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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“This 50-year milestone is a testament to the dedication and generosity of countless volunteers, committee members and families who have kept the Portuguese culture alive. Among them are current president Jorge Ferreira, secretary Patricia Laranjeira and former president Joe Alves, who this year completed his 27th World's Greatest Shave and has collectively raised over $338,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation. To everyone involved, past and present, thank you for your dedication and contribution. Congratulations on a remarkable 50 years, and here's to many more. Right now in Coniston, a local company is turning innovation into opportunity and showing what a future made in Australia really looks like.”
“For half a century this association has brought together generations of Portuguese Australians living in the Illawarra to honour their heritage, share their culture and support one another. They have created an incredible place where traditions are passed down, language is preserved and community truly feels like family. I was proud to arrange a signed certificate from the Prime Minister to mark this really important occasion and acknowledge the association's outstanding contribution to our region. The Portuguese community has added so much to the Illawarra's multicultural identity, from the vibrant colours of traditional clothing to the incredible food, music, dancing and stories passed down through generations.”
“In 2014, Aunty Barb received an honorary doctorate from the University of Wollongong, and in 2024 she was named Wollongong's Citizen of the Year and was the first Indigenous person to receive this honour. Despite these accolades, she always remains humble and is always focused on how she can continue to uplift others. Aunty Barb teaches us that strength comes from service, that education is a powerful tool for change and that every story matters. A very happy 90th birthday, Aunty Barb, and thank you for everything that you've done and continue to do for our community. I am so lucky to have the South Coast Portuguese Association in the Illawarra, who are celebrating 50 years of service to our region.”
“Through the Black Wallaby Project, she has empowered Aboriginal men and women in the justice system to express themselves through poetry and creative writing. This project has published over a dozen books, each filled with powerful and deeply personal work. It has earned national recognition, including a lifetime achievement award for First Nations literature. Not only this, but Aunty Barb has been a fierce campaigner for justice for First Nations Australians. She has been the driving force behind Link-Up, reuniting and supporting those affected by Australia's forced removal policies. She has shown a true commitment to tackling the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in the criminal justice system.”
“Since being re-elected in May I've had the privilege of attending a wide range of events across my electorate. Each of these moments reflects the rich culture, strong community and innovative spirit that define the Illawarra. I would like to wish a very happy 90th birthday to an incredibly inspiring woman, Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson. Earlier this month I had the pleasure of celebrating this milestone with Aunty Barb and many others whose lives have been touched by her extraordinary work. Aunty Barb is a proud Wadi Wadi elder whose lifelong dedication to education, storytelling and justice has left a lasting impact on the Illawarra and far beyond. She spent decades teaching at the University of Wollongong, sharing her deep knowledge of history, culture and law with generations of students.”
“Veterans, families, cadets, scouts, emergency services and local organisations all stood side-by-side on Sunday, and I thank the Corrimal Rangers Football Club, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Illawarra sub-branch, the Corrimal RSL Club, the Corrimal RSL sub-branch, Corrimal Fire & Rescue 269, the New South Wales Police Force, the 1st Bulli Scout Group, the 1st Russell Vale Scout Group, Scouts New South Wales and the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Aviation Museum at Albion Park. They all came together on the day, and each played an important role in ensuring the commemoration was safe, respectful and memorable. I also acknowledge the Vietnamese community in Wollongong for their leadership on the day and for their ongoing work in recognising their heroes and building remembrance in our region.”
“In Vietnam, when his mate was badly wounded, Dasher refused to leave him. He stayed at the cost of his own life. That decision remains one of the most powerful examples of Australian mateship and courage, and it is why he was awarded the Victoria Cross. It was an honour to acknowledge Dasher's wife Edna, his son George and their family, who have carried the weight of his sacrifice. Their story reminds us that service affects not only those who wear the uniform but also the families who live with it every day.”
