Carina Garland
Chisholm · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Having seen them again last week, I can say the students of St Roch's are absolutely leaders. They debated whether video games should be an official sport, if plastic packaging on all food items should be banned, whether museums should return ancient artefacts to countries of origin and whether smartwatches should be banned in the classro…”
“We're also clarifying the CFMEU administrator's biannual financial reporting requirements, which currently require a report effectively immediately at the conclusion of a given financial year. In this bill, we're also committed to ensuring truckies get a fair go.”
“This government is giving them the tools to do just that, and I'm really proud to be able to represent so many bright young people in this place. Just last week, I had the great pleasure of visiting St Roch's Catholic Primary School in Glen Iris as a guest adjudicator for their year 6 civics and citizenship debating competition.”
“The intention here is to ensure that more truck drivers can access our quick and easy process to challenge an unfair contract in the Fair Work Commission.”
“It's important to highlight that our reforms are essential in ensuring that our workplace relations framework continues to be fit for purpose, continues to deliver fairer wages and secure jobs not just in my electorate of Chisholm but right across Australia.”
“We know that secure jobs drive participation in communities. I spoke about this in my very first speech—that, when people have certainty over hours and wages, they can make commitments to their local communities. They can put down roots. They can know that on their weekends they'll have time to give to their local sporting clubs.”
The complete record
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“Harmony Week is a time when we recognise the many cultures, languages and traditions that make Australia the best place to live in the world. Importantly, it is also a moment to reflect on the values of inclusion, respect and belonging that allow people from different backgrounds to feel part of the same national story, because they are. Harmony Week reminds us that diversity is one of the defining strengths of modern Australia. We should be very proud of the country that we are because of our diversity. Harmony Week must be more than just a celebration. It should serve as a reminder to us all that harmony must be more than symbolic. It requires effort, commitment and responsibility every single day and every single week.”
“On International Women's Day, let's look back at what's been achieved, but let's also acknowledge the challenges that lay before us and commit ourselves to working together to make sure that we have a more equal and better society for all.”
“They will now be able to be athletes in a democratic society that values their contributions, where they can make choices and be heard. When we look at the world, we see that democracy is something that has become very fragile in recent times. I want to thank the Iranian Australian community, who I have worked with for many years, for their work and their advocacy. I particularly want to acknowledge the Iranian Women's Association and other groups that I've worked with in my own community of Chisholm in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for their voice in conversations about women's rights and about girls and women being able to make all the choices that should be able to make as free agents of their own destiny.”
“I want to pay tribute to all those who came before me, from the first Labor woman elected to the House of Representatives, Joan Child, who represented an area that overlaps my current electorate—her electorate of Henty has unfortunately been abolished—to the suffragists in my own family who went out and knocked on doors to get people to sign the monster petition in Victoria for women to have the right to vote and who, of course, put their name to that petition themselves. On International Women's Day and in responding to the statement made by the Assistant Minister in the house, I think it is really important this week to mention and acknowledge the brave Iranian soccer players who will now call Australia home.”
“We must all act to eliminate the absolutely appalling rates of violence against women we see in this country, the misogyny we see online and the real and potential gendered harm we witness due to the growth of artificial intelligence and the way it may develop in the future. There has, unfortunately, been a global contraction of global aid to support girls and women, and rights have been going backwards for girls and women in parts of the world, which is something that should terrify us all and mobilise us all to take action. There is so much more work to be done, and this year I once again commit myself to doing all I can, inspired by the efforts made by those who came before me. Change is possible when we work together.”
“We should have boys and girls wanting to take on all sorts of occupations and opportunities, having all kinds of dreams about their future, not just those that have been preordained for cohorts based on gender alone. I am proud to be part of a government that is making important progress, with over 50 per cent of our caucus made up of women. Positive change is what happens when there are different voices and including women's voices in rooms where decisions are made. Our women's health package, which provides for new medications and takes seriously the experience of girls and women in the medical system, is another big part of the way we are listening to and acting for and with women. There is still so much more to do, despite all the positive advances.”
“These are entitlements we know do disproportionately impact women, as they are vastly more likely to be primary caregivers and assault survivors. These additional entitlements were all introduced under Labor governments. In addition to more choice in taking paid parent leave for both parents regardless of gender and implementing paid family and domestic violence leave, the Albanese Labor government has critically made gender equality an object of the Fair Work Act. The Albanese government's industrial relations reforms have reflected both the changing nature of work and families and the idea that the gendering of work—women's work and men's work—has been harmful to both the wages taken home by Australians and also the aspirations and opportunities for every person in our country.”
