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.”
The complete record
Every one of 328 lines we hold for Alison Byrnes, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 7.
“One of the many programs supporting communities to lower emissions and power bills is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. My community in the Illawarra have proven that we want to drive this energy transition and have enthusiastically embraced this program. As of 18 January, my electorate of Cunningham now has 1,568 new small-scale batteries, which will provide 36,595 kilowatt hours of capacity. I wanted to share some stories from local people about the difference that it's making to their lives and to their back pockets. Kerryn from Corrimal says: 'I took advantage of the Labor government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program and added a battery to our existing solar panels.”
“Renewables are the cheapest form of power, and we simply will not bring down electricity prices without transitioning to a renewable energy future. Only a Labor government will achieve this, and it is already underway. Since we came to government we have approved 123 renewable energy projects, enough to power more than five million households, potentially reducing emissions by more than 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. That's the same as taking nine million cars off the road. For the first time, renewables supplied more electricity across Australia than coal-fired power generation did, and the wholesale electricity price in the national electricity market has fallen by 14 per cent. This is not an accident. It is the result of a government with a defined purpose and a plan to achieve it.”
“Together, these events tell a powerful story about the Illawarra, a community that values care for our environment, compassion for one another and lifelong service to our community. I am proud to represent a region where that spirit is so clearly alive.”
“It is built through care, volunteering and a willingness to welcome others in. In December I had the pleasure of speaking at the retirement dinner of Ken Habak, a remarkable local who has dedicated more than five decades to serving our community. Since 1971 Ken has worked tirelessly to support multicultural communities in the Illawarra, including 23 years as chair of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra, or MCCI. His leadership helped transform the organisation into the inclusive, modern institution that it is today. Ken's service has rightly been recognised with honours including an OAM, Australia Day Ambassador, and Wollongong Senior Citizen of the Year. The turnout at his retirement was a testament to the lives he has touched and the legacy he leaves behind.”
“It is a place of learning, connection and care, and its first 50 years are something our entire region is very proud of. Late last year I attended the 20th anniversary of the Strategic Community Assistance to Refugee Families, or SCARF, an organisation that has quietly but profoundly shaped the multicultural fabric of our region. For two decades, SCARF has supported refugees and new arrivals as they build safe, connected lives in the Illawarra. Founded on simple acts of kindness, the organisation has helped thousands of people find belonging in a new country. Since joining forces with the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra in 2021, that legacy has only grown stronger. SCARF's work reminds us that successful multiculturalism does not happen by accident.”
“I rise today to highlight three community events I have recently had the privilege to attend in the Illawarra, each of them reflecting something fundamental about who we are as a region. I was honoured to join the community at Symbio Wildlife Park to celebrate its 50th anniversary. What began as just five acres of land has become a world renowned conservation park and a cherished local institution. Symbio's story is one of family stewardship across generations, from the Maplesons to the Grovers and now the Radnidge family, each building on the dreams of the last. Today Symbio is recognised not only as a major tourism attraction but also for its leading conservation work, from endangered species breeding programs to habitat restoration. Many people across the Illawarra—me included—grew up with Symbio as part of our childhoods.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. What were the outcomes from the Prime Minister's recent visit to Indonesia, and why are our relationships in the region and the world so important for Australians at home? How has the Albanese Labor government improved our relationships since coming to government?”
“He would say no, that he was going to do it, every time. It was said lightly, but it reflected his very deep sense of responsibility and his pride in his work. Luch loved this place and he loved the people who worked within it. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, not because of formality but because he looked for ways to help others, to treat everyone with respect and to do his job well and without fuss. His passing has left a real void in this parliament, and I really did not want to walk into the attendants room at the start of this year and not see him here and not get a chance to banter about who gets the lectern. His legacy lives on in the memories, the kindness and the care that he showed to generations of members of staff and of visitors. On behalf of all of us, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Luch's family.”
“Sharon Bird shared this with me: It was always such a pleasure to come back to Canberra and be greeted by his friendly smile, chat about the Gong and enjoy his little jokes. Stephen Martin, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives described Luch as 'a champion person, a true gentlemen, friendly but efficient in all my close working relationships with during my parliamentary career and even on those occasions I returned to Canberra'. Those words reflect how deeply Luch was valued across generations of members in this place. Like the Speaker, I shared familiar exchanges with Loochy in the attendants room near the chamber, where we bantered about who would get the lectern, who would get the water. He would insist on doing it. I would say, 'Loochy, I'm going to do it,' and that he could relax.”
