Alison Byrnes
Cunningham · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Something I am particularly excited about is that, as of 1 July this year, Australia now has a national environment protection agency. It will be a national environmental watchdog with real powers, a clear set of rules, a clear mandate to monitor and enforce those rules, and big consequences for doing the wrong thing.”
“The ACCC has the funding and the power to seek penalties for supermarkets of up to $10 million per breach of our new laws or 10 per cent of their annual turnover in the previous year. It's just one of the ways that we're working to keep supermarkets competitive and fair for customers.”
“This disproportionately affects younger workers and those in insecure work, who are often lower paid and vulnerable. They are also the people who can least afford to miss out on retirement savings.”
“At the same time, 1 July saw three million workers receive a well-deserved pay rise, with modern award wages increasing by 4.75 per cent and the national minimum wage going up by six per cent. We have advocated for increases to the minimum wage at every annual wage review since we came to government.”
“The Albanese Labor government is delivering the investment the Illawarra needs to be a true force in the advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries. Illawarra company Sicona Battery Technologies is pioneering the next generation of battery materials.”
“This funding will help Sicona expand its production capacity by 300 times, taking the tech from pilot scale towards full commercial scale. As global demand for batteries continues to grow, particularly for energy storage and electric vehicles, this investment will unlock enormous potential across Australia and globally.”
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“The wholesale electricity price has fallen by 14 per cent, and, in my electorate, more than 2,500 homes and businesses now have a solar battery, thanks to our Cheaper Home Batteries Program. I've spoken previously about the difference that this has made to electricity bills in my electorate and what that has meant for local people. The fact is that, if we had continued along the path the Liberals and Nationals had us on, Australians would be worse off. In the 10 years that they were in power, they built 373 homes. That's it. And they wonder how we are now in a housing crisis. They never had a plan to tackle the cost of living and the big challenges that are facing Australians. The Albanese Labor government is committed to delivering real cost-of-living relief for all Australians.”
“We have invested $8.5 billion into Medicare, because health and housing are two of the biggest drains on household budgets. We've capped PBS prescriptions at $25, down from more than $42 under the previous government, and we've added more and more medicines to the PBS, including new and amended medicines under this budget for conditions like cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease and cancers—and more, made cheaper. All up, in my electorate, we have seen more than three million cheaper prescriptions filled since we came to government, and that is a real saving in everyone's pocket. The most effective way to reduce electricity prices is to get more renewables into the grid, and we have certainly done that. For the first time in Australia's history, we have more electricity in our grid supplied by renewables than by coal and gas.”
“We have had quite a mess to clean up, and we have wasted no time at all. Our focus has been on supporting Australians and those people who are really doing it tough. We want to ensure that Australia is a place that lifts people up and leaves no-one behind. We've worked hard to ensure that workers earn more and keep more of what they earn. Those on the minimum wage or reliant on awards make up about a quarter of Australia's workforce. That's people working in our cafes and supermarkets. They're our cleaners, hairdressers, aged-care workers, childcare workers, delivery drivers—thousands of people who've seen real increases in their wages, with an increase in the minimum wage by over $9,120 every year, thanks to the Albanese Labor government.”
“I could go on, because these are only some of the ways that we have brought the cost of living down. Needless to say, that is quite a list. But we know that Australians are doing it tough. Inflation, the war in the Middle East and a decade of underinvestment by those opposite, who are now trying to convince people that they would have been better off under a Liberal government—I don't think so. The cost of living has been our No. 1 priority since we came to government. It remains our No. 1 priority, and we have delivered yet another budget that puts the cost of living—and fairness—front and centre. The reality is that the former government did not invest in health. It did not invest in housing, it did not invest in aged care and it did not give industry confidence in a renewable-energy future—just to name a few.”
