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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“That is until you reach the uterus. Then, all of a sudden, its medicinal removal becomes instead about the so-called hysteria of women, an historical condition only for women from the 5th century that we have since shown does not exist. So why is the removal of the uterus still tied to hysteria rather than following the template of every other surgical removal? What about a 'uterectomy'? It's one of the many lingering biases in women's health care. That bias extends further than the name and has impacted women's access to contraception and to treatment for menopause, perimenopause and conditions like endometriosis and led to a struggle for so many women to get the help that they need to deal with pelvic pain. Too often, their pain and suffering has been dismissed, diminished or ignored—that 'hysteria' bias creeping in again.”
“In February of this year, we added the first PBS listings for new oral contraceptive pills in more than 30 years and the first PBS listings for new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years. The tens of thousands of women who use these drugs will be able to save more than $250 a year, thanks to this change. This is part of a $573 million package that is delivering more choice, lower costs and better health care for women. I recently met with a really interesting local academic, Theresa Larkin from the University of Wollongong, who came to talk to me about hysterectomies. We all know what a tonsillectomy, appendectomy or lumpectomy is. We all know what they are: a surgical removal of the named body part. It's clear from the name what is being removed and the surgical procedure has a title based in logic and reason.”
“Last year, we made medicines cheaper for over 100,000 Australians living with type 2 diabetes and with high risk of heart disease by expanding medicines available under the PBS. The expanded medicine listings mean that these treatments are available to patients earlier from their GP or specialist without having to wait for their blood sugar to increase to seven per cent. Since we were elected, we have added hundreds of new medicines to the PBS, which has made medicines more affordable and more accessible for all Australians, and we are always looking at ways to help reduce this burden further. Another area of health care that I am so proud that our government has prioritised is women's health.”
“We've been working hard to add new medicines to the PBS to help people with a range of conditions. Since 1 August, Australians with Parkinson's disease, neuroblastoma, endometrial cancer, cystic fibrosis and melanoma have been able to access new and expanded medicines under the PBS. Without being listed on the PBS, these medicines can cost people living with these conditions hundreds of thousands of dollars. Families of children suffering from neuroblastoma have enough to be worried about. They should be able to afford medicine that can help prevent this awful cancer from returning. This life-saving medicine will soon cost $25 instead of $417,000, and that's just one example.”
“Under this bill, the general patient co-payment for medicines listed on the PBS will be reduced from $31.60 to $25 per script. Remember, when we came to office, that figure was $42.50. We reduced it to $30 in 2023; now, it will be $25. This delivers on our election commitment and our ongoing commitment to the Australian people to make medicines cheaper and support them to help with the cost of living. Medicines have not been this cheap since 2004—21 years ago. This is a more than 20 per cent reduction in the maximum cost of PBS medicines and will save Australians over $200 million every year. As I said, no-one should be choosing between medicine and food, electricity or rent. Health care absolutely must be accessible and affordable to everyone. Our government has taken so many steps to reduce the cost of health care.”
“For concession card holders, the co-payment for PBS medicines has been frozen at $7.70 until 2030. It means a sigh of relief and certainty for so many people. In my electorate of Cunningham alone, local people have saved $10.7 million on more than 2.2 million cheaper scripts, all thanks to these policies making medicine cheaper for all Australians. That is just incredible. These policies are making a real and tangible difference in the lives of local people, saving them money and making their health care more accessible, because no-one should be worried about how they are going to afford their medicine. That's just a little, short wrap-up of what we have already done to reduce the cost of medicines. Now there is this bill, which takes that a step further, again.”
“Another one of our great cost-saving measures that has been saving money for patients in the Cunningham community since September 2023 is 60-day dispensing, which helps local people with chronic ongoing health issues to get two months worth of medicines for the price of one. Not only does it save money but it also saves time, reducing trips to the pharmacy and, importantly, reducing trips to the GP. Everyone knows it's been getting harder and harder to see a GP. This measure saves you time and saves you money, and it frees up GPs to see even more patients who really need their care. I know what a difference it makes to the people of the Illawarra. But, wait, there's more. In January of this year, we froze the cost of PBS medicines, with co-payments not rising with inflation for the first time in 25 years.”
“In July 2022, we lowered the PBS safety net threshold by the equivalent of 12 fully priced scripts for concession card holders, saving them up to $81.60 per year. This also saved general patients up to $85 a year—the equivalent of two fully priced scripts. In January 2023, we delivered the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS. We reduced the maximum cost of a general script from $42.50 to $30—a massive saving, particularly for people who are taking multiple medications every day. This bill takes that one step further, but we'll get there in a minute.”