“It was a small gesture, but one that captured his thoughtfulness and his attention to others. He understood that this place can be demanding, and he took it upon himself to look after people in practical and very human ways. For me, Luch was a familiar presence over a very long time. I had known Loochy for 35 years. During my time here as a staffer and as an MP, he would always ask me about my home in Wollongong. He loved the Gong, and he never missed an opportunity to ask how things were going there, what was happening in the community and how people were travelling back home. That genuine interest in people's lives beyond this building was part of what made him so very special. He often asked me about my predecessors Sharon Bird and Stephen Martin and spoke warmly about them.”
“From working in Old Parliament House to labouring on the construction of this parliament to then serving here as a parliamentary attendant, Luch quite literally helped build and sustain the people's house, and that is a legacy that very few can claim. What set Luch apart, however, was not just his long service, but the way he treated people. He treated everyone equally, regardless of seniority, portfolio or party. He just had an instinctive understanding of procedure and ceremony, and he carried out his duties with efficiency, courtesy and warmth. He managed to be both highly professional and genuinely kind, and that combination earned him respect across the chamber. Many members will remember moments of nerves or pressure when Luch would quietly appear with a glass of water. You never had to ask; he had already noticed.”
“I rise today to pay my respects to Ljupco Jonceski, known to all of us simply as Luch, and to extend my deepest condolences to his family. It is an honour to speak about a man who meant so much to this place and to the people within it. When we returned to this place at the start of the year, many of us felt Luch's absence immediately. In a place that is defined by change, by elections and by people coming and going, Luch was a constant. He was always here, always ready and always doing his job with care, dignity and good humour. Luch served this parliament for over four decades, and he did so with an extraordinary sense of pride in the institution. As the Prime Minister noted, his story is deeply connected to this building itself.”
“From 1 January, we have reduced the maximum cost of all PBS listed medicines to only $25 and frozen the cost for concession card holders at $7.75. Medicines have not been this cheap for more than 20 years, and this is on top of our 60-day dispensing and the lowering of the PBS safety net threshold. We've launched 1800MEDICARE, a new advice and out-of-hours Medicare telehealth service, which has already been accessed by tens of thousands of Australians since its launch on 1 January. And we've introduced the new Medicare mental health check-in so that all Australians can access free digital mental health support without the need for a GP referral. Our government is committed to supporting our community with access to more affordable health care.”
“Corrimal Medical & Dental Centre switched away from bulk-billing a few years ago, due to increasing overhead costs to their GPs, and they have proudly switched back thanks to this investment that is backing the hard work that they do. No-one wants to see their patients avoiding a check-up because they can't afford it or, worse, ending up in hospital because they didn't get early intervention by their GP. King Street Dental & Medical estimates that the switch to fully bulk-billing will see 17,000 additional patient visits each year delivered with no out-of-pocket costs. This has taken real dedication from every doctor at the practices that have signed up, and I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every GP in our community for the work that you do every day. But that's not all.”
“From 1 November last year, for the first time, bulk-billing incentives will be paid to GPs for every patient they bulk-bill, supporting GPs and reducing costs and barriers for patients. In my electorate of Cunningham, we now have 24 fully bulk-billing clinics, 14 of which were mixed billing before our changes were announced. That means we now have nearly 2½ times more bulk-billing clinics in my electorate alone, thanks to the Albanese Labor government's investment. Clinics like the Corrimal Medical & Dental Centre and King Street Dental & Medical in Warrawong have told me what a difference this is making for their doctors and their patients.”
“This money will go a long way towards alleviating some of that pressure while we continue the hard work of delivering better access to aged care across our region, something that I am working on very closely with the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. I was delighted to deliver more than $17.4 million in funding to the Illawarra Retirement Trust to upgrade its Marco Polo aged-care centre in Unanderra. This will deliver an additional 48 residential aged-care beds for the Illawarra by 2027. Our dedication to improving access to affordable health care is part of Labor's DNA. We created Medicare, and we have fought for years to protect and to strengthen it. The Albanese Labor government has made the single biggest investment in Medicare history, with our $8.5 billion package to deliver more bulk-billing and more doctors across the country.”
“Additional funding support for public hospitals from the Australian government will improve care, will cut wait times and will help to address ambulance ramping. I know that health ministers right across the country have worked incredibly hard to reach this record deal, and I'd like to acknowledge the work of Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and New South Wales minister for health, the member for Keira, Ryan Park for their strong determination and dedication to improving outcomes for patients right across New South Wales. In my electorate of Cunningham in the Illawarra, bed block at Wollongong Hospital is a massive issue, as Minister Park is well aware.”
