selling badges and pins to raise funds for the Anzac Appeal.”
“On Remembrance Day, services were held right across our community, and I had the honour of attending the Mount Evelyn RSL service, where students from Birmingham Primary School, Mount Evelyn Christian School, Mount Evelyn Primary School, St Mary's Primary School and Yarra Hills Secondary College all paid their respects, delivered speeches and stopped to remember those we've lost. The Mount Evelyn RSL also held a heartfelt Remembrance Day service ahead of a cricket match at the Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve. Thank you to the president, Matt Crymble, for organising these events for our community to pay their respects. I also had the privilege of attending the Lilydale Primary School remembrance assembly, a great morning run by the students to pay their respects and remember those who served.”
“Local veterans continue to serve our communities and give back through the local RSL, volunteering their time to help other veterans and their families, advocating for support and ensuring our community never forgets their sacrifice. In Casey, we are fortunate to have many RSLs working to support local veterans and our wider community, including the Lilydale RSL, the Mount Evelyn RSL, the Upper Yarra RSL, the Warburton RSL, the Healesville RSL, the Yarra Glen RSL, the Monbulk RSL, the Dandenong Ranges RSL and the Upwey-Belgrave RSL. We also have the Seville War Memorial Committee. We are a tight-knit community that values the contribution of our veterans and our local RSL clubs, who work alongside our community groups and schools to ensure that those who served are never forgotten.”
“Unfortunately, the Australian people and the businesses of Casey know it will get harder and harder because they have a prime minister, a Treasurer and an energy minister focused on their own ambitions, not the ambitions and needs of the Australian people. (Time expired)”
“They like the headlines and the spin. If Labor were serious about cost of living, they would stop the spending spree and start growing the economic pie, and they would immediately re-introduce quantifiable budget rules to stop this reckless spending. The coalition will support these bills because we will always support relief for local businesses in my community and across Australia. This measure offers a moderate, targeted respite for two years. It will provide stability by freezing the CPI indexation on draft beer, but we will not allow this minor concession to overshadow the cost-of-living and 'cost of doing business' crisis that the Albanese Labor government created and continues to fuel. We must do more to support this industry to get back on its feet after a few difficult years under this Labor government.”
“Genuine economic leadership requires us to remember that a rising tide lifts all boats. Boosting supply is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet. Growing our economy is a means to an end. Without it, we simply cannot afford the better services that we all want, the services that we need, the services that we deserve. If we want to raise living standards, we can start by clearing away bad policy that is shrinking the pie and replace it with good policy that grows the pie. If we want to do that over and over again across the whole of government over time, Australians will become richer, not poorer. Our economy will grow stronger, not weaker. However, that is hard work. It is determined work, it takes time, it takes turning up every day in a full-time capacity, but we know this government do not like to turn up and do the hard work.”
“As the member for Wannon knows, that's only going to go up for the Australian people under this minister. The government's two strategies—debt and taxes—are not a plan for prosperity. The only way to fix the damage caused by Labor's failed economic management is through a comprehensive change in approach. The coalition's priority is clear: we must stop the spending spree and start growing the economic pie. This government never talks about growing the economic pie; instead, it is focused entirely on how to cut it up. Under this government, the pie is growing smaller and smaller. This approach leads to higher taxes and economic stagnation. We must move beyond band-aid solutions like the 1c cheaper pint and adopt strategies that generate real sustainable relief.”
“Unfortunately, we know it's going to get worse tomorrow, because we saw the Treasurer sheepishly stand up in question time and start to make excuses for the economic numbers we are going to see tomorrow. He knows it's only going to get harder and harder for the Australian people because of his failures. Every Australian is footing the bill for Labor's spending spree in their tax returns, electricity bills, mortgage statements and growing difficulties in finding a job. Because of Labor's economic vandalism, households are paying 15 per cent more for food; 15 per cent more for health—despite the spin of this government; 19 per cent more for housing—again, despite the spin of the Minister for Housing; 37 per cent more for insurance; and nearly 40 per cent more for electricity.”
“This could be spent on roads, schools and hospitals, on things that are desperately needed in our country—and economic reform, including reform of the excise system. But, no, that money is going to debt because of this Treasurer and this government. Labor's spending spree has raised the cost of everything. Those costs are never coming down, and that is why Labor are now looking to hike taxes to pay for their spending spree. It's the ultimate buy-now, pay-later scheme, but with a repayment plan dumped on every Australian household. Mortgage holders are bearing the brunt of this failure. Since Labor came to power we have seen 12 rate rises and only three cuts. This is forcing mortgage holders to pay $1,800 more a month.”
“In the last three years, this government, under this Prime Minister and Treasurer, has added $100 billion to the national debt. Despite the spin of this Treasurer—which is all this Treasurer is good at—under Labor's watch the national debt will reach $1 trillion this year and $1.2 trillion by the next election. Their reckless spending is keeping inflation higher for longer. Australians are paying $50,000 every minute in interest on Labor's trillion dollars of debt. Over the last three years, Labor has racked up debt the equivalent of nearly $4,000 for every man, woman and child in this country. Think for a moment about what that $50,000 being racked up every minute in interest could be used for.”
“The Treasurer, by his own admission, is forecasting a decade of deficits and a decade of spending more money, driving up debt, resulting in higher inflation and fewer services for the Australian people. The former head of the RBA, Philip Lowe, has already made clear that inflation has lasted longer in Australia because of Labor's spending addiction. Under Labor, government spending has blown out from 24 to 27 per cent of GDP. The Treasurer threw out the coalition's fiscal rules and gave himself a credit card with no limit, and Australians will be the ones left to foot the bill. His current fiscal strategy doesn't even contain a single number, and the Treasurer is clearly violating whatever can be construed as rules. This economic vandalism has direct and terrifying consequences for Australia's national finances.”