“In 1973, the Whitlam government appointed the first women's adviser to a prime minister in the world, and the Sex Discrimination Act passed by the Hawke government in 1984 was a landmark moment for our nation and women's rights more broadly across the world. The gender pay gap right now is at a low of 11.5 per cent. It's still too high, but this is good progress when considering that a decade ago it was over 18 per cent. There is clearly still more work to do though to ensure real economic equality. Since the Fair Work Act came into effect in 2009, introduced by the Rudd government, certain rights have been guaranteed to all workers under the National Employment Standards. These were expanded to include paid parental leave provisions and paid family and domestic violence leave.”
“It is worth remembering that, when the first iteration of International Women's Day was held in 1909 in New York, it was led by garment workers who were trying to secure better wages and hours and the right to bargain with their employers. The conditions that garment workers toiled in were unsafe. It was only two years later, in 1911, that one of the greatest industrial disasters in United States history occurred—the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, a brutal event which killed 123 women and 23 men. In Australia, our first International Women's Day was held in 1928, soon after parliament first sat here in Canberra. Its focus was again on women's rights at work. Equal pay for equal work, eight-hour workdays and better conditions were central themes. Fast forward almost 100 years, and there have been considerable achievements made.”
“She made the statement in response to an incredulous question she was asked about her activism and whether she could achieve anything. This is what she said: Today it was me, tomorrow there will be two of us, the next day there will be three and it will go on and on and there won't be any stopping it. As we mark International Women's Day this year, with its theme of 'balance the scales', let's think about the scales of justice and ensuring that all women and girls can access fairness and equality. Just as Zelda D'Aprano sought justice for herself and others, we must continue to make sure we never take a backward step and we move forward together to achieve meaningful and sustainable equality.”
“Many years ago, before I was even a candidate in my electorate of Chisholm, one of my local neighbourhood houses was selling second-hand books in Mount Waverley. A memoir caught my eye. Zelda , it was called—written by the incomparable, uncompromising Zelda D'Aprano. Zelda D'Aprano was a passionate warrior for equal pay, chaining herself in protest to government buildings and pursuing the cause her whole life. Zelda D'Aprano passed away in 2018, and in 2024 a beautiful bronze statue of her was erected in Melbourne outside the Victorian Trades Hall Council building, which I spent a few years at working as an assistant secretary. Her statue is one of too few statues of women in my hometown in Melbourne. Emblazoned on the base of her statue is a quote, which was a response.”
“My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government working to deliver better health outcomes for Australian women? Why is the government so committed to investing in the health of Australia's women after a decade of cuts and neglect?”
“It reflects the government's commitment to helping employers resolve their debts while ensuring, importantly, that employees are connected with their lawful entitlements. Long service leave reflects the simple idea that loyalty, dedication and years of service should be recognised. This bill ensures that recognition is not lost because of technical disputes, incomplete records or historical uncertainty. It restores the connection between workers and the entitlements that they have earned, and that, all Australians would agree, is a commonsense approach. On that note, I commend the bill to the House.”
“Workers who may have missed out in the past will have their service recognised and be connected with their lawful entitlements. For employers, it offers a clear and fair process to resolve debts that in some cases extend back 15 years. The 20 per cent debt waiver and the option to pay in instalments will help employers to meet their obligations. These reforms have been developed in consultation with industry representatives, unions and the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave Funding) Corporation. As previously mentioned, stakeholders have expressed support for these changes as necessary and proportionate to maintain confidence in the scheme. This bill provides a practical and balanced response to complex legacy issues.”
“Some employers acting in good faith have already paid long service leave entitlements directly to employees when their employment ended, and, to ensure that those employers are not required to pay twice, the bill allows eligible payments to be offset against their debt in certain circumstances. In addition to supporting the repayment of historical debts, the bill will strengthen the scheme's compliance mechanisms by updating penalty arrangements. The bill links the additional levy rate to the Reserve Bank of Australia's cash rate plus two per cent, ensuring the additional levy acts as an effective deterrent to late payments by employers. This is a fair outcome for both employers and employees. For employees, the bill provides certainty and recognition after many had previously been excluded from the scheme.”