“I am pleased to rise today to talk about some of the incredible progress that the Albanese Labor government has made in delivering our promises of cheaper health care for all Australians. We promised cheaper medicines, more bulk-billing and better access to mental health support, and we're delivering them all. As a government, we believe that access to quality health care should not depend on your bank balance. So just last week we reached a landmark agreement to deliver record funding for public hospitals. We are delivering an additional $25 billion to the states and territories over the next five years, bringing our total investment in public hospitals across Australia to $219.6 billion. This is three times more in additional funding for public hospitals than under the last five-year agreement.”
“I hope to see others continue to put kindness and unity above division. We must do all that we can so that this event is not repeated in Australia. The theme of our national day of mourning on Thursday, as requested by Rabbi Ulman, will be 'Light Will Win—A Gathering of Unity and Remembrance'. We must use light to guide us from this dark period, and we must use light to help us stamp out hate in all its forms in all parts of our community. I again give my deepest condolences to the friends, families and communities of the victims of this senseless attack. May this tragedy help guide us to a better, more cohesive and more respectful Australia.”
“I unequivocally condemn the actions of the perpetrators at Bondi, and I condemn antisemitism, hatred and racism in all its forms. We cannot allow more hate to be the response to this act of hate. We cannot allow extremism to be responded to with further extremist behaviour. This attack has struck at the core of our beliefs. Acts of such immense and intense hatred are aimed at dividing us and driving a wedge between us—in this case, based on religion. But it has not. It has united our community, firstly, in shock and grief but now in a steely determination that similar incidents are not repeated against any group or at any gathering. Over the last month, we have seen both the best and the worst of humanity, but the best elements of us have consistently risen to guide us.”
“I was also joined by young members of the Jewish community Pnina Hagege, Zac Morris and Ellie Zilberman, who came to pay their respects, as well as Kath Cummins. I wanted to acknowledge their presence, their resolve and their kindness. I also acknowledge the leadership of the Muslim community in engaging constructively and respectfully with government since the events at Bondi. The president of the Omar Mosque in Gwynneville has long put community unity above hate, noting that, when it came to these Bondi attacks, 'These were sick individuals who did this.' Syrian born Ahmed al-Ahmed is one of the heroes of Bondi. He put his life at risk to save other people in his community. His bravery was simply awe inspiring.”
“We stood together as one with our Jewish community, as Rabbi Menachem Aron spread a message of love, light and kindness. It was a display of solidarity and of shared grief, demonstrating that we will not allow hate to define who we are or how we gather. I want to thank Dr Yoke Berry from the Wollongong Jewish community for her strength and her kindness in the face of this terrible event. Days after the Bondi attack, I joined the member for Wollongong, the member for Macarthur, the member for Reid, Waverley mayor Will Nemesh and many mayors from across New South Wales, as well as thousands of others, to lay flowers at the Bondi pavilion. People from all faiths, all backgrounds and all walks of life gathered in their shared grief and their shared determination to ensure that this is never repeated.”
“We saw people running towards danger, stepping in front of a gunman because maybe they could stop him, calling out warnings and sheltering total strangers—people putting kindness and caring for others first. That is what being Australian truly means. One week after the Bondi attack, on the national day of reflection, I attended the lighting of the menorah with the Jewish community of Wollongong, along with local leaders from all faiths and backgrounds—Nepalese, Indian, Vietnamese Buddhist monks and a First Nations pastor—as well as members of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra, the Salvation Army, the member for Whitlam, the member for Wollongong, the deputy lord mayor and local councillors, Wollongong local area commander Superintendent Karen Cook, local police and many other members of our community.”
“I rise today to acknowledge the profound loss and the sadness of the Cunningham community following the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December at the Chanukah by the Sea event. On that horrific evening, 15 innocent lives were taken, and our country has been left shaken and reeling. I give my sincere and heartfelt condolences to all of those who lost a loved one and whose lives have been changed forever. Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, a festival with a message of optimism and hope. When reflecting on the events of that night, I focus on the acts that truly demonstrate the Australian spirit: the bravery of ordinary Australians—of our first responders, paid and volunteered, who put themselves in danger to help and protect others.”
“My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to build more houses for Australians? Are there any risks to the delivery of these homes?”