“Since coming to government, we have delivered five income tax cuts in five different ways; 50 per cent off the fuel excise to help at the bowser; the biggest boost to Medicare in its history; record rates of bulk-billing, with 25 GP clinics in my electorate now 100 per cent bulk-billing clinics; caps on the price of essential medicines; Medicare urgent care clinics that have seen 68,000 free visits in Corrimal and Dapto alone; 2,521 cheaper home batteries and 14 community batteries in my electorate, helping to slash power prices for thousands of people; nearly 23,000 students in my electorate with thousands wiped off their student debt; cheaper child care for local families; higher wages for nearly three million of Australia's lowest paid workers every year; increases to the Medicare low income levy for over one million Australians; a 50 per cent increase in rent assistance for more than 10,000 Cunningham renters; five per cent deposits, supporting 1,159 first home buyers in Cunningham; and thousands of homes built across the country.”
“I am pleased to have the opportunity today to talk about the many ways the Albanese Labor government has delivered for our community when it comes to cost-of-living relief and improved living standards.”
“Venerable Master Hsing Yun sadly passed away in 2023 at the age of 97, and the enshrinement ceremony was a moving way to honour his life and legacy. Thank you to Venerable Hui-Kai, Venerable Man Ko and Venerable Miao You of Fo Guang Shan for their efforts organising this enshrinement ceremony and for ensuring the master's wisdom and compassion continues to be passed down to future generations.”
“He was a leading proponent of humanistic Buddhism, which seeks to integrate Buddhist teachings into everyday life and promote compassion, wisdom and kindness for all living beings. The Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and was established in 1995 under the guidance of the venerable master, contributing greatly to the wellbeing and spiritual life of our region and beyond. It is now a New South Wales State Heritage listed landmark, recognised for its architectural beauty, cultural significance and role as a hub for mindfulness, wellbeing and intercultural community connections. The venerable master was passionate about education, and under his leadership the Nan Tien Institute's Wollongong campus opened opposite the temple in 2015.”
“Wollongong also has a new Nepali and South Asian grocery store: Namaste Mart, a welcome addition to our multicultural landscape and a great way for locals to discover new flavours or reconnect with familiar ones. I was delighted to attend their grand opening recently. Businesses like this help to share traditions, celebrate diversity and bring people together through food. Congratulations to owners Uzi Bogati, Shan Bagale and Rojan Bhatta, and welcome to the Illawarra small business community. I was also honoured to recently attend the enshrining of the sacred relics of Venerable Master Hsing Yun at Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley recently. Venerable Master Hsing Yun was a renowned Chinese Buddhist monk, teacher and philanthropist who founded the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order.”
“I am so proud to represent the vibrant and multicultural Illawarra, where diverse communities enrich our region with celebration, life and colour. I recently attended the 47th anniversary of the founding of the Australian-Philippine Association's Illawarra chapter. From vibrant music and dance to delicious food and rich traditions, their work proudly showcases Filipino heritage and adds so much to the cultural fabric of the Illawarra. The association does outstanding work organising events and keeping the community connected, both online and in person. Thank you to President Estrella McKinnon, Secretary Erna De Los Reyes and the amazing management committee for everything they do to foster and strengthen the Filipino community's connection to the Illawarra.”
“With the NSW government, we are also delivering 43 new and refurbished social homes in the Wollongong local government area under Labor's Social Housing Accelerator program. On top of this support for more social and affordable homes, we're also delivering for renters and first home buyers. In my electorate alone, more than 1,056 people have bought their first home sooner thanks to our expanded Home Guarantee Scheme. More than 10,000 local people have also received an almost 50 per cent boost in back-to-back increases in Commonwealth rent assistance, and more than 560 local construction trade apprentices have benefited from $5,000 incentive payments.”
“This project received over $10 million under the Housing Australia Future Fund for 27 social and affordable homes for frontline workers, older women and families impacted by domestic violence. The Housing Trust is another incredible local organisation which is working hard every day to support local people in need. Their project Northsea has also received a further $2.15 million under the HAFF for nine affordable rental apartments in Wollongong's CBD. Northsea is one of Australia's first purpose built mixed tenure buildings, with social, affordable and private housing all in the same beautiful building which was opened in December 2024. I really want to thank Housing Trust CEO Amanda Winks and everyone in her team for their work helping vulnerable people across the Illawarra.”