“Industry is supportive of this bill, and in response to stakeholder feedback timeframes may be adjusted so employers can undertake thorough checks and identify all of their eligible employees. The coal long service leave scheme will also work with employers throughout the process to assist them in establishing their payment arrangements. Because these issues are historical in nature, we know that employer records may be incomplete, and so, to prevent that from disadvantaging workers, the bill adopts a fair and practical approach to establishing arrangements and the calculation of employer entitlements. This includes permitting certain simplified calculations and allowing reasonable assumptions to be made where necessary. Such measures will ensure incomplete records do not prevent employees from receiving their historical entitlements.”
“Increased employer participation ultimately benefits employees, who will gain access to their entitlements sooner. Importantly—very importantly—the 20 per cent debt waiver does not affect worker entitlements and eligible workers will still receive their full entitlements. I think it's necessary to emphasise that point. Employers will be required to specify the employees and periods covered under the payment arrangements, maintaining the principle that payments should be directly connected to individual workers' entitlements. The bill also includes flexibility and support to ensure eligible employees do not miss out on their lawful long service leave entitlement.”
“This pathway means that employers will be allowed to pay their levy in a financially sustainable manner while connecting employees with their entitlements that they've earned. To ensure fairness, employers who have already begun repaying their debts in good faith will also be able to opt in to this pathway. The bill enables employers to create payment arrangements for outstanding levy debts, to be paid in instalments over six years. This gives employers time and certainty to plan while ensuring employees are paid what they're owed. After an employer has paid 80 per cent of the total amount owed, the remaining 20 per cent will be waived. This here represents a balanced approach designed to encourage employer participation, protect the viability of the scheme and assist employers with substantial levy liabilities.”
“This is designed to ensure workers are not denied their entitlements because historical records are no longer complete. Two recent rulings of the full Federal Court of Australia on these matters have clarified the scope of the scheme. So many workers in the black-coal mining industry are now able to access their entitlements under this scheme, and, in some cases, employers may face liabilities dating back to 2010, potentially involving millions of dollars in unpaid long service leave levies. Our government is acting decisively through this bill to address those legacy issues. What this bill does is establish a practical, time limited pathway for employers to resolve those historical levy debts.”
“That is fundamentally unfair. So our government, the Albanese Labor government, is fixing that through this bill. I do appreciate the bipartisan approach from the opposition here in supporting the passage of this bill. It's good to see them support us in backing our workers and ensuring that workers' efforts are recognised through this bill. This bill incentivises employer compliance with the coal long service leave scheme, with a view to connecting workers to their full long service leave entitlements. Employers will provide the necessary data for the coal long service leave scheme to create or update service records for workers coming into the scheme to facilitate accrual of their entitlements. Where records are missing, reasonable assumptions will be allowed in order to connect more workers with their long service leave.”
“Workers undertake physically demanding and highly skilled work, and they deserve certainty that the entitlements they earn will be there when they need them. Unfortunately, what we have seen over many years, is a situation where some workers have not been able to access those entitlements. Disputes over coverage have meant some employers have argued that they were not part of the scheme. As a result, workers who went to work every day, playing a key role in this major export industry, and should have been accruing long service leave, have been left without recognition of their service and their hard work. When workers miss out on entitlements they have earned, confidence in the system overall is undermined. Workers should never have to fight simply to receive benefits that the law already says they are entitled to.”
“For generations in Australia, long service leave has recognised the loyalty and commitment workers give to their industries and the contributions that they make every single day. In industries where workers move between employers, portable schemes ensure that workers do not lose their entitlements simply because the nature of the work requires mobility. The coal long service leave scheme reflects that principle. Workers across the black-coal mining industry, including FIFO workers in my electorate of Chisholm, whether they be directly employed at mines, undertaking maintenance, performing safety roles or providing technical services, play an absolutely fundamental role in their industry.”
“Our communities expect governments to do everything in their power to back the basic rights of workers across all industries so everyone can seize the opportunities we have in this country to build a great life. The proposed legislation, the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, is about the simple principle that workers should receive in full the entitlements they have lawfully earned. I think all Australians would agree that, if you put in a fair day's work, you should get a fair day's pay. Long service leave is not a bonus. It's not a gift from employers. It is a right that workers accrue through years of dedication, effort and contribution. These are basic entitlements that workers should have.”
