Dan Repacholi
Hunter · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“It's practical and it's most certainly overdue I want to spend a bit more time on why this transparency matters in the real world. When people cannot see the cost up front, they're making decisions in the dark. They might pick the first specialist they referred to without knowing that there are more affordable ones right near them.”
“He said to me, 'I just want to focus on getting better and not having to worry about the bill.' This is the kind of uncertainty that is not accidental. When more of the burden is pushed onto individuals and people are expected to navigate the costs on their own, this is exactly what happens.”
“We tried that, and it simply didn't work. Out of thousands of eligible specialists, only a handful chose to share their fees. That is not transparency. That is a system that leaves patients in the dark. This bill fixes it by using data we already have—medical data, hospital billing data, insurer data.”
“If we make the system clearer, simpler and easier to understand, we remove more barriers. We make it more likely that they will actually take that next step, book the appointment, follow through with treatment and get checked early instead of late. That saves lives. And it's not just about physical health.”
“I've spoken to a family in Singleton whose teenage daughter needed a specialist consultation. They were trying to do the right thing, following the medical advice they were given, and get Olivia the care she needed, but they were given very little clarity on the cost.”
“They can see whether a doctor participates in gap-cover arrangements. They can understand what their insurer is likely to cover. This is common sense. It's something that people expect. This bill also provides transparency around hospitals and insurers. It will show which doctors operate at which facilities.”
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“One thing people always ask me is: what has Labor done for the Hunter? I love that question because I get to tell them all the great things we've delivered. We've delivered a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Cessnock. We promised it in 2022; we opened it in 2024. The opposition—guess what? They opposed it and will close it if they get a chance. We've delivered two Medicare mental health clinics, in Cessnock and Muswellbrook. The opposition—guess what? They oppose them and will close them if they get a chance as well. We've restored the after-hours GP access in Toronto, after ScoMo ripped the hours out. The opposition—not interested. We've delivered fee-free TAFE so people can skill up without racking up a debt. They call it 'wasteful spending'.”
“Leading the charge is the member for Hume. The member for Hume has absolutely no idea of what to do when it comes to the cost of living. Remember, this is the same bloke who hid energy price hikes before the last election. He saw the numbers and didn't like them, so he shoved them in the draw and hoped no-one noticed. Now he wants us to believe he has a grand plan to help struggling families with the cost of living. Get real, mate! It's like putting a fox in charge of the chicken coop and being surprised when the feathers start to fly. If you really want to understand the member for Hume and what Australians think of him, you don't have to look any further than his own Facebook page. This is the man who is so starved of support that he once replied to his own Facebook post with, 'Fantastic. Great move. Well done, Angus.' I mean, come on!”
“The Albanese Labor government is focused on reducing the cost of living. This is one of the issues that matters most to the hardworking people of the Hunter. Today we have the opposition trying to convince us that they could do a better job. Let's be clear, when it comes to reducing the cost of living, the coalition is like a chocolate teapot—they melt under pressure, deliver nothing and leave nothing but a mess. They are worse than useless. They seriously expect us to believe they of all people could do a better job of reducing the cost of living—the same mob who spent nine years driving up power prices, keeping wages low and making it hard to see a bulk-billing doctor. They talk the big talk, but there is no action to back it up. They voted no to every single cost-of-living measure we have put in place.”
“Instead of bucking bulls, the young riders ride steers that buck. Whether it's riding a mini bull or a steer, getting bucked off by any angry animal isn't something an everyday person can do, and it takes serious courage. I know what it takes to become a national champion and I know how hard both of these young gentlemen, Judd and Logan, have worked. The time they put in and the results they got on the day are absolutely fantastic. Congratulations to both you boys. Keep up the great work. I really look forward to seeing—and hopefully one day you guys showing me—how a steer's eyes and legs buckle when I sit on it, but we'll see what we can do. Keep up the great work in the rodeos in the future. Cheers.”