“I am pleased to rise today to speak in support of the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025. People in my community, like so many around Australia, are struggling with the cost of living. Medicines and health care are the No. 1 issue for so many people and making sure our country doesn't go the way of others, where it is only those who can afford health care who receive it. I am truly proud to be part of a government that is doing everything it can to ensure that people in my community get access to cheaper medicines and more affordable and equitable health care. This bill is not our first to reduce the cost of medicines. Since our government was elected in 2022, we have been working hard to help local people save on their medicines. We promised we would, and we have delivered on that promise time and time again.”
“I proudly supported local company Gravitas with $1.5 million under this program to build new warehouses at their Coniston facility, marking the arrival of another high-tech industry in Wollongong and cementing us on the world stage.”
“We are updating the Commonwealth Procurement Rules to significantly increase local businesses' participation, and we are improving AusTender, to help identify Australian businesses on government panels more easily. We've also got our instant asset write-off, our energy efficiency grants, improvements to payment time reports, the Small Business Debt Helpline, the National Productivity Fund—the list goes on. The last one I want to touch on is really special to me: the Industry Growth Program. I have seen the difference that this $400 million fund can make, powering local start-ups and small businesses to grow, to diversify and to reach new markets.”
“Our national small business strategy is the first of its kind to bring governments across Australia together to support our small businesses. Its aim is to help make it easier for small businesses to operate, to innovate and to thrive. Local businesses tell me all the time that they want all levels of government to work together more effectively to provide a seamless and cohesive government environment. That's what our national small business strategy is all about. Our Future Made in Australia policy—or, as I like to call it, 'a future made in the Illawarra'—is also one of the best ways that we can support local small businesses to grow and to thrive. We are helping small- and medium-sized businesses to compete for and win more government contracts.”
“Yours and Owls have been committed to environmental outcomes since they were established, and it was really great to see them receive recognition last year with one of Wollongong City Council's Rise and Shine awards. The annual bush regeneration initiative helps to clean up our environment while encouraging young people to get involved with the lure of free music tickets. An innovative and impressive way of giving back and teaching love and respect for our environment while also supporting artists and bringing tourism and joy to our coastline. Well done to Adam, Baluun and Ben for their incredible efforts. These are only a few examples. I could go on and on about the amazing things that our local small businesses are doing in the Illawarra. The Albanese Labor government is doing what we can to back small businesses.”
“The Illawarra Community Foundation is, of course, the wonderful charity organisation at the heart of the i98FM Illawarra Convoy led by the awesome Marty Haynes. The convoy is a magnificent demonstration of the difference businesses can make, with so many participating every single year in the lead truck and motorbike auctions—to give just two examples. Since 2005, the convoy has raised more than $27.6 million thanks to the support of local businesses and our amazing community who back it. Yet another example of small businesses giving back is the Yours And Owls Festival, a highly popular local music festival by the sea. They run a local bush regeneration program.”
“Perfectly good, delicious food that might otherwise be destined for landfill is instead given back to those who are less fortunate. That is just awesome. Another incredible local venture backed by small businesses wanting to give back. I had such a fun night at the battle of the businesses last year, a great community event put together by local business owners Adrian and Karlie from Tiny Tins skip bins, Orlane from Wollongong Crane Trucks, and Aimee and James from Grechys Boxing and Fitness. This fun fight night raised money for the amazing Illawarra Community Foundation. These guys really do care about our community, and the effort that they have made in raising funds, growing business networks and supporting local people is truly commendable.”
“I am really pleased to stand up today and talk about our amazing small-business community and the ways that our government is supporting them. Small business is the absolute backbone of our community. Nationally, they employ nearly 40 per cent of our workforce—that is simply huge. In regional areas like the Illawarra, small businesses are also working hard to give back, supporting those who are less fortunate and lending a helping hand where they can. They're putting their heart and soul into our community, giving back wherever they can. There are businesses like Alexander's Bakery Southside. Family owned by Carla and Kaveh, it sells delicious borek, pastry and coffee in Corrimal and in Wollongong. At the end of each day, their staff box up all of the unsold food from the day and donate it to St Vincent de Paul's Coniston Homeless hub.”
“We have joined with a growing number of countries to call for a ceasefire, condemn the taking of hostages on 7 October, and criticise Israel's inhumane killing of civilians in Gaza and handling of aid distribution in the strip. We condemn the drip-feeding of aid and the killing of civilians, including children seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food. We call on Israel to allow a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza in line with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice. I give my absolute assurance that I will continue to be a strong advocate for peace. Enough is enough.”