“This is the latest part of our suite of reforms to make sure that we have the best superannuation system, the fairest superannuation system and the most sustainable superannuation system that we can in this country. On that, I commend this bill to the House.”
“That's in addition to paying superannuation on paid parental leave and introducing payday superannuation, which are going to make a real difference in the lives of so many Australians, including, I know, many in my own community. Those changes, as well, will particularly affect young people, those in insecure work and women workers. So, again, there are a number of ways that we are improving the equity in this system for all Australians. We have increased the superannuation guarantee, and we've legislated the objective for superannuation. Australians are continuing to earn more and keep more of what they earn under our government. Now they'll be able to retire with more too.”
“What these reforms do is maintain the concessional treatment of superannuation, but they also ensure that that is provided in a more equitable and sustainable fashion. We know, looking at the figures, that there are 14 times as many people who will benefit from this boost that we're making to LISTO as there are people with over $3 million in super. I'm really proud to be part of a government that continues the proud legacy of Labor in making our superannuation system stronger, fairer and more sustainable. As I mentioned at the outset, and as I've mentioned a number of times in this place, the Labor Party is the party of superannuation. It recognised the importance of every Australian having access to dignified retirement. What we're doing here is increasing the LISTO. We're better targeting superannuation concessions.”
“We'll be providing additional support for low-income workers through LISTO, and that will cost around $435 million over the forward estimates. The net impact on the budget of these changes is a cost of around $4.2 billion over the forward estimates, a large part of which is due to that one-year delay. In the first full year of operation—that is, 2028-29—the package will provide a saving to the budget of around $1.6 billion in net terms, including the cost of increasing the LISTO. Final costs and budget impacts will be accounted for in the 2025-26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. We know that the super tax concessions at the moment cost the budget more than $55 billion per year, and we know looking forward that that will exceed the cost of the age pension as we get into the 2040s.”
“Both the $3 million and $10 million super balance thresholds will be indexed to maintain relativity with the transfer balance cap that was introduced by the coalition. As part of these changes, we will also adjust the earnings calculation so the concessional tax rates on large balances will only apply to future realised earnings. Treasury will consult on the implementation details, including the best approach to the calculation of future realised gains and attribution to individual fund members. We will apply commensurate treatment to defined benefit interests to ensure equivalent impacts, with Treasury again to consult on implementation details. We will extend the existing exemption for some judges to improve consistency across jurisdictions. This is a small change to respond to the latest legal advice and ensure more neutral treatment.”
“Our policy to better target superannuation concessions for large balances will continue to affect less than 0.5 per cent of all Australians in 2026-27. It maintains the concessional treatment of superannuation for all taxpayers and makes superannuation tax concessions more targeted for those with large balances. These changes, along with the LISTO reform, will substantially improve the fairness and sustainability of our superannuation system. Today's changes mean that, from 1 July 2026, the total concessional tax rate applied to earnings on balances between $3 million and $10 million will be 30 per cent. The total concessional tax rate applied to earnings on balances over $10 million will be 40 per cent.”
“We're also going to index the large-balance thresholds of $3 million and $10 million, apply these changes to realised earnings and push back the start date by one year to consult on final details and prepare legislation. Again, we are a consultative government who listens to our communities. The original model that was presented was the best option identified at the time, but we have taken the decision as a government to adjust the model to recognise the views we've heard since then. It is good that Australians have a government that is responsive, that listens, that is not stubborn and that adjusts to the views and the changing circumstances of the world. With these changes, we are continuing to deliver on our longstanding commitment—which we took to the last election—to better target superannuation concessions.”
“These are sensible changes which take two years of feedback into account, while still maintaining the main objectives of our policy. I'm really grateful for the feedback that I've received from my community in Chisholm, and I thank everyone who has taken the time to raise issues with me and enabled me to speak to my team here about ways that we can work through those issues and find ways to deliver reform, which is exactly what the Prime Minister and the Treasurer have done. We are a government that listens, first and foremost, and we act on the feedback we get from our community. We're going to introduce a second threshold to better target superannuation concessions on the earnings of large balances above $10 million to make those concessions even more targeted.”