“Whether they stay for a long time or a short time, this is the first step in a brighter tomorrow, and I could not be prouder to be part of the government making this life-changing investment in their future. These were six homes out of 50 in my electorate of Cunningham that our government has proudly invested in, with a total of nearly $19.5 million delivered so far. Penny and her wonderful SASSI team have received another $2,625,000 for eight homes under the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program for crisis accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence. In October last year, I celebrated the topping out of the Housing Trust Warruya project in central Wollongong.”
“While we were there, we met Monica, a humble woman who generously and proudly wanted to show us her new home. Through a set of unfortunate circumstances, Monica, like so many women over the age of 55, found herself without a home of her own, sleeping on her sister's lounge—a situation she knew couldn't go on. She was really struggling. Her absolute delight at having this new apartment that she could call her own, which was full of her photos and her belongings and was somewhere where she could bring family and friends, was so clear. This little unit had changed Monica's life. Having a safe place they can call their own helps these women and children to regain their dignity and to start a new life. It is just the beginning for them.”
“SASSI CEO Penny, an incredibly passionate community advocate, has worked tirelessly to deliver not only this project but several others right across the Illawarra and the South Coast. She's not done, either, with more exciting projects in the works, possible only because of the opportunities the Housing Australia Future Fund is providing. When I was chatting with Penny's team, the pride that they felt at delivering this amazing project was so obvious. From dilapidated units that hadn't been touched in decades, they have produced beautiful, comfortable and, most of all, safe places that local women can call home—an absolutely incredible job by Penny's whole team. I really want to give them the credit that they deserve for their passion in working for vulnerable local people. They are amazing.”
“We know that, under the previous government, we saw a decade of inaction on housing. Over that time, the Liberals built just 373 social and affordable homes, a shocking record that Labor is working every single day to turn around. We're investing $45 billion to build more homes to help renters and help more Australians buy their first home, and we are literally changing lives. Under the Albanese Labor government's Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program, we recently delivered more than $4.6 million to a local organisation, SASSI, to buy and refurbish six homes in the Illawarra. On 20 March, I was thrilled to get a tour of these new homes and hear directly about the impact that they are having. Already, five of the six units are housing women and children fleeing domestic violence, as well as older women at risk of homelessness.”
“I'd sincerely like to thank the CEO of Southern Youth and Family Services, Narelle Clay, as well as Persa Atkins and Gorana Deljanovska from Cringila Community Centre and their entire team members. (Time expired)”
“The Cringila learning resource support program aims to equip disadvantaged young people with the tools that they need to re-engage with education and employment, succeed academically and feel a sense of belonging. Providing essential back-to-school supplies as well as connecting families with wraparound support services, SYFS aims to address the complex challenges that lead to disengagement and disadvantage. I recently visited the Cringila Community Centre to see firsthand the fantastic supplies that the funding has helped to make available for local families. It was great to hear from Amanda Giles, the principal at Cringila Public School, and Paula Thurgate, the community liaison officer at Warrawong Public School, about the difference that these supplies have made to their students.”
“I have also been really pleased recently to support another fantastic local community organisation helping people in need in my electorate. Southern Youth and Family Services is a fantastic not-for-profit organisation that works to support disadvantaged families and young people across the Illawarra. SYFS, as it is known, provides a range of services including accommodation, counselling, mediation and programs targeted at improving outcomes for at-risk local families. That's why I was so very pleased to support the work SYFS is doing with $15,000 for the Cringila learning resource support program with the help of the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association under the Strong and Resilient Communities Activity grants program.”
“To see all of the MCCI staff and our community engaged so enthusiastically with this process was really inspirational, and I'm so excited to finally see the concept plans that ArkiLab has produced. They are seriously impressive. I have no doubt that this centre will become the shining example of what can be achieved when community works together to build something for themselves with heart, with inclusion and with all the community spirit that the Illawarra is well known for. I want to say a very big thank you to MCCI's CEO, Chris Lacey; chairperson, Tom Begic; and the entire MCCI team, and I want to thank you for your incredible work in getting this centre off the ground and for the work that you do every single day supporting our vibrant multicultural community.”