“The world is seizing the opportunity of major new commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including governance reform, termination of prisoner payments, schooling reform, demilitarisation, general elections and its recognition of Israel's right to exist. We've been upfront about the challenges of recognising a Palestinian state, like the release of hostages and no role for Hamas. We also call on Israel to engage, because we know a two-state solution is essential for the region's long-term security. Our government has worked hard to collaborate with many other like-minded countries around the world, building historic global momentum to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East—difficult work that I believe has been underestimated and dismissed by some for their own political gain.”
“After the Prime Minister's announcement and the response from Israel's prime minister, Huss said: We are proud of the strong and courageous stance of the Prime Minister—the only solution is a two state solution. We need to end the hunger and the blockade of aid and health care. We are shocked and disappointed at the stance of the Israeli Prime Minister. Since 1947 Australia has supported Israel's existence and a two-state solution. A two-state solution is the only pathway to a secure and prosperous future that respects the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike. There is much work to do in building a Palestinian state. Australia will work with partners on a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the security of Israel.”
“I was proud to join with tens of thousands of people to March for Humanity across the Sydney Harbour Bridge recently. This sent a very powerful message across the world that enough is enough: the war needs to stop, the starvation and killing of children need to stop, there must be a ceasefire and the hostages must be released. The Prime Minister recently announced that Australia will recognise the state of Palestine at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September. The president of Omar Mosque in Gwynneville, in my electorate, Hussein Salem, has been an invaluable source of advice and counsel to me for many years—particularly over the last two years as the situation in Gaza has escalated.”
“In its first year alone, this initiative will save Australians around $1.5 billion in avoided mortgage insurance costs, money that will stay in family budgets, bringing homeownership within reach so much sooner. This scheme is part of the Albanese government's $43 billion housing agenda, including a $10 billion commitment to deliver 100,000 homes exclusively for first home buyers. By delivering this reform, we are giving Australians a chance to step into their first home, build security for their families and invest in their futures.”
“Owning a home is the great Australian dream, and that dream is getting closer for thousands of people. From 1 October, every Australian purchasing their first home will be able to enter the market with just a five per cent deposit and without the added cost of lenders mortgage insurance. This means more young people, families and hardworking Australians will have the chance to buy their first home sooner. When it comes to housing, in Cunningham we have already seen the incredible impact of government support. From May 2022 to April 2025, 680 local people used the Home Guarantee Scheme to get into the housing market. Here's what that looks like in practice. A person in the Illawarra can purchase a $1 million home with a $50,000 deposit instead of a $200,000 deposit.”
“This is welcome news. The NDIA is an independent agency and decisions are made by the NDIA board. However, this does not mean that the agency has no accountability to its participants and providers or to government. We are all trying to get the best outcomes for people with disability in our community. We want them to thrive and get the vital support that they need in a way that works for them. To achieve this, we absolutely must have real and open dialogue between participants, providers and the NDIA. Being open to feedback and collaboration means better results for participants and the sustainability of the NDIS. Once again, I want to thank everyone who is working hard, across the industry, to improve the lives of people with a disability.”
“I also want to thank our amazing local providers who have engaged with me on this issue. I was reassured to learn that the NDIA will soon be putting out a three-year work plan to help providers better prepare for upcoming changes and engage in consultation more easily. I was also really pleased that the deputy CEO took the time to listen to the feedback that my local providers had, and I hope that this will see engagement with these providers continue into the future. Following the meeting, I have been working hard to ensure that my local providers have a seat at the table when the NDIA is consulting with industry through the agency's quarterly Industry Chief Executive Forum. The government also last week invested $45 million in pilot programs to support providers and gain valuable data to inform future approaches to therapy pricing.”
“It is for this reason that I have engaged in conversation with the NDIA since these changes were announced, to ensure that consultation with groups like the Illawarra Disability Alliance is occurring in a full and frank way. I wrote to the NDIA to express the concerns of my constituents and urged further consultation with local providers as a matter of urgency. Regional areas like mine simply will not have a large enough pool of providers to draw from if some of these long-established organisations exit the scheme. I would really like to thank the minister's office, and the NDIA's Deputy Chief Executive Officer for partners, providers and home and living, Penelope McKay, for meeting with some of my local providers last week to hear directly from them about the impact of these changes.”