“This is real cost-of-living relief. That's what we're really focused on, on this side of the House. I do find it interesting that those opposite have played games already, in the short time we've been having this debate. When given the opportunity to ask questions in question time about the economy, they have neglected to do so, letting their constituents down, which I think is an appalling shame. We are making these changes here today as part of our plan to help low-income workers earn more, keep more of what they earn and retire with more too, so that every single Australian can have a dignified retirement. We're also making a number of practical changes to the design and implementation of our policy, to better target superannuation concessions.”
“The changes we're making will ensure low-income workers receive a fairer tax concession on their superannuation contributions, to align with the government's third round of tax cuts that will take effect next year, in 2027. This will benefit all workers with incomes between $28,000 and $45,000, with an average increase of $410 in the LISTO payment. These workers could receive a potential benefit at retirement of around $15,000, depending on an individual's income over their career. We know how important that compound interest is when it comes to superannuation, which is why it's important for younger generations too that these changes come into effect—so that they are not disadvantaged as they get older and so that they have the opportunity to accumulate that interest on their superannuation for their retirement.”
“We're going to increase the LISTO by $310 to $810 and raise the eligibility threshold from $37,000 to $45,000 from 1 July 2027. This will help deliver a more secure retirement for 1.3 million Australians, of whom around 60 per cent are women, with the total number of Australians eligible for LISTO increasing to 3.1 million. Something our government has been very proactive and focused on, through both of our terms of government so far, is addressing the gender pay gap and inequality, and that includes inequality in retirement. This is a really important measure to ensure that we are doing what we can to close that gap even further, in addition to a number of other changes we've already made.”
“As the Albanese government members are fond of saying, myself included, we want Australians to earn more and to keep more of what they earn. The changes here make that possible, in addition to all of the other reforms our government has implemented to make that so. I'm sure this is a statement you've heard many times in this place, and it is something that we really do mean. We build on that mission today through helping low-income workers keep more of their superannuation whilst making the system stronger, fairer and more sustainable. We're making super fairer in a few different ways. We're doing this through boosting the low-income superannuation tax offset, LISTO, and making a number of important changes to better target superannuation concessions for large balances.”
“So far we've had a couple of rather strange contributions from those opposite. It is disappointing, but not surprising, that those opposite have been less than wholehearted in their support for a fairer superannuation system, given that, at every turn, they have taken an approach that finds the idea of every Australian having dignity in retirement to be quite a radical idea. On this side of the House, we are the party of superannuation. It was Labor that established this system, which is the envy of the world, and, as Australians, we should all be very proud that we have such a system. I commend the changes in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill and the Superannuation (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Imposition Bill to the House.”
“My question is to the Minister for Education. What progress has the Albanese Labor government made on implementing reforms to keep our children safe in early education and care? What other approaches to child care is the government being asked to consider?”
“We're building an Australia-wide support system that previously didn't exist, with 11 new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics taking the national network to 33 clinics across the country, improving access everywhere, including regional and metropolitan communities. There is a lot of work that our government has been undertaking in this area. This year we will launch Australia's first national awareness campaign for menopause and perimenopause. This is a really important issue for people in my community of Chisholm. I've undertaken a women's health survey and held several women's health forums, including with women's health researchers. I really want to thank everyone for their generosity in sharing their stories with me so that I can advocate for the best possible outcomes for women's health in my community.”
“We've funded around 430,000 additional services for women with endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chronic pelvic pain and other gynaecological conditions, backed by a $49 million national investment that is directly improving women's lives. IUDs and contraceptive implants are now easier and cheaper to access, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk-billing, which is saving women up to $400 a year in out-of-pocket costs. This really matters because we know that women are the largest consumers of health in this country. So this is delivering great health outcomes for women but also delivering real cost-of-living savings.”
“And, of course, since January of this year, PBS scripts have been just $25 and $7.70 for concession card holders, which is the lowest that medicine prices have been since 2004. That gives all Australians, including, of course, Australian women, more cost-of-living relief. We're also making Medicare work better for women by delivering the services in specialist care women have waited far too long for. Medicare funded menopause health assessments have already been accessed by more than 71,000 women. New Medicare items and higher rebates mean cheaper, more accessible gynaecological care, with longer consultations now available for complex issues.”
“This includes the first new contraceptive pill listed on the PBS in more than 30 years, plus two additional contraceptive options, helping 328,000 women save more than $27 million on 660,000 scripts; the first new menopausal hormone therapies listed in over 20 years, supporting 383,000 women and saving them $53 million across 1.6 million scripts; and more than 7,000 women with endometriosis accessing 30,000 scripts and saving $5.7 million on treatment that previously put major financial pressure on women. In addition, we're supporting women undergoing IVF receiving earlier and more affordable access, with 46,000 women supplied 273,000 scripts that lowered the cost of fertility treatment.”
