Cassandra Fernando
Holt · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Labor was elected with a clear promise: to back working families with real cost-of-living relief. From 1 July, we are delivering. Whether it's a young worker stacking shelves at Woolies while studying or new parents welcoming their first child, Labor is making life a little easier.”
“It is practical, it is targeted and it is exactly the kind of work that growing communities like Holt need. This investment is part of our broader $47 billion Homes for Australia plan. We are making it easier to buy and better to rent, and we are building more homes.”
“But we also have to confront the parts of the system that have made it harder for first home buyers. For too long, the tax system has given investors an advantage over young Australians trying to buy their first home.”
“More homes mean more choice, more affordability and more Australians getting the chance to live near work, family, school and community. But housing does not get built by words alone. It needs roads. It needs water. It needs drainage, utilities and local infrastructure.”
“Housing is one of the great challenges facing our country. It is a challenge I hear about every week in Holt. I hear it from young people who are working hard and saving carefully but still feel the dream of owning a home is moving further away. I hear it from families who want security, stability and a place to put down their roots.”
“They invested just $123 million in housing-enabling infrastructure. They said no to the Housing Australia Future Fund. They said no to Help to Buy. They said no to Build to Rent. They said no to Labor's five per cent deposit scheme. In government they even said no to having a housing minister.”
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“While the opposition has advocated against these reforms, we know that these are practical policies that reward hard work, ease cost-of-living pressures and put working families first. This is what Labor stands for—no-one held back and no-one left behind.”
“Labor was elected with a clear promise: to back working families with real cost-of-living relief. From 1 July, we are delivering. Whether it's a young worker stacking shelves at Woolies while studying or new parents welcoming their first child, Labor is making life a little easier. From 1 July, every Australian taxpayer will receive a tax cut, with the lowest tax rate dropping from 16 to 15 per cent, putting more money back into workers' pockets. We are making tax time simpler, introducing a new $1,000 instant tax deduction. We are expanding paid parental leave to six months, giving parents more time with their newborns. We are delivering payday super, meaning super is paid at the same time as wages. The minimum wage will increase to $26.44 per hour. This will see wages lifted by 4.75 per cent for over three million Australians.”
“My question is to the Minister for Health. What measures starting today will help strengthen Medicare and deliver cost-of-living relief for Australians? Why is this so important after a decade of cuts and neglect?”
“They invested just $123 million in housing-enabling infrastructure. They said no to the Housing Australia Future Fund. They said no to Help to Buy. They said no to Build to Rent. They said no to Labor's five per cent deposit scheme. In government they even said no to having a housing minister. Now they are saying no to giving first home buyers a fairer chance. Their record is clear: when it comes to housing, they do not build; they block. I want to thank the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities, the Hon. Clare O'Neil MP, for her work and leadership in driving this housing agenda.”
“But we also have to confront the parts of the system that have made it harder for first home buyers. For too long, the tax system has given investors an advantage over young Australians trying to buy their first home. It should not be easier for someone to buy their fifth property than it is for a nurse, a teacher, a tradie or a young family to buy their first. That is why we are levelling the playing field through capital gains tax and negative gearing changes. This is not about attacking aspiration; it is about backing the aspiration of working people. It is about saying the dream of homeownership should not be reserved for those who already own property. And that is the difference between this government and those opposite. They had nearly a decade in government to act on housing, and they failed.”
“It is practical, it is targeted and it is exactly the kind of work that growing communities like Holt need. This investment is part of our broader $47 billion Homes for Australia plan. We are making it easier to buy and better to rent, and we are building more homes. We have expanded the five per cent deposit scheme to all first home buyers. In Holt, around 2,747 people have bought their first home because of this scheme. Those 2,747 are families, couples and young Australians who have been able to get into the market sooner. This is what good governments should do—back people who are working hard and help them get ahead. We are also rolling out Help to Buy, supporting 10,000 low- and middle-income Australians into homeownership each year. We are delivering 55,000 social and affordable homes across the country.”
“More homes mean more choice, more affordability and more Australians getting the chance to live near work, family, school and community. But housing does not get built by words alone. It needs roads. It needs water. It needs drainage, utilities and local infrastructure. It needs the practical work that turns land into liveable communities. That is why the Albanese Labor government is investing a further $2 billion through the Local Infrastructure Fund. This funding will help deliver the pipes, pavements and powerlines needed to unlock new housing projects. It is about unlocking the last-mile infrastructure that can hold back housing projects that are otherwise ready to go. This investment will support up to 65,000 new homes over the next decade.”