“It is an important milestone and one that asks us to pause, to remember and to honour the more than 60,000 Australians who served. They did so with bravery and commitment, in conditions that tested every part of them, yet, when they returned home, they did not always receive the recognition or the respect that they had earned. This commemoration also carried special significance for our region as it was the final event for the Vietnam Veterans Association of the Illawarra. For decades this organisation has been a voice for local veterans, providing mateship, advocacy and remembrance. Their contribution has been immense and, while this chapter closes, their legacy will continue through the Corrimal RSL sub-branch. We remember Warrant Officer Kevin 'Dasher' Wheatley, VC, MG.”
“Over the weekend, I had the privilege of joining our community in Corrimal for a commemoration of the Vietnam War and to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our veterans. The arrival of two iconic 'Huey' helicopters at the Corrimal Rangers football ground was one of the most powerful moments of the day. For veterans, their sound and sight brought back strong memories of their service. These helicopters were a constant presence in Vietnam, transporting troops, evacuating the wounded and supporting operations in dangerous conditions. Their landing reminded us of what so many went through and gave the community the chance to connect more directly with that history. This year marks 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War.”
“They have been there for new arrivals, strongly supported by the Albanese Labor government with $321,000 through the Strong and Resilient Communities Activity and more than $4 million to deliver the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support program. During the election I also secured a $5 million commitment to establish a new regional multicultural community centre in the Illawarra, and I look forward to delivering on that commitment. With around 300 staff and volunteers, speaking more than 50 languages, MCCI proudly reflects the diversity and strength of our community. On this golden anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to CEO, Chris Lacey; Chair, Ken Habak OAM; the board; and every staff member and volunteer, past and present, who have (Time expired)”
“This year we celebrate 50 years of the incredible work that the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra have done bringing people together. MCCI in 1975, with nine visionary community leaders gathering to give migrants a voice, has grown into one of our region's most respected organisations. From those humble beginnings, MCCI has played a central role in our community, supporting people from CALD backgrounds right across the Illawarra, the Shoalhaven and now the ACT and Queanbeyan. Over the past five decades MCCI has provided essential services in aged care, youth programs, community development, cultural training and settlement support.”
“When I spoke on the closing-loopholes legislation, I told the story of Ashleigh, a local student struggling to pay bills who had created a yellow pages of exploitation. It was a very sad state of affairs—a laundry list of underpayment, power imbalance and businesses trying to scam the system. Students took matters into their own hands to name and shame those behaving badly. Our review has shown that enterprise agreements are at an all-time high and Australians are earning more and keeping more of what they earn. I am proud to be part of a government delivering for workers and supporting local businesses at the same time.”
“These were loopholes that saw people doing the same job but for less pay. It saw local workers missing out on hours, missing out on doing their job, because corporations thought they could get someone else to do it cheaper. Since our legislation came into effect, we have seen more than 5,000 labour hire workers receive pay increases, and that's a direct result of the changes that the Albanese Labor government made. A fair day's pay for a fair day's work—that's what Australians deserve and that's what they are getting out of an Albanese Labor government. The Illawarra also has a world-class university which brings a high volume of students and those wanting to work casual and flexible hours.”
“We also know that this country has had a real problem with the gender pay gap for far too long. Labor promised to turn that around. We promised we would take action to bring this down, and now the gender pay gap is at its equal lowest on record. That is what happens when you put these issues at the heart of what you do, when you decide that supporting workers must come first and that supporting women to be paid fairly must come first. It changes lives, and that is what we have done. One of the other things we aimed to do, which I know was important in my electorate, was close the labour hire loophole. The Illawarra has a proud mining history. Our community was built on the back of our local coalminers, and theirs was just one of the industries being exploited by labour hire loopholes that we have now closed.”
“Since our legislation passed in December 2022, employment has risen by more than 879,000 jobs, reaching a record high in July 2025. As at June 2024, the number of small businesses had also grown by 2.7 per cent since the same time in 2023. When you support workers you also support business, and that's the truth. We promised we would get wages moving and we have delivered on that promise. We have delivered pay rises for those on the minimum wage. We've delivered pay rises for those working in aged care and in child care. In June 2025, we saw the seventh consecutive increase in annual wages growth, with the wage price index rising by 3.4 per cent on the previous year. Hardworking Australians doing the work that is keeping our economy moving deserve to be paid fairly.”