“With future plans for cooking and outdoor facilities as well—and I'm still working on the barbeque there—I know not only that this regional centre will play a pivotal role in the lives of so many people in our community but also that it will become the new headquarters for MCCI's team, providing a fit-for-purpose, modern and accessible space for its staff, with some meeting areas, training rooms, a service centre for people who need a helping hand and much, much more. I was so impressed when I attended the MCCI workshop with Ras Frisk from ArkiLab Designs. Ras is a Danish architect who has a unique way of working with organisations to bring their group vision for working and community spaces to life.”
“With such an extensive array of cultures, religions and traditions, it's no wonder that there is a growing need for inclusive and accessible infrastructure to support the many events throughout our social calendar. That's where the Illawarra regional multicultural centre will come in. This will be a one-stop shop for our community's major and minor multicultural gatherings, a hub of connection, celebration, diversity and inclusion, embracing all that the Illawarra region's diversity has to offer.”
“I am so excited to get a tour of the new Illawarra regional multicultural centre in Coniston tomorrow. During the 2025 election, I committed $5 million for the MCCI to develop this critical multicultural hub, and I am absolutely thrilled to see this funding now delivered. The Illawarra region is incredibly proud of our multicultural community. We have more than 70 multicultural associations, and they contribute so much to our vibrant social fabric. Whether through events, dance, food, music, art or more, our multicultural communities are a celebrated and embraced part of our local spirit. For the last 50 years, the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra, otherwise known as MCCI, has been working to support these diverse groups, and they are a much-trusted and relied-upon source of guidance and care for so many.”
“It delivers on a clear commitment, it ends a longstanding inequity, and it ensures that Australians no longer have to choose between their health and their financial security. I commend this bill to the House.”
“We cannot achieve that future if people are afraid to participate. We cannot achieve that future if outdated rules stand in the way, and this bill removes those barriers. There will always be questions about how we balance fairness and risk in insurance markets, and it is important to acknowledge that. That's why this legislation includes safeguards. It's why insurers retain access to other relevant information. It's why the operation of these provisions will be subject to regular review. We are taking a careful and a considered approach, but we are also taking a necessary step because doing nothing is not an option. Australians deserve a system that supports their health decisions. They deserve a system that reflects modern science and they deserve a system that treats them fairly. This bill delivers that.”
“Schedule 4 removes unnecessary regulatory burden on financial advisers by repealing a requirement for annual individual registration that is no longer needed. These are important measures, but it is schedule 1 that goes to the heart of this bill because it speaks to a fundamental principle: Australians should never be punished for looking after their health. This reform is about dignity, fairness and trust—trust that, when Australians engage with the healthcare system, they can do so without fear; trust that the system will support them, not penalise them; and trust that the law will protect them. It is also about the kind of future that we want to build—a future where preventive healthcare is embraced, a future where medical research thrives and a future where advances in science translate into better outcomes for everyone.”
“This has been a sustained effort, and it deserves recognition. The bill also includes a number of additional measures. Schedule 2 provides licensing exemptions for foreign financial service providers, giving Australian businesses and investors access to a greater diversity of investments, new sources of financing and lower costs through increased competition. This will support diversification and strengthen our financial system. Schedule 3 modernises Australia's legislative framework for multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund. It reduces administrative burden and ensures that Australia can continue to participate effectively in international financial arrangements.”
“As technology evolves, our legal framework must evolve with it. I also want to acknowledge the people who have worked tirelessly to bring this reform to this point. In particular, I want to recognise Dr Jane Tiller from Monash University for her leadership and advocacy over many years. Her work has been absolutely instrumental in highlighting the real-world impacts of genetic discrimination and in building the case for change. I also want to acknowledge the Assistant Treasurer for progressing this legislation and delivering on the government's commitment. I also want to recognise the former assistant treasurer and my good friend Stephen Jones for his work in advancing these reforms and laying the groundwork for what we are debating today. That was really important work that Stephen and his office did.”