“They understand its unique challenges. And their voices need to be heard in this process. As a government, we have not shied away from the fact that the NDIS needs to undergo changes to become fairer and sustainable in a way that works for everyone. There is always going to be debate across the sector about how we achieve this. What is absolutely essential during this process is strong engagement with participants and with providers every step of the way. As an MP, I have a very firm expectation that the National Disability Insurance Agency undertakes proper and respectful consultation before making decisions that affect the lives of people with a disability and those working hard to support them.”
“I want to start by acknowledging this work and thanking everyone in my community working so hard to improve the lives of others—helping children to walk and talk, helping to reduce pain and discomfort and giving people the tools and the power to engage socially and economically. It is such valuable work. I also want to give a very special mention to the Illawarra Disability Alliance. The IDA is an incredibly passionate group of local NDIS-registered not-for-profit organisations who want to support the success and inclusion of people with disability in our community. They are experienced professionals who have dedicated their lives to working in this field—true experts. So I was concerned when they and other local providers started voicing objections to the recent NDIA pricing review. These providers work in the system every single day.”
“The National Disability Insurance Scheme is one of the great Labor social reforms. It has fundamentally changed the lives of people with a disability for the better, giving people the opportunity to participate in society in a way that they never could before. Quality allied health professionals play an absolutely crucial role in achieving these goals. In my electorate, in the Illawarra, we are incredibly lucky to have a strong, well-established network of quality, passionate and dedicated professionals working hard on this every single day. For them, the work they do is more than just a job. It is a reflection of their compassion, commitment and strong desire to improve the lives of others.”
“These are the stories that remind us of the strength found in hope and in the pursuit of freedom. We also remembered the millions of lives lost during the Vietnam War and those who tragically died trying to flee the conflict. Their memories remain with us all. Over the past five decades, the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong, which is now led by Teresa Tran OAM and Phong Le OAM, has played a vital role in supporting not only our local community, the Vietnamese community, but also our Vietnam veterans, who they call their heroes. To the veterans who were present on the day: thank you for your service, your sacrifice and the continued bonds of friendship you've built with the Vietnamese community.”
“I had the honour of joining the Vietnamese Community in Wollongong in June to mark 50 years since the arrival in Australia of Vietnamese refugees from the Vietnam War. The event brought together not only our Vietnamese community but also many of the people and organisations who supported their early settlement. It was a moment to acknowledge the friendships, partnerships and collective effort that helped shape the strong, proud community that we see today. A special tribute was paid to Mrs Quan Tran, who was the first Vietnamese refugee to settle in Wollongong and who founded the Illawarra Indochinese social support group. Fleeing conflict in search of safety, she, like so many others, made the brave and incredibly difficult journey to Australia. Her courage, like that of thousands of others, continues to inspire people today.”
“The National Artificial Intelligence Centre supports and accelerates our AI industry, aiming to help Australia become a global leader in developing and adopting trusted and secure and responsible AI. We're investing in the sector through our AI adoption centres and the National Reconstruction Fund, which targets critical technologies like AI. Importantly, Australia is collaborating on the science of AI safety through the International Network of AI Safety Institutes. This network is ensuring international cooperation on AI safety, and that is a top priority—helping government and communities understand the risks posed by AI and working towards solutions to minimise harm.”
“As a community with a strong manufacturing base, innovating new and improved manufacturing processes, the Illawarra is perfectly placed to take advantage of the opportunities that AI can provide. At the same time, we need to make sure that this isn't at the cost of workers. Our focus needs to remain on delivering good, secure, well-paid jobs, and I was very pleased to hear our new minister for industry and innovation, Senator Tim Ayres, talk about strengthening worker voice and agency as technology is diffused into workplaces. This is really important, and I'm really proud to be part of a government that is prioritising this. We are working across government to ensure there is clarity, consistency and certainty for the tech sector in delivering these improvements for our national interest.”
“Just one example is the microskill course Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, delivered by TAFE. I am so proud that this is a free, online course thanks to the Albanese Labor government. This is helping workers to find real work applications of AI. We've got the $47 million Next Generation Graduates Program which trains job-ready graduates in skills needed by our AI and emerging technology industries. I'm also really proud of the role that the Illawarra is playing in this transition. The University of Wollongong's Centre for Artificial Intelligence is focusing on pioneering research to develop innovative theories and techniques of AI. The centre works to support the transfer of that knowledge into industry, community and science.”