“The Hunter is always punching above its weight, and we have done it again with a couple of local young blokes absolutely dominating at the recent Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association titles. Judd Thomas is now a dual Australian champion after taking out the titles in the under-11s Mini Bulls and under-11s Steer Rider. Singleton's own Logan George is also now an Australian national champion in the under 14s Mini Bull, taking out the win. For those who don't know, the Mini Bulls competition is a rodeo event which involves young riders being mounted on a miniature bull and trying to hold on while the bull tries its hardest to buck them off. The steer riding event is similar to the mini bull event, and it's considered an introductory form of bull riding for young riders.”
“We're also tackling workforce shortages head on with over 22,100 enrolments in agriculture related fee-free TAFE courses from January 2023 to September 2024, strengthening the PALM scheme, increasing its workforce and allocating $1.9 million to attract Australians to the workforce. This government is taking action and supporting the agricultural sector. We need to stick with a government that does, and that's what the Labor government is here to do. We support farmers, we support workers and we support our food, fibre and forestry industries.”
“Australia's agriculture exports are at record highs thanks to our government's work in opening new markets and restoring key trade relations. We export over 70 per cent of our agricultural, fishery and forestry products to 169 global markets, the most diversified trade portfolio in history. We're restoring trade relations with China, leading to the removal of $20 billion in trade barriers. We're ensuring Australian live rock lobsters return to the Chinese dining table. We supported record red-meat exports and a booming aquaculture industry. Our government understands that strong trade means strong farmers and a strong economy. To further strengthen the sector, we're re-investing $500 million from the National Reconstruction Fund for agriculture, forestry, fishery, food and fibre.”
“Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, yet the previous government chose to ignore these challenges, leading to reduced farm profitability. We take a different approach. We delivered the first ever joint agriculture ministers statement on climate change. We developed the first Agriculture and Land Sectoral Plan to help the industry reach net zero by 2050. We invested $1.1 billion into the Natural Heritage Trust, including $302.1 million for climate-smart agricultural programs. We committed $519.1 million over the next four years from the Future Drought Fund to enhance climate resilience. These actions are not just about today. We are about securing the future for Australia's agricultural sector.”
“We are stepping up our national preparedness to safeguard our industries from future threats. A strong agriculture sector needs a strong workforce. Under the previous government, the agriculture workforce was in crisis. The previous government ignored the warning signs, leaving us to clean up the mess. We took immediate action, establishing the tripartite Agricultural Workforce Working Group; creating the agriculture labour taskforce; and strengthening the PALM scheme, growing participation from 8,000 workers in March 2020 to over 27,000 by the end of 2024. Without a skilled and reliable workforce, the entire agriculture sector suffers. That's why we continue to invest in training, TAFE and job opportunities. But we cannot ignore the challenges posed by climate change.”
“Since July 2022, we have achieved 169 market access wins, including opening 22 new markets, implementing 66 improvements to reduce export costs and requirements, securing 72 achievements to maintain access despite trade threats, and restoring nine previously lost trade opportunities. These numbers tell a powerful story: progress, investment and opportunity for Australian farmers and producers. A thriving agriculture sector requires protection. That's why our government has invested over $1 billion to ensure that Australia's biosecurity system remains world class. We saw the importance of these investments firsthand with the outbreak of avian influenza last year. Thanks to our robust biosecurity measures, Australia remains the only continent free from the devastating avian influenza. But we are not complacent.”
“One thing that we humans cannot live without is food, and it is because of one dedicated group of people that we can source food in this country: our farmers. Every time we sit down for a meal, we should be grateful for the tireless work of Aussie farmers. Our farmers deserve more than just words. They deserve a government that delivers real action, not just politicians donning an Akubra or a puffer vest for a photo op. Playing dress-ups does nothing to truly support those who feed our nation. Over the last term, this government has been steadfast in its commitment to Australian farmers, working to grow our nearly $1 billion agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries, and the results are clear.”