“The true obstacle facing the Australian economy and our local small businesses is the government's failure to control its own spending, which has directly resulted in the inflation crisis we are living through today. Just last week, inflation smashed through the RBA's target band. This proved that Labor's cost-of-living crisis is far from over. The RBA is now in an impossible position, with both inflation and unemployment running higher than forecast. The governor is forced to slam on the brakes while the Treasurer has his foot firmly on the accelerator. The cause of this sustained high inflation is Labor's addiction to reckless government spending. Government spending is running at more than four times the rate of the economy. In fact, it is at the highest level outside of a recession in nearly 40 years.”
“That's enough to give Labor the headline of the cut to the beer tax, like so many of their policies, but it is just a headline. Households need genuine action on the cost of living, not 1c off beer. The policy will be wholly ineffective in helping everyday Australians. The alcohol industry directly supports around 176,000 full-time-equivalent jobs. Alcohol related jobs in the hospitality sector alone account for a whopping 126,300 of those positions. These businesses deserve real structural support, not a symbolic one-off, 1c gesture. If Labor were serious about the deeper issues of the alcohol excise system, they would have advocated for a comprehensive review of the alcohol excise system. They have shown no plans to fix the $600 million illicit alcohol tax gap identified by the ATO. Instead, we receive piecemeal freezes.”
“The intention is to provide businesses that have gone through COVID, record high inflation and the endless cost-of-living pressures with some stability. However, we must be honest about the limitations of this legislation. This is merely a patchwork fix in the face of Labor's systemic economic mismanagement and high inflation. Firstly, the scope of the measure is far too limited. The freeze applies only to on-premise draught beer. It does absolutely nothing for bottled beer, packaged drinks, wine or spirits. If the government were serious about cost-of-living relief or supporting the entire manufacturing and hospitality supply chain, it would be looking at every part of the excise system. Secondly, the relief delivered to the consumer is negligible. This freeze delivers less than 1c of relief per pint.”
“Every time brewers and distillers are hit with an increased excise bill, they have no choice but to pass this cost on, which hits hospitality venues and local pubs. These local venues, which cannot absorb the cost, then pass it on to consumers. The price of alcoholic beverages has already increased by over 11 per cent since Labor came to office. The coalition recognises this severe struggle. We had already given this issue serious consideration and took a policy to the election to freeze indexation on the draught beer excise for two years, specifically to support our hospitality sector, which has been hammered by this Labor government. We are supporting the bill now because we recognise the urgent need to pause the increases in the excise. This pause applies specifically to on-premise draught beer, meaning beer served on tap.”
“Even in community of Casey, in the 2024-25 financial year, 17 companies in the accommodation and food industry entered insolvency or administration. We must do more to support this industry to get back on its feet after a few difficult years under the Albanese Labor government. The fundamental reason these businesses are being crushed is simple—Labor let inflation rage out of control. While Labor allows inflation to get out of control, the twice yearly indexation causes the excise bill for these hospitality venues and brewers and distillers to soar. Increases in excise are not just another tax hike; they constitute a significant burden on distillers and hospitality venues and a cost that simply cannot be absorbed.”
“The industry that supports local manufacturing, creates jobs, supports hospitality workers and boosts tourism is absolutely essential to communities like mine. In the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, we have many local brewers and distillers but also small business owners who run pubs, yet the hospitality sector is being destroyed by the current economic environment. The figures detailing the devastation wrought by Labor's failures are staggering and heartbreaking. On Labor's watch, 4,000 hospitality businesses have gone out of business nationally. The situation is so desperate that the collapse represents the loss of over 4,000 places of employment for local workers and Australians in the hospitality sector. Statewide in my home state of Victoria alone, we lost 969 businesses in the accommodation and food industry.”
“The coalition supports the freeze to beer excise indexation. We support welcome relief for our pubs, clubs and, indeed, all hardworking Australian beer drinkers. We recognise the immense struggle of the hospitality sector and we will not stand between it and a cut to the beer tax in this parliament. However, we must be upfront about what this legislation achieves and what it leaves completely undone. While we welcome this temporary measure, we must call it out for what it is. It's little more than a political stunt. This minor targeted fix utterly fails to address the deep, systemic and widespread cost-of-living crisis that the Albanese Labor government has created and continues to fuel. The urgency of providing any measure of relief to the hospitality sector cannot be overstated.”
“Around one in three women experience pelvic floor dysfunction, which can lead to further health issues for many women. Rachael believes these issues can be better addressed through (1) pelvic health physio appointments for pregnant and postpartum women; (2) Safe Return to Exercise guidance, to be given at the six-week-checkup mark; and (3) reduced barriers for mums to access specialised postnatal fitness programs through subsidies or vouchers. I will continue to advocate for and work with Rachael to support local mums and families to ensure Australian families enjoy the highest quality of life.”
“Last week I had the opportunity to visit Move For Mums with the Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley. Move For Mums is a pre- and postnatal exercise class in Montrose that supports local women far beyond the workout. The founder, Rachael, is a MumSafe accredited Safe Return to Exercise trainer who helps mums build functional strength, confidence and connection as they navigate every stage of motherhood. As Rachael said, the reality is that mothers are the 'gatekeepers of family health'. When mums are strong, the family is strong, the community is strong and the nation is strong. It is so important we invest in preventative health and adequate health care for Australian women to ensure they are supported at all stages of life, throughout pregnancy and afterwards.”
“I might remind the member for Dixon that this government has been in power for 3½ years. It might be time to take responsibility for the failures under your watch. Talking about decades ago has a bit of limitation.”