“The use of genetic information in life insurance has been a policy concern for decades. There have been reviews, moratoriums and industry led approaches, but the evidence has been clear: those measures have not been enough. They have not provided certainty, they have not removed fear and they have not delivered the protections that Australians deserve. That is why legislative action is necessary, and that is why the Albanese Labor government is acting. This bill also ensures that our laws are consistent. It aligns the Insurance Contracts Act and the Disability Discrimination Act so that genetic discrimination is clearly addressed. It clarifies that individuals are not required to disclose protected genetic information when applying for life insurance, and it ensures that antidiscrimination protections keep pace with advances in science.”
“But the main reason that people who signed up for DNA Screen decided not to participate was genetic discrimination in life insurance. This barrier to testing is not abstract; it is happening in communities, including in places like the Illawarra, and this legislation will remove that barrier. The benefits of this reform go far beyond the individual. Greater uptake of genetic testing means better public health outcomes. It means earlier detection. It means more effective prevention. It means advances in scientific knowledge that benefit all Australians. It also makes economic sense. Published modelling shows that preventive genomic screening is cost effective, with productivity gains in the billions. This is not just good health policy; it is good economic policy. This reform has been a long time coming.”
“We have heard from researchers and clinicians, and we have heard from participants in studies like the DNA Screen project at Monash University. That study tested 10,000 young Australians for genetic risk of preventable cancers and heart disease. What it found was striking. Around one in 50 participants had a high genetic risk of serious disease. That is not a small number; that is a significant portion of the population. For those individuals, that information gained through genetic testing opened the door to preventive care: surveillance, medication and, in some cases, life-saving interventions. In my electorate of Cunningham, at least 50 young people participated in the DNA Screen study. They were proactive. They wanted to understand their health risks and they wanted to take preventive action.”
“They can still consider symptoms, diagnosis and family medical history. They can still ensure policies are properly underwritten, and individuals can still choose to disclose genetic test results where it benefits them, with appropriate consent. This is not about creating loopholes; it is about delivering fairness and drawing a clear line where discrimination should not occur. This bill also strengthens enforcement. It introduces civil penalties and criminal offences for noncompliance, and it gives the Australian Securities and Investments Commission the responsibility to oversee and enforce these protections. These are not symbolic changes. They are real protections, backed by real consequences. We know this reform is needed because we have heard directly from Australians.”
“That means worse health outcomes and missed opportunities for early intervention, and it means a system that is working against people, not for them. This bill fixes that. Schedule 1 delivers a clear and decisive reform. It bans life insurers from using adverse genetic test results when making decisions about life insurance cover, including whether to offer a policy and on what terms. That means Australians can undergo genetic testing without worrying that the result will be used to deny them cover or increase their premiums. It restores certainty and confidence and it puts people's health ahead of insurer profit margins. Importantly, this reform is carefully designed. It does not undermine the fundamentals of the insurance system. Insurers will still be able to use relevant information to assess risk.”
“It allows doctors to identify risks early, it allows patients to take preventive action and it allows families to understand inherited conditions and make informed decisions. In many cases, it quite literally saves lives. We are moving into an era where genomics is not just about treating disease but preventing it all together, but the law has not kept pace with that science. For too long Australians have held back from genetic testing because of the fear that it could be used against them by life insurers, and that fear is not hypothetical. Treasury analysis and stakeholder evidence make it clear that people are delaying or even avoiding genetic testing and participation in medical research because of concerns about life insurance.”
“I rise to speak in support of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025. At its heart, this bill is about fairness. It is about ensuring Australians are not penalised for taking steps to look after their health. It is about removing a barrier that has for too long forced people into an impossible choice—a choice between finding out potentially life-saving information about their future health and protecting their ability to access affordable life insurance. This is not a choice that anyone should have to make, and it is a choice that this bill will end. Genetic testing is one of the most powerful tools we have in modern medicine.”