“I'm really pleased that we're changing the way women are treated in the health system in this country. This is happening because, as I mentioned, we have a caucus that is reflective of our country, with women at the table making decisions and ensuring that we get better outcomes for everyone. I'm really proud that our government is delivering more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women. What that looks like is an $800 million women's health package, driving more choice, lower costs and better care for women and girls across the country, and we're already seeing some really good outcomes. Since introducing the women's health package, more than 700,000 women have accessed over 2.3 million cheaper PBS prescriptions for contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatments.”
“I really want to thank the member for Moreton for bringing this motion to the House. It's a very important motion, and, of course, this motion can only come about because we have here in Australia a government that looks and sounds like our communities—a government that is deeply committed to ensuring no-one is held back and no-one is left behind and that includes a majority of women in the caucus. Unfortunately, for too long, Australian women have been left behind when it comes to health policy in this country. They've not been listened to, and their health issues have not been taken seriously. I hear all the time from women in my own community in Chisholm about their experiences of not being listened to, and, indeed, I have had those experiences myself.”
“Chisholm has one of the largest Chinese communities in Australia, and its strength is underpinned by language schools like the New Century School, which helps students feel a part of a welcoming and inclusive Australia. I want to convey my thanks to the New Century School for having Minister Aly and me visit, and I look forward to continuing to work with the New Century School and all of the community languages schools in Chisholm.”
“That really helped me to understand my mother's culture and connect to her language and culture, as well as through my engagement with the broader community. In an increasingly diverse global market, strengthening community language education sets young Australians up for the future, opening many doors of opportunity for them. We want every child to have the best start in life, and part of that is recognising the importance of community language schools. That's why our government is investing $25.6 million to support more than 600 community language schools right across the country, helping more than 90,000 students learn 84 languages. This includes the New Century School, which has been teaching its students Chinese since 2000.”
“It has been a very busy time in the electorate of Chisholm. Last Saturday I had the great pleasure of welcoming the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Anne Aly, to the New Century School in Wheelers Hill. We met with teachers, students and the people who do such vital work in our community through our community language schools. Community language schools are really important. Right across the nation they are connecting young Australians to the languages of their parents, their grandparents and their communities, and strengthening the multicultural fabric that makes Australia such a wonderful place to live. Indeed, I'm someone who attended a language school—Italian—on Saturday mornings as a child in the local area.”
“I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to Tamil Festival Australia for another incredible year, with another fantastic event held in Melbourne just a few weeks ago. The spirit of Thai Pongal, a harvest festival, and its values of gratitude, community, hope and renewal truly shone through as we came together at Caribbean Park in January, which has been designated Tamil Heritage Month. These themes are more important than ever, with an incredible turnout year on year, great music, delicious food and a wonderful sharing of cultures. I'm always very humbled to be invited to join in the festivities. I want to wish Chisholm's and Victoria's Tamil community good health and happiness for the rest of 2026, and I look forward to seeing you all throughout the year and next year for another celebration of Thai Pongal.”
“My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Women. How is the Albanese Labor government supporting women in the workplace and strengthening their rights at work? Are there other approaches that could jeopardise this progress?”
“We saw money—billions of dollars, tens of billions of dollars—ripped out of public schools, and we're making sure that we correct that course and that we fully fund and fairly fund our public schools in this country. This is an important priority for our government, it's an important priority for any Labor government and we know that the investments we make today are about the future. It's about the long-term stability of the education system, it's about making sure that we have a sustainable workforce of teachers who know that government is supporting them and it's about children getting the best education they can to pursue opportunities in the future.”
“I want to acknowledge the work that they do each and every day, thank them for the contribution they make to our nation and commit to doing everything I can as the local member to ensure that we always have their back. We know teachers get into the education system for one simple reason: to educate our kids to take on the future. It's the role of representatives in this place to ensure that they receive the appropriate support and compensation for that work. It's because of our government's focus on education that we've been able to increase the number of students who are studying education courses, are studying to be teachers, when under the previous government it was, unfortunately, falling. Our government is working with state and territory governments to deliver for our schools.”