“The community had simply outgrown the original mosque, which had its own interesting history, having been used in the past by the Jewish and Christian communities. A new purpose-built facility was something that the Omar Mosque committee was really passionate about, and you could see how excited the whole community was to finally see it open. I was also pleased to have supported the mosque with $100,000 in federal funding for its security system. I want to thank Sheik Abdul Rahman Fattah and the Omar Mosque committee, including the founder of the AICC, Shafik Khan; Ziad Sultan; Khaled El Hage; Amad Badeir; and my good friends President Hussein Salem and Dr Munir Hussain.”
“On Saturday 25 October our community was given a special treat: a look inside our brand-new, beautiful Omar Mosque in Gwynneville. The mosque was 10 years in the making, and it is now open thanks to the kind and generous contributions of the Illawarra Islamic community. Walking into the mosque is a real treat, with its absolutely magnificent brass coloured chandeliers inside the domes that are a nod to our steel history. I was so delighted to see a fantastic turnout of community members of all backgrounds who came along to see inside this grand, new building and learn more about what happens inside. It was a true display of community unity and spirit. Everyone who came was given a tour of the facility, and there was absolutely incredible food and entertainment for the whole family.”
“The work that you do is so valued and so valuable. Lastly I want to acknowledge all of those businesses who are taking on apprentices, investing in their education and their future. I want you all to know that you are making a difference in someone's life and giving them the key to their future. The Albanese Labor government will continue doing all we can to support business, support students and support our community by investing in TAFE, investing in the jobs of the future and creating a future made in Australia. I commend the bill to the House.”
“That is what I see as the common denominator across all of these areas I have just outlined—affordable vocational education using state-of-the-art equipment in the regions, local and accessible to anyone who wants to embrace it. I am a proud supporter of TAFE and a proud backer of vocational education. I am pleased to see this bill supporting the mechanisms that allow young people to access VET loans while securing their information, and I really want to thank the Minister for Skills and Training for not only his work on this bill but his commitment to affordable and accessible vocational education. It was a pleasure to have him in Wollongong just recently, and I look forward to welcoming him back soon. I also want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our hardworking TAFE and vocational education teachers.”
“I want to see the Illawarra embrace it, because the reality is that we embrace it or we miss out. These jobs will be created, and we want them to be created right in the Illawarra. We want those jobs for our kids as well as for those workers in fossil fuel industries that are facing huge challenges and changes ahead. There is opportunity, and, as a government, it is our job to make sure that we are putting support into the right places to allow community and industry to move in the direction that we need them to. That starts with vocational education. It must be affordable, it must be accessible, and it must be fit for purpose.”
“Investing in apprentices means we will have more tradies, which means more homes can be built today, tomorrow and in the future, and it encourages more people into the sectors that are playing a crucial role in transitioning our economy to net zero and supporting our aspiration for a future made in Australia. Eligible apprenticeships include designing and constructing; hydroelectricity; solar and battery installations; electric vehicle maintenance; and more. This is great news for young people, and it is great news for the future of our country. I am so excited to see what the future will hold. I have been a big support of renewable energy because I can see the potential. I can see the opportunities that it holds, particularly in regional areas like ours. Net zero is the future. It has to be, and it will be.”
“We're doubling the level of support for apprentices who finish a trade in the residential housing sector and in the clean energy sector, providing them with a $10,000 incentive payment under the Key Apprenticeship Program. The program provides eligible apprentices with $10,000 in incentive payments, on top of their wages over the life of their apprenticeship, to work in housing construction and in over 40 different energy careers. We've also increased the living-away-from-home allowance from 1 July this year to help apprentices who are struggling with the cost of relocating to undertake their apprenticeship.”
“Free TAFE and VET loans put this within the reach of everyone in our community and tells them that this future is possible for them and they can fulfil that dream to be part of this new revolution. We are also backing apprentices—supporting and encouraging businesses to invest in the education of our future workforce. As of December 2024, the electorate of Cunningham had 2,790 apprentices. Our government is investing in apprentices because we know how important they are for our economy and how important they are for growing skills. Apprenticeships support businesses. They put young people on a viable career pathway and they ensure that we have the skilled workforce we need for the future.”
“It is all of these pieces together, combined with real investment in industries and in the companies that are doing that work. They are being given the signals that the Illawarra is serious about playing a significant role in that transition. Young people are excited about the jobs that the clean energy transition is providing and will provide. They want to be a part of it because they see it as their future, and local companies see that too. We're backing them in with our Future Made in Australia policies, including the Industry Growth Program, which is helping local companies like Gravitas Technologies scale their innovation and bring it to the world market. We believe in the transition. We believe in the jobs and opportunities that it can provide, and we are backing it with world-class education and training.”