“They had had it too tough for too long. Our legislation aimed to improve job security and gender equality, improve workplace conditions and protections and boost bargaining to restore fairness and integrity to the fair work institutions, and it's working. The final report of the independent panel conducting the statutory review of the secure jobs, better pay act has found that these changes are delivering for workers. As this motion notes, the review found coverage of collective bargaining has increased markedly. Real wages and workers' economic circumstances are improving. The secure jobs, better pay act represents a significant development aimed at improving outcomes for working women, including a reduction in the gender pay gap. This is real and tangible change in the lives of average working Australians.”
“The Albanese Labor government has worked hard over the last three years to turn around years of neglect and the degradation of workers' rights under the former Liberal government. At the core of Labor governments sits the ideal that workers' rights must be protected, that Australians should have secure jobs and that all workers should be paid fairly for the work that they do. This isn't just an ideal; this is something we have worked hard to enshrine in the law. In December 2022, our parliament passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill. We did this because, fundamentally, Australian workers had spent too long dealing with insecure work, with their wages held back. It was bad for local workers in my community like childcare workers, aged-care workers, those on the minimum wage—the list goes on.”
“I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the final report of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Review; (2) notes the report found the Government's workplace changes are already delivering for Australian workers, and that: (a) coverage of collective bargaining 'has increased markedly'; (b) real wages and workers' economic circumstances are improving; and (c) the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Act represents a significant development aimed at improving outcomes for working women, including a reduction in the gender pay gap; (3) further notes recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics that showed: (a) a record number of Australians work; (b) since May 2022, employment had risen by 8.6 per cent, a higher rate of employment growth than all major advanced economies; (c) the gender pay gap is at the lowest ever level since records began; and (d) annual real wages have now grown for seven consecutive quarters under this Government; and (4) further acknowledges the Government's commitment for Australians to earn more and keep more of what they earn.”
“They know that climate change is real, they know it needs urgent action and they know we must take action now. Achieving net zero by 2050 is absolutely critical. I back it. My local businesses—”
“Our government has taken that a step further this term by giving everyone up to 30 per cent off the cost of a home battery under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Our community has absolutely taken that up with gusto, which has just been amazing to see. Communities are also making sure that they are taking steps towards our clean energy future. Just one example is Electrify 2515, which is a pilot program that has again been supported by ARENA, with $5.4 million. This pilot program, led by Saul Griffith and Rewiring Australia, in partnership with Brighte and Endeavour Energy, allows residents to apply for subsidies for a range of devices that support their household electrification. Local people, businesses and community organisations all know the one thing that the coalition wants to ignore.”
“Starting from the ground up, we will make sure that the Illawarra plays its role in tackling climate change with the workforce of the future, using state-of-the-art, clean-energy manufacturing facilities; helping businesses with the transition; and engaging in community outreach. I am absolutely confident that this centre will become the benchmark for training and skill development. Yet another important program that I have been proud to deliver locally is the community battery program. Working with Endeavour Energy, we invested $1 million under the first round to support Warrawong and Dapto with affordable energy storage, helping to lower household electricity bills, reduce emissions and deliver reliable, renewable energy to local people.”
“Another clear way we are creating jobs of the future and the workforce of the future in Wollongong is through the Energy Futures Skills Centre at the University of Wollongong. I was incredibly proud to get this off the ground with a $10 million investment under the Albanese Labor government. Combined with $2.5 million in funding to upgrade equipment and teaching aids to create a renewable-energy training facility at Wollongong TAFE, this investment will ensure that local young people can gain the skills that they need to be part of Australia's clean energy future.”