“We need to secure the Australian advantage, and that means leveraging the opportunities AI presents for improved efficiencies, better productivity and, ultimately, better competitiveness. We can already see businesses in Australia using artificial intelligence to power their operations and enhance their productivity. The latest AI Adoption Tracker shows 41 per cent of small and medium enterprises are currently using AI—a figure that keeps increasing. This is leading to improved decision-making and better productivity, which are really great to see. The Albanese Labor government is working to improve our comparative advantages and grow the AI industry through our National AI Capability Plan. We want to upskill small and medium enterprises and train our future workers.”
“It could increase annual labour productivity growth by more than three per cent over the same period. It is vital for our future that we embrace AI in a regulatory environment that facilitates innovation and also mitigates the harm that it could do. It is absolutely critical to get the balance right. We want an Australia where technology creates opportunity, not inequality, and where workers, businesses and communities all share in the benefits. One of the biggest risks for Australia is falling behind in capability. We want to see investment in building our capabilities right here in Australia and not moving offshore. We need governments, unions and businesses all working together to get the best outcomes.”
“Congratulations on your election to the speakers panel, Deputy Speaker Mascarenhas. I'm very pleased for you. Australia is standing at the edge of an extraordinary technological revolution, one that is already changing the way we live, the way we work and the way we interact with each other. Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept for the future; it is here. It is integrated in our workplaces. It's in the services that we use, and, increasingly, it's in the decisions that shape our daily lives. It is driving advances in health care, helping reduce carbon emissions and transforming industries, from manufacturing to agriculture. If we get this right, the benefits for Australia are immense. AI could contribute up to $200 billion a year to our GDP and create 150,000 additional jobs by 2030.”
“There are a lot of jokes that Corrimal does the promotion in the media while Balgownie actually puts out the fires. Over the years, the Balgownie crew have become a dependable and trusted part of our community. They respond to hundreds of incidents every year, providing vital fire safety education to local schools and families. Balgownie is a strong family based station, with so many family connections, with brothers, fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, husbands and wives—all proudly serving the community together over many years. To every firefighter at Balgownie Fire Station and your families who give you up to go out and keep our community safe: thank you so much for keeping us safe over 100 years. (Time expired)”
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker, and congratulations. Cunningham looked very different 100 years ago, but one thing that hasn't changed is the courage of the men and women that have served at Balgownie Fire Station. Today, Station 210 is led by Captain Luke Rowles, one of only seven captains to hold that role in the station's remarkable century-long history. I was truly honoured to join Captain Rowles and his team, on Saturday 28 June, to celebrate their centenary with the community. We began the day with a welcome to country and smoking ceremony from local elder Uncle Peter and some wonderful students from Balgownie Public School, who sang the national anthem. Balgownie Fire Station first began as a substation of the North Illawarra fire district, with Corrimal Fire Station as the head station.”
“For their grit and determination this season, I would like to congratulate Justin and the team: Sam Froling, Tyler Harvey, Brad Ballinger, Daniel Grida, Darius Days, HJ Lee, Kobe McDowell-White, Kuany Kuany, Lachlan Olbirch, Lucas Yates, Mason Peatling, Todd Blanchfield, Trey Kell, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Will Hickey and Zac Triplett. I would also like to congratulate Phil Driscoll OAM, head of medical services; Amber Morrissey of events and social projects; and the Hawks CEO, Stu Taggart, on an incredible season. The Hawks fans have played a huge part in this victory. Their passion and enthusiasm at games not only created a great home court advantage but also lifted the spirits of the players. (Time expired)”
“What an incredible time to be from the Illawarra! The Illawarra Hawks have triumphantly ended a 24-year drought by securing the 2025 NBL championship, with a 114-104 victory over Melbourne United in a thrilling decider at the WIN Entertainment Centre. This win was made even more significant, as it is the second championship in the club's 46-year history—the first being in 2001. Legendary head coach Justin Tatum has been instrumental in their success, from taking over as interim head coach in November 2023 after the Hawks finished at the bottom of the table to leading them to a historic top-of-the-table finish and a championship win this year.”
“This will help to weed out the dodgy operators that pose significant risks or have caused consumer harm by continuing their questionable operations and ensure that Australian consumers are dealing with reputable providers.”
“These amendments are designed to enhance consumer protections and ensure that telecommunications providers are held to the highest standards of service and accountability. The minister has reviewed the telecommunications consumer protection framework and has consulted with many stakeholders to make these changes. The establishment of a carriage service provider registration scheme will create a more transparent and more accountable framework for telecommunications providers. This scheme will require providers to register with ACMA, ensuring that only those who meet specific criteria can offer services to Australian consumers.”