“We are so very grateful to Phil and everyone who has participated in the crawl for the last 21 years. Our community is stronger because of you, a local hero. Thank you again to Joe, Phil and all of the incredible local Cunningham heroes working to make a better world. (Time expired)”
“They swim through magnificent ocean pools at Coalcliff, Wombarra, Austinmer, Bulli and Towradgi—ending, of course, with a beer and a raffle back at the pub. The event raises much needed funds for the Cancer Council. Since its first year, Phil and the ocean pool crawlers have raised more than $508,000, which has supported the vital work the Cancer Council does across the Illawarra. Sadly, this was the last year for Phil. He is hanging up his cossies after more than two decades. He leaves an incredible legacy of generosity and community spirit that will not be easily forgotten. It takes a lot of work to pull together a community event like this, and I'd also like to acknowledge the Cancer Council's Robyn Dawson and her team for their efforts rallying community support for this fun event.”
“Over that time, Joe has raised more than $350,000. This is an extraordinary contribution from one individual driven by compassion and an unwavering commitment to helping others. This year alone, he raised an incredible $16,357.40, a testament not only to Joe's dedication but also to our vibrant and generous Portuguese community, who continue to stand beside him. Joe's leadership and humility is truly inspiring, reminding us that community spirit is alive and well in the Illawarra. I thank him and everyone who supports him each year for the meaningful difference they are making in the lives of Australian families. Another incredible individual who has dedicated decades of his life to others is Phil Murray. For 21 years, Phil has run the Great Ocean Pool Crawl. Each year, the party bus leaves from Towradgi Beach Hotel.”
“I rise today to recognise two extraordinary heroes from my electorate of Cunningham who have proven the difference the power of one can make in the world. For 28 years, Joe Alves has been shaving his head all in the name of a good cause, raising funds for life-changing blood cancer support and research. On Sunday 1 March, Joe held his 28th fundraising lunch for the Leukaemia Foundation's World's Greatest Shave. Once again the room was filled with local families, small businesses and long-time supporters, all coming together for a cause that Joe has championed for nearly three decades. Year after year, Joe has shaved his head in solidarity with Australians facing blood cancer problems. It is a simple but powerful act—one that sparks conversations, builds awareness and, more importantly, raises vital funds.”
“Through national awareness campaigns, community events, family hangouts and the Step Together with JAFA virtual fundraiser, they are bringing attention to the early signs of juvenile arthritis and encouraging families, educators and health professionals to recognise symptoms sooner. The Albanese Labor government has also expanded access to humira, under the PBS, to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis, taking the price from $650 per script to just $25—a significant saving and just one way we support impacted families. By raising awareness, we can help shorten the path to diagnosis and ensure that children receive specialist care as early as possible. I acknowledge all the families in my electorate— (Time expired)”
“Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Week was 16 to 23 March. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, yet one of the least recognised. An estimated 6,000 to 10,000 Australian children under 16 and up to 30,000 young people under 24 live with this condition. Many are diagnosed only after permanent joint damage or even loss of vision has already occurred, and 80 per cent of children experience daily pain. This disease places a heavy burden on schooling, social participation, mental health and long-term wellbeing. The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation Australia is working to change this.”
“The Albanese Labor government has a proven track record of investing in the Illawarra as a clean energy and advanced manufacturing powerhouse, and this expo was a great opportunity to demonstrate how the clean energy future can be made in the Illawarra. I'd like to say a big thank you to the climate change and energy minister, the industry minister and the environment and water minister for their time and passionate commitment to the Illawarra. I'd like to give a big thank you also to everyone who attended the expo. I would also like to thank Vice Chancellor Max Lu, Canio Fierravanti and Ty Christopher. The Illawarra is a hub for innovation and collaboration, and I know my friends the member for Whitlam and the member for Gilmore— (Time expired)”
“I was delighted to co-host the Made in the Illawarra: Innovation, Energy and Manufacturing Expo this week, right here in Parliament House, in partnership with the University of Wollongong. Our event brought together industry leaders, community organisations and leading researchers from across the Illawarra to showcase our region's capabilities on the national and international stage. The atmosphere was electric, with so many companies showcasing their incredible knowledge, capability and innovation and putting the Illawarra on the map as a powerful force when it comes to solving some of our nation's challenges. We had 21 local organisations and 10 of the University of Wollongong's leading research teams exhibit, including BlueScope, Hysata, Sicona, Green Gravity, RDA Illawarra and Wollongong City Council.”