“What did the Liberals and their buddies do? They hounded and hounded and hounded this project down, spreading misinformation to try and scare our local community, because they don't actually want us to invest in those clean tech jobs of the future, and that is just shameful. We cannot be deterred from looking at clean tech jobs because of a few loud voices. This is far too important for our future. Even big companies, like BlueScope Steel, know that a clean energy transition is critical. Our government has invested $136.8 million towards the relining and upgrade of BlueScope's blast furnace to help reduce its emissions and support pathways for producing even lower emissions steel in the future, because cleaner steelmaking is the way of the future.”
“I was absolutely thrilled to support an investment of $15 million last year to supercharge our renewable hydrogen industry through the backing of Hysata to expand the production of high-efficiency hydrogen electrolysers in the Illawarra. That investment by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation was a critical part of the $172 million expansion of manufacturing at Hysata's Port Kembla facility and came on top of nearly $30 million in grants from ARENA, which have supported Hysata from its early startup days to develop, build and demonstrate its technology at a commercial scale. The Illawarra offshore wind zone is another project I have proudly and loudly backed because I know that we need to be looking at every single opportunity for good, clean tech jobs in our community and because I back our clean energy future.”
“I am very pleased to speak on the motion in relation to the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025 today to help show this for the farce that we all know it is. While the coalition continues to quibble about whether we should or should not have a net zero target, industry and our community are forging ahead with making net zero a reality. What we need to do is secure the jobs of the future in the clean tech space, and I've worked hard to make sure that the Illawarra can seize those opportunities. I have spent the last three years working with both traditional and emerging industry to ensure that our region is at the forefront of this energy transition. This means not having all our eggs in one basket but investing in the knowledge and expertise of those working hard for our clean energy future.”
“I am so very privileged to be able to work with, and visit, so many people and organisations doing amazing things in my local community. So to Harper: I have been so privileged to have encountered so many butterflies and love hearts during my first term. Thank you for putting them out to the universe for me to find—small pieces of joy in my day and special reminders of why we are here. I am so grateful to the people of the Cunningham electorate, who have once again put their faith in me to represent them in this place. I take that responsibility and privilege very seriously, and I am looking forward to three more years of hard work delivering for my community.”
“When I met Gloria, she was a little bit miffed at being overtaken as the oldest member of the CWA—she's 91—by a new member who's 92. She had on the most beautiful butterfly necklace. She is a passionate advocate for the women involved in the CWA and the Stanwell Park local community. And let's not forget the love hearts—another reminder of Harper following me around—like this beautiful piece of pottery made by Daniella Lagazio, proudly displayed at the Greenacres Outsider art exhibition recently. This will now be displayed on my wall of local art in my Parliament House office. There have been love hearts and butterflies everywhere. There are so many people doing amazing work, far too many to mention here.”
“I would like to take a moment to thank President Prabowo Subianto for his kindness and compassion, which has led to the men returning home. I would also like to thank the team that I worked many hours with to help bring the men home: Marshall Irwin, Sarah Bradley, Stephen Keim, Julian McMahon, Peter Strain and Erskine Rodan. I would also like to thank the hundreds of public servants who worked on ensuring the health and safety of the boys while incarcerated and who also helped to bring them home. I would also like to extend my sincere condolences to the families of the men who did not make it home. My latest butterfly interaction was recently with Gloria Holloway from the Country Women's Association in Stanwell Park. What a dynamo she is!”
“He's doing charity work, he has a car, he's keeping fit, he's looking after his family and he's trying so very hard to be a good and constructive member of our community. I am so proud of what he has achieved since his release. I was also delighted to finally meet Scott and his new partner and catch up again with his mum and dad, the strong and courageous Chris and Lee Rush. They are another family I have worked closely with for many years. I was very touched to receive a card and a beautiful letter of thanks from Scott and his partner. Again, butterflies made their way into my parliamentary term; this is the envelope for the card, adorned with butterflies. Like Martin, Scott is working hard on his future, and I can't wait to see what he achieves. I'm so very proud of him too.”