“This centre of excellence will focus on traditional and renewable manufacturing to support the development of a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of new technologies and rising automation. It will provide targeted training in traditional and renewable heavy industry manufacturing for the defence and transport sectors. It will also integrate emerging technologies and automation into training, equipping students for work in digital, electrical and robotic manufacturing. It will also deliver microskills and microcredentials to upskill current workers. It is amazing that we will have, based in the Illawarra, one of only three of these centres of excellence. It is not just one piece that will help our economy transition from a coal based workforce to the new clean energy market.”
“The Illawarra is home to a thriving advanced manufacturing industry that is innovating and growing locally, nationally and internationally. We've got BlueScope, of course—the backbone of the Illawarra for 50 years. We've also got newer innovators like Hysata, Gravitas Technologies, Sicona Battery Technologies and so many more that are working to ensure that Australia and the world have the tools and the technology for our future. These companies are expanding, they are innovating and they need a workforce pool that they can call on—a workforce with the skills to really contribute to these growing industries. That's why I am also really excited that the Albanese Labor government has invested $23.53 million, matched by the New South Wales government, to develop the Illawarra Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.”
“There are zones to learn, zones to practise skills and zones to get excited about the job possibilities of the future, all in an interactive environment for everyone aged five to 105. Working in partnership with the TAFE units and with the broader Energy Futures Skills Centre which will open next year is how we will ensure that the Illawarra is ready, skilled and available to supply the workforce we need tomorrow and in the future. It's something I am so proud to deliver for our community because I know this is absolutely going to transform our local economy and the lives of so many young people who will gain the essential skills and knowledge that they need. The renewable energy training facility is not all we are doing to invest in Wollongong TAFE.”
“I am sure that these mobile training units will play a key role in that future. I also want to touch briefly on another exciting announcement to come out of the Energy Futures Skills Centre just last week—the launch of the Energy Futures Zone at the Science Space, located at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus. I could not have been more excited to open this new space on Thursday last week, along with the vice-chancellor of the University of Wollongong, Max Lu. No run-of-the mill cutting of ribbon for us—we got to open the zone with a liquid nitrogen science experiment, which I have to say is probably one of the most fun openings that I have ever done.”
“It was impeccably designed by Australian company Exhibition Studios and their incredible team, with special mention to Karl Meyer, Meagan O'Neill and Matthew Riley—with all jobs remaining here in Australia. I want to also acknowledge the incredible work of Professor Ty Christopher, Director of the Energy Futures Network at the University of Wollongong. Without Ty's passion, incredible knowledge and dedication to a better energy future, none of this would be possible. I know that in the Illawarra we absolutely must be training the workers of the future—preparing the workforce and our community for the energy transition that we must have. It's already here. It has already started. There are plenty of jobs already being created in the Illawarra as we carve out a spot for ourselves as a clean energy powerhouse.”
“The project includes a mobile community engagement truck featuring virtual reality experiences and interactive displays that showcase renewable energy concepts and career pathways; a mobile training truck providing hands-on experience with wind turbine, solar and electric vehicle components, aligned to TAFE NSW qualifications; and two dual-purpose shipping containers that double as mobile classrooms, fitted with renewable energy systems, battery storage and interactive learning tools. It was a collaboration with the University of Wollongong through the Energy Futures Skills Centre—another amazing centre that we have invested $10 million in—to create the clean energy workforce of the future.”
“Just recently I was so excited to join the Minister for Skills and Training—along with the New South Wales Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education; the member for Keira; and the member for Wollongong—to officially launch the brand-new renewable energy training facility at Wollongong TAFE, funded with $2.5 million from the Australian government that I was delighted to secure under the TAFE Technology Fund. These mobile training units will bring renewable energy education and career engagement programs directly to students in regional communities like the Illawarra. We had so much fun trying out all of the fantastic equipment—cycling to power household appliances, virtual reality welding, tracking electricity consumption across Australia and so much more.”
“We will always invest in TAFE because we understand the hugely significant role that it plays in our community, and that's why we have worked hard to make TAFE free for over 685,000 students across Australia since 2023. That includes more than 50,000 childcare workers, more than 73,000 care economy workers, more than 11,000 construction workers and more than 10,000 clean energy workers with certificates III and IV in electrotechnology, electrician, plumbing and services, just to name a few. In the Illawarra alone, between January 2024 and June 2025, 4,781 people benefited from free TAFE. How incredible is that?”