“The Albanese Labor government understands how important telecommunications services are to all Australians, especially to the many who provide services to the community, to businesses, to those in rural and remote communities and to the most vulnerable in our society. Our government is committed to putting customers at the centre of the telecommunications industry. The Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025 is a significant step towards achieving this commitment. The bill aims to amend the Telecommunications Act 1997 to establish a carrier service provider registration scheme, make industry codes directly enforceable by ACMA and amend existing arrangements relating to the application of penalty amounts for infringement notices and civil penalties.”
“Telecommunications services play a crucial role in providing a safe, secure and reliable means for victims-survivors to navigate their way out of violent situations. These services are essential for maintaining connections with supportive figures such as family members, friends and vital social networks. These are often a lifeline for victims-survivors, providing emotional support, encouragement and practical help during times of crisis. For many, the ability to communicate safely with people that they trust can make a significant difference in their ability to leave an abusive environment and begin the healing process. These services must ensure confidentiality and accessibility, enabling individuals to discreetly access vital information and resources without fear of interception or retaliation.”
“The Minister for Communications has worked hard to ensure that all Australians, regardless of the circumstance, are able to receive reliable telco services. This includes the development and implementation of the telecommunications financial hardship industry standard, which came into effect on 29 March 2024. This standard makes it mandatory for telco providers to better support customers who are struggling to pay their phone and internet bills. This also means that telco providers have to do all that they can to keep customers connected if they are experiencing financial hardship, with disconnection as the last resort. On 8 October 2024, the minister directed ACMA to develop a new industry standard to ensure telcos better support customers experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.”
“We want to ensure that all Australians have access to reliable, high-quality and affordable telecommunications services, supported by a strong regulatory and consumer safeguards framework. As mobile technology becomes further integrated into our daily lives, any disruption to service can be frustrating and inconvenient, but in some cases it can result in a loss of business or not being able to provide essential community services or reach out to loved ones in need. We have seen regular high-profile incidents in the telco sector, including significant service outages like the 2023 Optus outage, which impacted the nationwide network, and claims of irresponsible selling practices. This only highlights the need to address these issues within the telecommunications industry and prevent this happening in the future.”
“Now more than ever, people are becoming more reliant on their mobile devices. We use all of our mobile devices for more than just calls and messages. In the palms of our hands, we can pay for goods and services, transfer funds, send work emails, manage social media, access real-time news and even, for the more tech savvy among us, control our home appliances and cars. We have come a long way with these compact and incredibly useful devices that connect us not just to each other but to an online world of services and information. Many people and businesses around Australia are highly dependent on their telecommunications providers to stay connected to their loved ones, to their communities and to their clients.”
“Again, the decades that followed the late seventies were filled with more accolades for both men's and women's sides. In 2024, the Fernhill third division team were crowned league champions and went on to win the grand final. The men's team are chasing a historic Illawarra district league third grand final win after winning the grand final in both 2023 and 2024. In what is already an important year in your proud history, I wish you all the best for this season. Thank you to life member Justin Norris for compiling the Foxes' history, which is no easy job. Congratulations to president Murray Walker, secretary Shane Howard, past and present committee members, life members, past and present players and all of your volunteers on reaching 100 years.”
“This year the Fernhill Foxes football club are celebrating an incredible milestone: 100 years of football in the Illawarra. In 1925, the club kicked off their first game on 28 March, setting in motion a century of sporting excellence and community spirit. The 1926 season saw the club secure not one but three trophies, which was a sensational start for the newly established team. The decades that followed were filled with remarkable achievements, including the club's golden era in the early 1950s, which saw the club collect one shield and two cups and win two grand finals. The Illawarra Premier League was established in 1977, and the Foxes were fortunate enough to be accepted into this new competition and also establish their women's side later that year.”
“He was a founding member of the Illawarra Ethnic Council, now the MCCI, in 1975 and played a pivotal role in fostering multiculturalism and supporting migrants and refugees in our region. He also served as senior vice-chairman of the MCCI board for two decades, and CEO Chris Lacey is here with us today. He was a committee member of the Illawarra Dog Training Club and a foundation member of the Maltese Community Council of NSW. He served as an executive member at the George Cross Falcons club and a foundation member of Cringila United soccer club and Wollongong Wolves. George's profound dedication to his community has left a lasting legacy for generations to come. Last Friday, I was joined by Chris Bowen, Ryan Park, Paul Scully, Tania Brown and so many others to say our final goodbyes at his funeral. Thank you, George.”