“I have worked with the Stephens family for over 20 years, mostly in my capacity as a staffer to my predecessor, the Hon. Sharon Bird MP. They are a beautiful and tight-knit family who have endured so much since their son, Martin, was arrested. I spent so many hours with Martin's mum and dad, the amazing Bill and Michele Stephens, and helped them through their great pain throughout the 20 years that Martin was incarcerated. I was so very proud of our prime minister and foreign minister when, during our first term, they secured the release of these men due to the strong relationships that they had built with our friends in Indonesia—the closure of my longest ever constituent case and I think perhaps the longest in the parliament. Martin is working.”
“On day 2 of the track, you cross the same river 22 times, but we were also surrounded by beautiful blue butterflies that often perched on our shoulder, and again I thought of little Harper. You have a lot of time to think on the track, as you are climbing the mountains that never ever seem to end, and I thought a lot about all the things that still needed to be done. In fact, Lachlan, Marija Murray and I compiled a 'stuff we need to fix' list as we walked, which included things like veteran claims to be processed, the NDIS and aged care. These are the things that keep me up at night—all issues that need to be approached with kindness, fairness and empathy. Another achievement of the Albanese Labor government during our first term was bringing home the remaining five men who had been incarcerated in Indonesia since 2005.”
“I will keep working hard to deliver on my promises, like $10 million for the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library, in Warrawong; $5 million for the regional multicultural community centre; and $13.6 million for the St George Illawarra Dragons' Community and High Performance Centre. I will keep working to deliver improvements to local housing and homelessness services, aged care and health services. I will continue my push to have a clean energy future made right here in the Illawarra. There are just a few more proud moments, and some butterflies, from my first term that I'd like to quickly touch on. During my first term I joined my good friend Lachlan Stevens, who's the vice-president of the Wollongong RSL sub-Branch and founder of Walk With Us Kokoda, and I walked the Kokoda Track.”
“Under the reforms the government will be able to suspend or remove funding from providers that fail to meet national safety standards, conduct unannounced inspections and prevent non-compliant services from expanding. We have also committed to decisive action to deliver a national approach to, and address systematic gaps in, working-with-children checks to improve the safety of children across Australia. This is vital work, and there's more to be done, but I am pleased to see that the government is wasting no time in addressing these shocking revelations. There is certainly a lot more work to do to address some of the biggest challenges facing our community right now.”
“Under Labor, inflation is falling, unemployment remains low, and real wages are rising again. We have created 1.1 million jobs and we're seeing interest rates coming down. This is because of the good economic management of our government. We've also gone a step further on cheaper medicines, with new legislation introduced to cap the cost of prescriptions under the PBS to no more than $25 from 1 July next year. This is great news for all Australians. Our early learning sector should be a safe place for our kids. Australians have been utterly devastated by the recent revelations showing a system in urgent need of reform. Our government has moved quickly to pass legislation, giving the Commonwealth stronger powers to protect children in early learning settings.”
“With our local world-class university training the workforce of the future, this is simply huge. From 1 July we have also supported our next generation of local teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers with paid prac during their training. Helping to address the shortages in these industries and removing the cost burden of getting this vital experience will make a huge difference. That's just the start when it comes to continued cost-of-living support in the second term of the Albanese government. Already the House has voted in support of our Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates) Bill 2025 to protect penalty and overtime rates for millions of Australians. This important bill will enshrine penalty and overtime entitlements for around 2.6 million modern-award-reliant workers.”
“We believe in investing in the infrastructure that regions need for our future, like $312 million for the Mount Ousley Road interchange, a long-overdue project that will revolutionise the gateway to Wollongong. This is merely a snapshot of the incredible support that the Albanese Labor government has given to the Illawarra during my short three years as member for Cunningham. It has been my absolute honour to represent this community through that time and to be part of some incredible future innovations that set us up on the world stage. But our work is only just beginning. We have huge plans for this term, starting with the very first piece of legislation of this parliament: cutting student debt by 20 per cent—a change that will benefit more than 22,800 people in Cunningham.”