“Housing is one of the great challenges facing our country. It is a challenge I hear about every week in Holt. I hear it from young people who are working hard and saving carefully but still feel the dream of owning a home is moving further away. I hear it from families who want security, stability and a place to put down their roots. And I hear it from parents who worry their children may not have the same opportunities they had. A generation ago, buying a home was not easy. It took time, sacrifice and careful saving. But for many Australians it felt possible. Today too many people are doing everything right and still cannot get into the market. That is why this government is acting. The long-term answer is clear: we have to build more homes.”
“They work here, pay taxes, raise families and enrich our communities. In Holt, they are nurses, aged-care workers, teachers and tradies, small-business owners and volunteers. Many have lived here for years. I know this story because this is my story. I came here as a very proud migrant, and I know their pride and sacrifices and the contribution migrant families bring to Australia. They do not weaken our nation; they strengthen it. To target them for a cheap political gain is not leadership; it is division. And it has no place in our country, while those opposite rely on divisive scare campaigns and desperate attempts to chase One Nation politics.”
“Health care is another central pillar of this budget. The government is investing an additional $25 billion over five years into our public hospitals. We are also making Medicare urgent care clinics a permanent part of our healthcare system. This means more families can access care when they need it without spending hours waiting in a busy emergency department. On this side of the House, we are easing cost-of-living pressures, strengthening Medicare and building more homes. But, from those opposite, we've heard no serious plans—just uncosted ideas, detail-free cuts and division. The clearest example was the opposition leader's proposal to deny permanent residents access to the NDIS and 17 support services. Let's be clear who they are targeting. These people are not strangers.”
“We are strengthening biosecurity, opening new trade opportunities, investing in fuel and fertiliser security, and supporting producers through hardship. That same principle guides our approach to housing. We know that housing remains one of the biggest pressures Australians are facing. Too many young people are working hard, saving and doing everything right only to feel the dream of owning a home slipping further away. That is why our government is reforming the system to support more first home buyers and rapidly increase housing supply. We know it isn't enough to simply announce more homes. We must build the essential infrastructure to make those homes a reality. That's why this budget commits $2 billion through the Local Infrastructure Fund to deliver the roads, water, power and sewerage required for new developments.”
“This budget also backs the small businesses that keep our communities moving. Australia's 2.7 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy. That is why the government is delivering $3.5 billion in new business tax relief. We're making the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent, giving small businesses more certainty when investing in equipment, technology and tools. We are also introducing a permanent two-year loss carry-back, helping businesses bounce back faster and withstand unexpected volatility. For startups and innovators, loss refundability will help new businesses grow in their first two years. These measures back the people who back our community, because when small businesses do well our whole community thrives. We are backing Australian farmers.”
“This is a responsible budget—one focused on relief, resilience and reform. This approach matters because we are governing in a difficult global environment. Conflict in the Middle East has pushed up oil prices, disrupted supply chains and placed immense pressure on household budgets. In my community, families are feeling the pinch every single time they fill up the car, pay their bills or do their weekly grocery shop. That is why this budget delivers real cost-of-living relief. It delivers tax relief for every Australian taxpayer. The new working Australians tax offset will provide up to $250 for working Australians from 2027-28, alongside a $1,000 instant tax deduction to simplify tax time and provide immediate practical support. For everyday Australians in my electorate of Holt, it deeply matters.”
“The temple was beautifully decorated, with families, children, monks and community members coming together in a spirit of devotion and unity. In Holt we are proud to be home to people from many different backgrounds, faiths and cultures. Celebrations like Vesak are a powerful part of our multicultural story. They bring people together across generations and backgrounds, deepening understanding and reminding us of the shared values at the heart of our community: compassion, respect and care for one another. I thank the monks, volunteers and organisers at Dhamma Sarana Buddhist Temple for their warm welcome, and I look forward to visiting them again. I also want to give a big shout-out to Nawa Rasa in Cranbourne West. They fed 2,000 people last Saturday, and it was absolutely amazing to be a part of the dansal there. Thank you very much.”