“I move: That this House: (1) notes that the Government has been delivering for Australian farmers and producers, helping our nearly $100 billion agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors continue to grow; (2) acknowledges the Government has: (a) recorded 169 market access achievements since July 2022, including: (i) 22 new markets opened; (ii) 66 improvements to reduce cost or requirements to export; (iii) 72 achievements to maintain access in the face of threats to trade; and (iv) nine achievements to restore access that was previously lost; and (b) invested over $1 billion to ensure our biosecurity system is sustainable long term, ensuring our world-class system stays that way; (3) further notes the dire state that our agriculture workforce was in under the previous Government, and acknowledges the work the Government has done to fix these issues, including: (a) establishing the tripartite Agricultural Workforce Working Group and starting up the Agriculture Labour Taskforce; and (b) working with stakeholders to deliver a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme that is beneficial and safe for workers, which has grown from around 8,000 workers in March 2020 to over 27,000 at the end of 2024; and (4) notes the Opposition's inaction on climate change reduced farm profitability, and acknowledges that the Government is investing in a sustainable agriculture sector by: (a) delivering the first ever joint Agriculture Ministers' Statement on Climate Change; (b) developing the first Agriculture and Land Sector Plan to chart the path for the industry to actively contribute to net-zero by 2050; (c) investing $1.1 billion in the current round of the Natural Heritage Trust, including $302.1 million in climate-smart agriculture programs; (d) investing $63.8 million to support the sector to act on climate and reduce emissions; (e) committing $519.1 million over the next four years from the Future Drought Fund to ensure programs promote long-term drought and climate resilience; and (f) ensuring our forestry industry remains sustainable, expanding our plantation estate and continuing support for our native forestry sector, in addition to supporting innovation and advanced manufacturing for wood products.”
“The Junior Citizen of the Year was Cessnock High School Interact. The Maree Callaghan Award for Young Female Achiever went to Lilly Bridge. The Sports Award went to young motocross superstar Braxsen Anderson. Community Event of the Year was once again awarded to the Kearsley Community Anzac Dawn Service, which is always a moving and appropriate way to remember those who served our nation. Finally, Tahni Beckett, John Bosco, Georgina Grine, Ron Pyne, Barbara Rodham, Bruce Wilson and the Huntlee Academy all received community awards. Congratulations to Liam. It was well-deserved. And congratulations to everyone.”
“Australia Day has come and gone and the Cessnock City Council has announced its 2025 Citizen of the Year. This year, the title went to my good mate Liam Woods. Liam is truly inspiring. He's a strong supporter of the Leukaemia Foundation, Stem Cell Donors Australia and Transplant Australia and has helped others by sharing stories and the experience of his own transplant journey and raising vital funds for these important organisations. He has also proved that having a transplant or a negative diagnosis doesn't hold you back in life, representing our country on the world stage at the World Transplant Games and the Transplant Football World Cup. I would also like to recognise the other five recipients of awards on that day. Peter Torenbeek was announced as the Senior Citizen of the Year.”
“They're the ones that do all the work where people get their hands dirty for the ones that don't want that. Shame on you for looking down on them.”
“Completing an apprenticeship is more than just learning technical skills. It's about developing confidence, building connections and preparing for a successful career. That's why TAFE is so important. It gives apprentices the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable insights that will help set them up for long-term success. I'm proud to stand here as a member of the government that values and respects apprentices—the government that is making their lives easier, not harder. We are building the workforce Australia needs to end the skills shortage and to make our country the best place it can be. To those that look down on tradies, honestly, shame on you. Tradies are the ones that build your houses. They're the ones that cut your hair and cut your kids' hair. They're the ones that do the concreting.”
“I've had coalition supporters tell me that I'm not educated. They mock me for dropping out of school. But I'm proud that I went to TAFE. I'm proud that I chose a job where I could work with my hands. It takes all types of workers to build a strong advanced economy like the one that we have here in Australia. All Australian workers deserve respect and should be supported in pursuing the career of their dreams. Just last week, I spoke with Jackson, who's a young chippie from the Hunter. He told me that without the government's support, he wouldn't have been able to afford the tools and training he needed to complete his apprenticeship. Thanks to our investment in TAFE and apprenticeship incentives, Jackson is now on track to becoming a fully qualified carpenter, helping to build the homes and infrastructure in our community.”