“We've provided $1 million for community batteries in Warrawong and Dapto and $5.4 million for the Electrify 2515 home-electrification pilot. Our government has also invested in the incredible work of the University of Wollongong, with more than $56 million in Australian Research Council grants, $10 million for the Energy Future Skills Centre to train our workforce of the future and over $1 million through ARENA for a harmonic study which will progress renewable energy grids. We've also invested over $42 million for additional Commonwealth supported places at the university to train more teachers, nurses, engineers and mathematicians. That's on top of fee-free TAFE and over $3 million for upgrades to 15 local schools. Our Labor government believes in regional communities.”
“As CEO Sam Moricca said, 'This is more than just a building; it marks the arrival of another high-tech industry in Wollongong.' We're helping them innovate faster, bring their product to market faster and create new jobs for the future—a future made in Wollongong. And this is only one example. Our government has also invested in our local renewable hydrogen industry, with $15 million to Hysata, through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and nearly $30 million in grants from ARENA since Hysata's days as a startup out of the University of Wollongong, getting this technology off the ground. All up during my first term, I worked incredibly hard to see over $180 million invested in local industry and innovation, including supporting the Port Kembla steelworks.”
“With thriving industry a stone's throw from the Sydney CBD and a world-leading university calling our region home, we are ideally positioned to play a critical and important role in our energy transition. Over many years, I have received a real in-depth understanding of the thriving local industrial innovation that is happening in my home town. Just recently, I attended the groundbreaking of a new world-class advanced materials production centre in Coniston. Gravitas Technologies has been backed by $1.5 million under the Albanese government's Industry Growth Program to build new state-of-the-art high-technology warehouses to sit alongside its existing facility.”
“We have provided SAHSSI with $4.6 million to purchase, remodel and expand six dwellings in the Wollongong LGA for women and children who are experiencing family and domestic violence as well as older women who are at risk of homelessness. Our government also supported SAHSSI with 32 safe places, assisting up to 256 women and children experiencing family and domestic violence through the Safe Places program. We know there's much more to do, and we are absolutely committed to eliminating family and domestic violence in one generation. We have also delivered the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme, benefiting 680 local people, as well as increases to rent assistance. This is making a big difference in the lives of local people right now. I can see so much opportunity for the Illawarra.”
“I have already reached out to the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors to invite him to beautiful Wollongong to meet with our local aged-care taskforce and hear firsthand the challenges facing our aged-care sector. I very much look forward to this engagement in the near future. It is well known that nationally we are suffering a housing and homelessness crisis, and the Illawarra is by no means exempt from the impact of this. Nationally we have developed the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund to build more social and affordable homes. I was delighted to see the Housing Trust receive support under round 1 of the Housing Australia Future Fund facility for three projects in the Wollongong LGA, with a combined value of $34 million. This will provide 45 dedicated long-term social and affordable rental homes.”
“Aged care is another huge issue in my electorate, with bed block and access to high-needs aged-care beds a real issue. I worked hard with the minister for aged care during the last term to secure $17.4 million for new local aged-care beds and upgrades in Cunningham. I have also delivered $6.2 million for 35 new transition aged-care places for the Illawarra Shoalhaven local health district to help get vulnerable people out of our overburdened hospital. I would like to acknowledge the work of New South Wales Minister for Health and member for Keira, Ryan Park, for his dedication and support on this issue at a state government level. There is still a lot of work to do on aged care in the Illawarra.”
“I have been so incredibly proud to be part of a government that has achieved so much positive change over three short years, both locally and nationally. During my first term I have delivered nearly $1 billion of investment and cost-of-living relief to the electorate of Cunningham. We've delivered: a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer so that people can keep more of what they earn; energy bill relief for every household; cheaper childcare for local families; cheaper medicines; pay rises for some of our lowest-paid workers; and so much more. We have proudly delivered Medicare urgent care centres at Corrimal and at Dapto so that local people can get free urgent care when they need it the most—vital services taking pressure off Wollongong Hospital.”