“It was clear from the moment I arrived that this is more than just a place for classes; it is a place where people build friendships, learn new skills and support one another. I want to thank Sue and all the members for welcoming me so warmly and showing me around, and sharing the wonderful work they do for our local Holt community. Last Saturday, I visited Dhamma Sarana Buddhist temple for their annual Vesak celebration. Vesak is one of the most important days in the Buddhist calendar, marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. It is a time of reflection, compassion, generosity and peace. Since being elected, I have visited the temple every year for Vesak, and each year it's a special reminder of the strength, warmth and deep faith of our local Buddhist community.”
“I recently had the pleasure of visiting U3A Cranbourne, a wonderful local organisation based in Bowen Street, Cranbourne. U3A plays such an important role in our community by helping older Australians stay connected, active and engaged. During my visit I had the opportunity to meet with members, see their classes in action and learn more about the incredible range of activities that they offer, from art to calligraphy, knitting, crocheting, singing, playing guitar, table tennis, mosaic art, gardening and so much more. There is really something for everyone. What really stood out to me the most was the warmth of the members and the strong sense of belonging that U3A Cranbourne has created.”
“The Speaker spoke to them about his role in the chair and how debates are conducted and how we, as members, make decisions and represent our local communities. Civics education is incredibly important. Sessions like this make parliament feel accessible to young Australians. When children understand how our democracy works, they're more likely to feel connected to it and confident that their voices truly matter. I want to thank the Speaker for taking time to visit Holt and for engaging so warmly with our local youth. I also want to thank the BAPS community in Cranbourne for hosting this wonderful session and the vital role they continue to play in bringing together our community through faith, service and culture.”
“Whether you serve in aged care, community support, sporting clubs, charities, emergency services, multicultural organisations or local groups, your dedication and selflessness do not go unnoticed. Thank you for everything you do. That brings me to a fantastic event that took place in my electorate, one that focused on helping young Australians better understand our democracy. For the very first time, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, visited Holt to deliver an informative and interactive parliamentary education session to children from the BAPS community in Cranbourne. It was wonderful to see young people so engaged as they learnt about our parliament.”
“I had previously visited Casey Manor during the Melbourne Cup and the warmth of the residents and staff left a lasting impression on me, so I genuinely was delighted to return for a special morning tea to recognise the eight incredible volunteers who give their time, compassion and energy to enrich the lives of residents every single day. Aged-care volunteers are often the quiet heroes of our community. They provide companionship, a listening ear, support with activities and countless moments of joy. I want to thank the entire Casey Manor team for inviting me, and I look forward to visiting again. National Volunteer Week was also a great opportunity to recognise the remarkable work of volunteers and volunteer based organisation across the electorate of Holt.”
“I also want to thank every local who took time to put a nomination forward. As the federal member for Holt, I will always back our local businesses and stand up for them here in Canberra, because when small businesses do well our Holt community thrives. From the small businesses that keep our suburbs moving to the volunteers who quietly strengthen our community, Holt is full of people who give so much to others. I visited Casey Manor aged care to celebrate National Volunteer Week. Casey Manor is a 45-bed aged-care home that provides care, support and connection for older members of our local community.”
“Red Earth Flowers was awarded for innovation and sustainability. It is a vibrant local florist with decades of floral expertise. They create beautiful arrangements for every occasion, from weddings to celebrations and moments of sympathy and care. Finally, Spin A Yarn, a beautiful local cafe and yarn store in Cranbourne West run by two inspiring mothers, received the women in business award. It has become a warm and creative space where people can enjoy a coffee, connect with others and share the love of craft. It also happens to be located right next door to my electorate office. To every business that was nominated: congratulations. Being nominated means someone in our community saw your hard work and believed it deserved recognition. That in itself is something to be incredibly proud of.”
“Brian's Gourmet Meats in Lyndhurst was awarded for community contribution. It is a much-loved Lyndhurst butcher known for quality meat, gluten-free prepared meals and friendly local service. They are also a business that gives back, supporting the community through their weekly community barbecue with the local church. Businesses like this are a part of everyday life in our suburbs, supporting local families and contributing to the community around them. Taste of Bharat in Cranbourne received the new business award. It is a fantastic Indian restaurant on High Street in Cranbourne and it has quickly become a local favourite. Varsha Hair and Beauty in Hampton Park was recognised for great customer service. It consistently provides exceptional hair and beauty services, making our local community look and feel their absolute best.”