“Their flawed logic suggests that by cutting TAFE funding and slashing apprenticeship support, skilled workers somehow would just appear. When they did make cuts, they didn't re-invest that saving. Instead, they handed millions of taxpayers' dollars to their big-business mates—$72 million to McDonald's; $1.6 million to a single Domino's franchisee, who, later, was banned from employing apprentices for failing to meet training obligations. Although I do love a good burger, I don't think the previous government should have wasted $28 million in taxpayers' money on the Grill'd burger chain. That money should have been spent directly on supporting apprentices as they gained the skills to help power our economy. The fact is that the opposition makes life harder for apprentices because they look down on people who don't have a university degree.”
“Those opposite like to think they understand the economy better, but their actions tell a different story. By slashing TAFE funding and making apprenticeships harder to complete, they discouraged people from entering the trades, making the skills crisis even worse. We have still got a long way to go, but this government is committed to ending the skills shortage by supporting apprentices at every stage. Recently we announced even more initiatives to further support apprentices. We are providing up to $10,000 in incentive payments for apprentices to keep in key residential construction trades. We have also increased the allowance for apprentices living away from home—the first increase in over 20 years. Those opposite have shown their true colours and have said these investments are wasteful spending.”
“We listen to what businesses are telling us, and that's why addressing the skills shortage has been one of our highest priorities. We knew it wouldn't be an overnight fix. Instead we've made a long-term investment in growing our skilled workforce by opening up pathways to education and training and making apprenticeships more attractive. Through long-term investment, we are steadily closing the skills gap. We've rebuilt the TAFE system and provided apprentices with the support they need to succeed. We had to rebuild the TAFE system because those opposite unfortunately left TAFE in ruins. They gutted funding, leaving the system on its knees. Is it any wonder that these reckless cuts led to a skills shortage? Without a strong TAFE system, how can we train the workers our economy needs?”
“I want to highlight this government's strong commitment to its apprentices. Right now is a great time to start an apprenticeship in Australia. Sparkies, plumbers, chippies, mechanics, landscapers, painters, brickies, boilies, fitters and so many more other workers that keep our economy booming are all vital trades that begin with an apprenticeship. When we came into government three years ago Australia was facing a severe skill shortage. This shortage spanned numerous trades and industries, holding our economy back and limiting growth opportunities for the business sector across Australia. When I speak to businesses in the Hunter they tell me that the lack of skilled workers is stifling their ability to expand. Whether they're in mining, viticulture or manufacturing, businesses are struggling to find the workers they desperately need.”
“I move, in relation to prioritising trade apprentices: That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to supporting apprentices and addressing the skills shortage which was left unaddressed by the previous Government; (2) notes the failure of the previous Government to adequately support trade apprentices, instead diverting taxpayer funds to big business, including: (a) $72 million to McDonald's, which posted record profits of $360 million in 2022-23; (b) $28.3 million to Grill'd, despite its profits surging by 700 per cent, hitting $15.8 million in 2020-21; and (c) $1.6 million to a Domino's franchisee in South Australia, which was later banned from employing apprentices due to a failure to meet training obligations; (3) commends the Government for prioritising trade apprentices through new initiatives, including: (a) introducing the Housing Construction Apprenticeship Program, providing $10,000 incentive payments for apprentices in key residential construction trades; and (b) increasing the allowance for apprentices living away from home, the first increase in more than 20 years; and (4) supports these measures as vital steps towards building a skilled, sustainable workforce.”
“My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Why did the Albanese Labor government put an end to the 'golden ticket' visa scheme? What has been the response? And is the minister aware of any other threats to the integrity of our visa system?”