“I thought about this again during the Governor-General's speech at the opening of the parliament, where she said: We are also the product of generations of migrants who, coming here in search of a better life, have found a place of courage, kindness, and the fair go. I am really pleased to have this opportunity today to talk about some of the amazing things that I have been fighting for in my community over the past three years to improve the lives of people in the Illawarra. During the last term of government, as a first-term MP, I was absolutely devoted to working as hard as I could to deliver real results for my community. My focus has been on seizing the opportunities of the future, preparing for the transition that we must have in our energy sector, and supporting local people with the rising cost of living.”
“BYRNES () (): My second speech to the last parliament was about a wonderful local girl, Harper Rollinson, who gave her first speech in Parliament House three days after I gave my first speech to the parliament. Harper spoke about her cochlear ear implants. When I first met Harper she told me she wanted more love hearts and butterflies in the parliament, and I think about that often as I go about my day-to-day duties here in the parliament and in the electorate. I have tried to focus on a positive and proactive approach to my duties, and acting out of kindness and empathy, particularly for the most vulnerable in our community.”
“Two out of three women reported healthcare related bias and discrimination as part of the first Australian #EndGenderBias survey. This is shocking and completely unacceptable. Bias against women in our health system means worse outcomes for women and, ultimately, a bigger burden on our healthcare system and economy. We are committed to addressing gender bias in our health system. It has gone straight back into household budgets, easing the pressure on local families, supporting pensioners and supporting those living with chronic health conditions. By capping PBS medicines at $25, we are helping Australians save a further $200 million every year. Only Labor can deliver cheaper medicines, only Labor will build a stronger Medicare and I am delighted to support this bill. I commend the bill to the House.”
“It will see more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics open around the country. This package will transform menopause care. It will help women who are suffering get the help that they need sooner without having to constantly justify their pain to doctors who don't believe them. It will help women access the contraception that works for them and help those suffering UTIs to get treatment more quickly. Fundamentally, this is about saying to women that we are serious about improving access and fairness in our health system. Having a period isn't optional. Going through menopause and perimenopause isn't optional. Every woman should be believed when she says she is suffering from pelvic pain, and she should get the treatment and help quickly.”
“Minister Kearney has been a fierce advocate for women's health and she has worked incredibly hard to make some big improvements, like the $570 million women's health package I mentioned earlier. Not only has this added new oral contraceptive pills; it has also provided choice and access to a range of women's health care. As part of this package, we have provided better access and lowered the cost of long-term contraceptives, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk-billing for IUDs and birth control implants. This will save around 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs. We've provided better support for women experiencing menopause, with a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, funding to train health professionals and the first ever clinical guidelines.”
“The women who participated in the study gave an average pelvic pain score of seven out of 10, with 10 being the most pain possible. That is what women are experiencing. It is real, it is debilitating and it needs serious attention. After this treatment, most of the patients had full resolution of their pain—fully gone—with the rest having a score of less than three out of 10. Pelvic pain can be reduced or even cured. It is not in your head. Treatment can change lives. I really want to thank Associate Professor Larkin and Associate Professor Villalba for their truly remarkable and valuable work in this field. I would also like to acknowledge the incredible work of the former assistant minister for health and aged care, Ged Kearney, among several others.”
“Associate Professor Larkin has a keen interest in this field of study. Together with Associate Professor Laurencia Villalba, these two incredible women undertook a study which demonstrated a treatment for cardiovascular patients could also provide life-changing relief for women suffering pelvic pain. The study looked at 113 women aged between 17 and 88, some of whom had been suffering pelvic pain for 25 years. It showed that a minimally invasive procedure which blocked pelvic veins in a similar way to the treatment for blocked arteries provided significant and sustained pain relief for close to 100 per cent of the patients. That is absolutely incredible. It is one of the so many examples of the amazing research abilities of the University of Wollongong.”