“We are making the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent, giving small businesses more certainty when investing in new equipment, tools and technology. We are also introducing a permanent two-year loss carryback, helping businesses bounce back faster and withstand unexpected economic volatility. For start ups and innovators, we are introducing loss refundability to help new businesses grow in their first two years. And, for our 1.5 million sole traders, we are introducing a $250 tax offset to directly lower your tax burden. These measures are about backing the people who back our community. That same spirit is what the Holt Local Business Excellence Awards were all about—recognising the local businesses that go above and beyond for our community. I want to congratulate our five outstanding award winners.”
“Whether it's a cafe, a trade business, a professional service, a family business or a new start up, these are the people who take risks, create local jobs, support families and keep our suburbs running. Importantly, the night was also about recognising the support networks behind them—the partners who help after hours, the kids who spend weekends at the shop and the staff who become like family. I know things are hard right now. Costs are rising and global pressures are being felt here at home. Many small businesses are feeling that same pressure every day. That is exactly why supporting our small businesses is so important. Australia's 2.7 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy and, in this federal budget, the government is backing small businesses with $3.5 billion in new business tax relief.”
“I recently had the pleasure of hosting the very first Holt Local Business Excellence Awards. Small businesses are the heartbeat of Holt. Whether it's a cafe, a trade business, a professional service, a family business or a new startup, these are the people who take risks, create local jobs, support families and keep our suburbs running. Importantly, the night was also about recognising the support networks behind them—the partners who help after hours, the kids who spend weekends at the shop, and the staff who become like family. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 13:02 to 13:15 Before the suspension, I was saying that I recently had the pleasure of hosting the very first Holt Local Business Excellence Awards. Small businesses are the heartbeat of Holt.”
“My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How has the Albanese Labor government fought for higher wages, including for minimum wage and award-reliant workers, after a decade of wages being kept deliberately low?”
“This year they have already raised more than $3,400. And what's the best part? The coffee is absolutely delicious and costs only $1. I thank Jo, Daniel and the entire team for inviting me. I cannot wait to visit you guys once again.”
“I recently had the pleasure of visiting Every One Cafe in my electorate of Holt and spending time with the amazing team there. This is a truly special place. Every One Cafe provides hands-on hospitality training for people living with a disability in my community. It's a place where team members take their first steps into the world of hospitality, learning new skills in an inclusive, supportive environment. By offering fully paid employment and building the skills needed to pursue future opportunities in the hospitality sector, this program changes lives. This is what inclusivity is all about: ensuring everyone gets a fair go. And it gets even better. Every coffee and every meal sold gives back to the community. Proceeds from Every One Cafe support the SES Cranbourne Unit and the vital work they do in keeping our community safe.”
“It backs small businesses with permanent tax relief, including the $20,000 instant asset write-off and a permanent two-year-loss carry back. And it strengthens Medicare, making urgent care clinics permanent, making medicines cheaper and delivering record investment in public hospitals. This is the budget that understands the pressure people are under. It backs workers and small businesses. It supports families. It strengthens Medicare. It helps first home buyers, and, most importantly, it delivers practical— (Time expired)”
“At a time when household budgets are stretched and families are feeling the pressure, this Labor budget is focused on what matters the most: easing cost-of-living pressures now while building a fairer future for the next generation. For the people of Holt, that matters. This budget delivers more tax relief for workers, including a new $1,000 instant tax deduction and a $250 working Australians tax offset, helping people keep more of what they earn. It delivers $2.9 billion in immediate petrol price relief, while also strengthening Australia's fuel security and supply chains. It supports housing reform by levelling the playing field and giving first home buyers a fairer chance at achieving the great Australian dream of homeownership.”
“This is practical, considered reform shaped by the evidence and the real experiences of Australian consumers. I commend this bill to the House.”
“This bill reflects a very Australian expectation: be upfront, be fair and do not make life harder than it needs to be. Australians are not asking for special treatment; they're asking for the basics. They want prices they can trust, they want subscription terms they can understand, they want the freedom to leave a service when it no longer serves them and they want to know that, when a business makes a promise, it will keep it. This bill gives that expectation the force of law. It gives the people of Holt and people right across our country back their time, more clarity and better protection for their hard-earned money. It is fair, it is practical and it is absolutely needed. I acknowledge the work of the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh, in bringing this bill before the House.”
“The ACCC will provide guidance on how the new laws will operate. The government will review the subscription provisions after the first two years to make sure the protections are working as intended. That is the right approach. It gives consumers stronger protection and gives businesses time and certainty. We are also looking into the future. We know that small businesses and franchisees often find themselves on the receiving end of unfair trading practices from larger entities. That is why the government will consult on extending unfair trading protections to small businesses, including those in franchising. We will also consider possible alignment in the financial services sector carefully and properly so consumers do not fall through the regulatory gaps.”