“This experience highlighted how important community voice and advocacy is in shaping our policies which reflect on the needs of the people in our community. It has not only strengthened my passion for public service and law, but also reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career where I, myself, can contribute to a positive change through law and politics. I will be forever grateful for the knowledge I gained and this will undoubtedly lead me as I continue my studies and future career. And on a more personal level, this experience has confirmed my interest in the foundations of law and government to the extent that I had found myself reading the Australian Constitution. Thank you so much, Dina. She wrote that in about 20 minutes, and she's an absolute champion.”
“I recently had the pleasure of hosting Dina Sultan in my office for work experience. Dina is a University of Wollongong student studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Studies, and she wrote the following speech about her time in my office: This week I was given an incredible opportunity to complete work experience in the federal member Alison Byrnes' office. This experience has been critical in deepening my understanding of how politics and law cross in real-world decision-making. By working with her team, it gave me first hand insight of issues and challenges that our community faces day to day and the responsibilities which Alison and other elected representatives face on a day to day basis, whether it's the Israeli president being invited to Australia or assisting someone who is having difficulties with Centrelink.”
“With the tools they give you it's possible to see not only how much money you're saving but also how much carbon you are not contributing to the environment. I have saved money and reduced my impact on the environment, all thanks to the Albanese government.'”
“He said, 'Having the battery has futureproofed our home and kept the lights on during several recent blackouts.' Then there's David from Woonona, who said: 'I took advantage of the Albanese government's Cheaper Home Batteries scheme in July and I haven't paid for electricity since. I'm happy to be feeding electricity back to the grid using a VPP and am grateful for the Minns government's support as well. Thanks to both policies, I can make a difference to the environment.' Then we have Thomas from Berkeley, who said: 'I used the program to install solar and batteries for the first time and was really impressed with both how much money I have saved and how much excess energy I have contributed to my local VPP.”
“Normally a blackout means it's hard to see our patients, which costs the business but, more importantly, makes it hard to treat our patients when they need it.' Luke said the battery has been so successful that he's gotten one at home now as well. Brendan from Figtree said: 'In September I installed a 49-kilowatt battery to complement our existing large solar system, and we joined a VPP. Both through the rebate and the market competition it has created, I saved nearly $18,000 on the installation. Our last quarterly bill before the battery was $900 and our first with the battery was a $600 refund.' That saved them $1,500 over the quarter.”
“The first bill for 92 days was $117, noting that there were a few weeks of rain during the billing period.' The club applauds this government for the subsidised battery; otherwise, their association would not have been able to afford it. Luke, a vet from Fairy Meadow, said: 'I started a new veterinary hospital in April 2025 in Fairy Meadow and had solar panels installed before we opened. This meant our bills were $350 per month instead of being two to three times more than that. We had a large battery installed under the scheme in September, and now our bills are less than $100 per month. Even more important for us is that we could still operate normally when we had two blackouts, as the battery took over.”
“I'm enjoying not paying for electricity and having my bill in credit as a result of feeding back into the grid.' However, for Kerryn, the best thing was when the Australian Energy Market Operator announced that the renewables share in the last quarter rose above 50 per cent. She said, 'I was proud to contribute to that, albeit in a very small way.' Louis from the George Cross Falcons Community Centre, in Cringila, said: 'Two years ago our association, under a federal program, received funding for the installation of solar panels. Last October, we ordered a 40-kilowatt battery subsidised by the Labor government.”