“We have invested $42.2 million over four years from 1 July 2023 to build a modernised VET student loans IT system that further strengthens the department's administration of the VET Student Loans program. From the start of 2026, VET student loans will be underpinned by a new, modern assessment and payment system—just one of the ways we are improving government processes and efficiencies to help businesses and the Australian people. As I said at the beginning, vocational education changes lives. It is so incredibly important, and, to be frank, without it we would lose workers from a whole range of critical industries that keep this country moving. The Albanese Labor government believe in TAFE, and we believe in vocational education.”
“At the same time, the department has been working on its back-end IT systems to mask tax file numbers and automate their transfer between relevant systems. This bill will make the previous handling of tax file numbers lawful while also making that unnecessary and restricted in the future, streamlining the process and ensuring that the loans can be administered properly. I want to stress that providers have always been subject to security controls and integrity safeguards in order to protect students' personal information. These protections and safeguards will continue. It is also important to note that there will be no change to the way students apply for or receive these loans.”
“Education would simply be out of reach. So it is absolutely vital that the systems and processes that make this possible are fit for purpose and clear for all. The VET Student Loans legislation has been in place since 2017. During a review, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations identified an issue with how VET student loans were administered. The issue related to the handling of student tax file numbers and showed that there was no clear role for VET student loan providers to handle them. We are taking action to fix that today, and I am really pleased about that—applying the new rules retrospectively to ensure that there is continuity and clarity in how the law should be applied.”
“I rise today in support of the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025. I don't think it is possible to understate just how important vocational education is. To put it simply, it changes lives, giving students career paths, helping them gain skills and confidence, and opening doors that might otherwise be closed to so many. It is also absolutely vital to ensure the effective running of our country. From tradies to childcare workers, from nurses to baristas and even graphic designers and HR workers, there are endless possibilities available through TAFE and private vocational education providers. The VET FEE-HELP scheme has helped to make these careers possible for so many people, deferring costs—the same as for the university system—and supporting students with income-contingent loans. Many could not go to TAFE without this.”
“We've also got Women Illawarra, SAHSSI, Better Births Illawarra and the Illawarra Women's Health Centre supporting women and mothers experiencing trauma and domestic violence. These amazing organisations and so many more are working hard every single day to improve the mental health of local people. Thank you to everyone across government and beyond who is helping to change the lives of so many. We will keep doing everything we can to ensure our community can access the mental health support they need.”
“Lastly, I want to acknowledge a few of the other incredible local organisations that are working to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our community. There is the Raising the Bar Foundation, run by Lachie Stevens, with initiatives like Walk With Us Kokoda and Healthier Hospitality. Lachie also runs the Barstool Brothers at His Boy Elroy, helping local men to create connection and find avenues for help. There's also Talk2MeBro, founded by Jack Brown and Kristy Simpson after the tragic death of Matt Simpson, working to put an end to male suicide. I also recently met with Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, the founder of the Top Blokes Foundation, which is breaking down the stigma around mental health, particularly for young men. I put on a 10-kilogram vest for an interesting walk and talk with Darcy to help Lift the Load.”
“I also took the special envoy to meet with the local group The Fathering Project to hear the stories of Corey and Dave. Both of these brave men shared how this program has changed their lives and the lives of their kids, giving them renewed purpose and connection. Healthy, happy, engaged dads are good for kids and good for communities, and I really want to thank case coordinator Tim, CEO Kati and growth manager Emma for their absolutely invaluable work. During his visit, the MCCI's Burmese men's group gave the special envoy and me a lovely welcome to their meeting in Cringila. This group speaks three different languages, and they come together in their beautiful garden, lovingly cultivated by Ple Reh to foster that sense of community and belonging. A big thank you to Chris Lacey and all of the MCCI team for inviting us along.”
“This annual event, in partnership with the St George Illawarra Dragons, is going from strength to strength in its support for men's mental health. This year's luncheon had a stellar line up, with former cricketing legend Lord Ian Botham; Gotcha4Life founder, Gus Worland; and TV personality Karl Stefanovic rounding out the panel. All of these men have a proven track record in breaking down barriers for men's mental health, sharing their stories to show that resilience and mateship matter. I congratulate Healthier Illawarra Men on a fantastic sold-out event raising funds for local men's health initiatives. Thank you to everyone who came along and to the wonderful panel, including the member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, for your honest and inspiring contributions.”