“We have already strengthened penalties for anticompetitive conduct, ensuring that breaking the law is no longer just a cost of doing business; we have acted on unfair contract terms, protecting small businesses and consumers from 'take it or leave it' contracts that are already heavily weighted against them; we have tackled shrinkflation and unit pricing, ensuring that, when the packet gets smaller, the consumer knows exactly what they are paying for; and we have made the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct mandatory, ensuring our farmers and suppliers get a fair deal from the major supermarkets. This bill is the next logical step in that journey. The bill also takes a practical approach to implementation. The reforms will commence from 1 July 2027, giving businesses time to understand their obligations and to adjust their practices.”
“They become less likely to switch and less likely to engage, and good businesses miss out. This bill does not stand alone. It is a critical piece of the Albanese Labor government's broader agenda to ease cost-of-living pressures and make the Australian economy work for people, not the other way around.”
“I want to address those who might claim this is an interventionist or antibusiness measure. In reality, this bill is pro good business. In my community of Holt, I see local cafe owners, family run trades and small retailers who work incredibly hard to build a reputation. They know that trust is their most valuable asset. They are upfront with their prices, they stand by their service and they work hard for every single customer. Those businesses should not be undercut by companies that rely on tricks, pressure or confusion. A strong marketplace should reward honesty, value and service. This is why consumer protection and competition policy go together. When people trust the market, they are more confident to compare, switch and try new providers. When people feel trapped or misled, they become cautious.”
“It might be a service fee, a booking fee, a processing fee or a transaction fee. The problem is not that a business charges a fee; the problem is when that fee is compulsory but not shown clearly upfront. By the time the consumer sees the real total, they may have already spent time choosing a product, entering details, selecting a seat or organising the booking. Many people then go ahead because they feel they have already invested the time. This is not a fair way to compare prices. This bill requires mandatory transaction based charges to be displayed alongside the base price from the very beginning. This ensures that the price you see in the search results is the price you actually pay. It allows for genuine price comparison, which is the engine of a competitive economy.”
“Three in four Australians with subscriptions have had a negative cancellation experience. One in 10 has literally given up on trying to cancel a service because it was too difficult, continuing to pay for something they don't want. This is not the market working; this is a subscription trap. This bill breaks those traps. It mandates that businesses clearly disclose the total cost, the renewal frequency and the cancellation process right at the start. It also introduces a click-to-cancel expectation. If you can sign up with one click, you should be able to leave with equal ease. The bill also addresses the deceptive practice of drip pricing. This occurs when a consumer sees an attractive price at the start of the transaction, but mandatory charges appear later in the process.”
“This bill modernises our legal framework so it can respond to the harmful conduct of today and remain flexible enough to deal with the emerging tactics of tomorrow. Let's look specifically at the subscription economy. Subscriptions are now a staple of modern life. We subscribe to news, music, fitness apps, meal kits and software. When these models are clear and fair, they provide great convenience. Many businesses already do the right thing. They send reminders, they make the price obvious, and they make it easy to leave. Those businesses have nothing to fear from this bill. In fact, they will benefit from a marketplace where their honest practices aren't being undercut by dishonest competitors. However, the Consumer Policy Research Centre has provided us with some sobering statistics.”
“In simple terms, businesses will not be allowed to manipulate customers or unreasonably distort the environment in which they make decisions. We are not saying businesses shouldn't be successful. On the contrary, we want Australian businesses to thrive. We want them to advertise freely, promote their products and compete fiercely, but that competition must be based on the things that actually matter—price, quality, service and value—not on who's the best at tricking a customer, who can hide their fees the longest or who can make their cancellation button the hardest to find. This bill draws a firm line between clever marketing and predatory manipulation. Australian Consumer Law has served us well, but the world has changed. The way we shop, compare and subscribe today is vastly different from 20 years ago.”
“In my electorate of Holt, families are already watching every single dollar. They are comparing grocery prices, managing rent or mortgage payments, checking bills and doing everything possible to make the household budget stretch until the next payday. When budgets are tight, a few dollars in a hidden fee, another monthly charge for a service they try to cancel or an automatic renewal they were not properly reminded of isn't just an annoyance; it's a financial hit. Those costs add up for students, for families, for pensioners and for our small businesses. This is why this bill is so necessary. The Albanese Labor government is amending Australian Consumer Law to introduce an economy-wide prohibition of unfair trading practices.”
“They should not need to reach the final step of a digital checkout, only to be hit with extra compulsory fees that were never disclosed at the start. And they should not have to battle a deliberately confusing website just to stop paying for a service they no longer want. These experiences are familiar to too many Australians. A person sees one price advertised, but, by the time they reach the checkout, the final amount is higher. Someone signs up to a free trial and later realises they have been rolled into an ongoing payment. Someone tries to cancel a subscription, but, instead of a clear and simple process, they are sent through page after page of hurdles, offers and endless questions. For many people, this is not just frustrating; it costs money, it wastes precious time, and it fundamentally damages trust.”
“I rise today in support of the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026. This legislation is an important milestone in our nation's journey towards a fairer and more transparent market. At its core, this is a bill about the basic integrity of the daily interactions between Australians and the businesses they rely on. It is about the fundamental principle of fairness in the everyday decisions Australians make when they buy a ticket online, compare prices, start a free trial, sign up to a service or try to cancel something they no longer use. In all of those moments, Australians should be able to rely on a basic standard of honesty and clarity. They should not have to navigate a maze of fine print.”
“This year also marks five years since the Kabul airlift, which ended Australia's longest war, in Afghanistan, where more than 39,000 Australians served with professionalism and bravery. I thank the Hampton Park Progress Association, the Dandenong Cranbourne RSL and the Tooradin Dalmore Football Netball Club for their work in honouring this important day. Lest we forget.”
“Anzac Day is a time for reflection, remembrance and gratitude. It is a day when Australians come together to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those who defended our nation and the freedoms we enjoy today. I was honoured to attend the dawn service at Hampton Park, the morning march in Cranbourne and the commemorative match hosted in Tooradin. Across Holt, our community gathered to pay tribute to those who served and those who continue to serve our country. This year marks 111 years since the Gallipoli landings and 110 years since Australians first served on the Western Front during the First World War. We remember all Australians who have served, across generations, from Europe, Korea, Malaya and Vietnam to East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, and all the peacekeeping missions around the world.”
“My question is to the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services. In the face of global instability, how is the Albanese Labor government taking practical action to protect Australians from rising cost-of-living pressures and to crack down on unfair fees and hidden charges?”
“For 30 years as SDA's Victorian state secretary, Michael has stood up for some of the lowest paid workers in this country. Persistently and effectively, he has fought to deliver real change, and yesterday's historic decision is a testament to that work. From now on, adult age means adult wage.”
“Yesterday, the Fair Work Commission handed down a long-overdue decision: they abolished junior rates for Australians over 18. This is a massive win for young workers in retail, fast food and pharmacy and a major step towards a fairer workplace system in this country. Eighteen-year-olds are adults. They can vote. They can drive. And they face the exact same cost-of-living pressures as every other adult. They do not get a discount on their rent, they do not get cheaper groceries and they do not pay less for petrol simply because they are 18, 19 or 20. This decision is going to make a real difference to around half a million young workers across Australia. I want to thank the SDA and Gerard Dwyer for their relentless 'Adult Age = Adult Wage' campaign. I also want to particularly acknowledge Michael Donovan.”
“Today, Bestway employs more than 60 people in Dandenong and provides opportunities for refugees, offering training, work experience and pathways into future employment. Stories like Bestway's are at the heart of our community in Melbourne's south-east. They reflect the strength of multicultural Australia, where new migrants create jobs, support one another in their journey as Australians and enrich our nation. Just as generations of Italian and Greek migrants once shaped precincts like Lygon Street and Eaton Mall, we are now seeing new communities shape areas such as Thomas Street in Dandenong and High Street in Cranbourne. Thank you for the work you do. (Time expired)”
“Quietly, persistently and effectively, he has helped deliver real change, and this decision is a testament to that work. When I started at Woolworths at 15, I joined the SDA on the first day. Retail and fast food workers in Australia enjoy some of the strongest rights in the world because of leaders like Michael, and that is why every worker should join their union. I recently had the privilege of visiting Bestway Supermarket in Dandenong and meeting its owners, Mohammad Reza Khademi, Ahmad Hussain Zada and Mohammad Sarvar Khademi. They came to Australia in the early 2000s from Afghanistan. Starting in 2003 as Maiwand Supermarket, they worked tirelessly to grow their business, relaunching as Bestway in 2014 and building it into a thriving enterprise.”