“The only thing the blockers are constantly in favour of is taxpayer funded lunches for the corporate bosses. They say no to pay rises for minimum wage workers but yes to another round of oysters and champagne for their CEO mates—because nothing says economic responsibility like a three-course meal off the back of the taxpayer dollar. Australians deserve better leadership that works for them, not an opposition stuck in the past blocking ideas just because they didn't come up with them. It's time to stop playing political jenga and start standing up for an Australia with a better future.”
“There is a frustrating pattern in Australian politics at the moment, and it's coming from those opposite. They are a group so committed to saying no they should be rebranded as the blockers. If progress was a freeway, this lot would be the never-ending roadworks. They would be the workers in hi-vis holding the 'slow' sign, except they wouldn't let any traffic through. When this government moves to cut the cost of medicines, what do those opposite say? No. We say fee-free TAFE. What do they say? No. We say pay rises for aged-care and childcare workers. What do they say? No. We build Medicare urgent care clinics. Funnily enough, what do they say to this? No. They claim to stand for economic responsibility. Blocking cheaper medicines and better health care doesn't just hurt people, it costs more in the long run.”
“Jared proves that it doesn't matter what school you go to. You can achieve anything when you live in the Hunter by going to one of our amazing local public high schools. He's a shining example of the potential of young people in the Hunter and shows that you should never feel limited in what you can achieve because of where you came from or what school you went to. Congratulations, Nigel and Dr Lawrence. Thank you for all you have done for our community. Just as a little side note, Dr Jared Lawrence was taught by the good member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid. He took him through his time in that hospital. Thank you for what you do, Dr Gordon Reid, the member for Robertson, as well in helping our young people achieve their future.”
“This year I was lucky enough to attend Singleton Council's Australia Day ceremony, where they announced their 2025 citizens of the year. This year paramedic Nigel Korff was named the 2025 citizen of the year. Nigel is a deserving recipient of this award after clocking up 40 years as a volunteer for the NSW Rural Fire Service. This award also recognised his role as a crew member for the record number of helicopter rescues in a single day that they performed in the 2022 Lismore floods. The ceremony also saw Dr Jared Lawrence honoured for young achiever of the year. A Singleton High School alumni, Dr Lawrence received his award for his impact on improving the health and wellbeing of the Singleton community and executing an exceptional vision for the future of rural health care as he undertook his training as a doctor.”
“All types of people in the regions are benefiting in all types of ways thanks to this government. It is no surprise to anyone, other than those opposite, that Australians know that our government is truly a government for all Australians. We didn't pit regional Australians against city Australians or any other Australians for that matter. We don't play dress-ups and pretend to be farmers like the Nats do or rock up to the pub in a town, have a couple of beers and then never return like the Libs do. We are a government that genuinely governs for all Australians. We have revived the regions so the future is bright, and the people in the regions know that. This Labor government has their back.”
“Not only are we getting it done, but we're making the regions fun again—with zero thanks to those opposite. When flooding hit our region this government stepped in with $47 million of funding for flood victims through the Back Home funding program. Those opposite said today that we've given up on the regions. Does this sound like we've given up on the regions? Those opposite have got to be having a laugh. Every taxpayer in the Hunter has benefited from our tax cuts. Over 6,500 families in the Hunter benefit from cheaper child care that this government introduced. Over $7.7 million has been saved by Hunter residents, thanks to cheaper medicines. Same job, same pay has been an absolute life changer for workers in the Hunter, ending the exploitation of unfair work arrangements that blossomed under those opposite.”
“We're rebuilding the infrastructure of the regions, with over $25 million in funding for roads and bridges across the Hunter. There is $10 million for a permanent dredge in Lake Macquarie. Almost every town in the Hunter has had NBN connection upgrades because of the wasted money that those opposite put into NBN. We are getting it done, with zero thanks to those opposite. Almost every school in my electorate has had upgrades under this government, including huge upgrades such as the $1.2 million for Cessnock East Public School and the $4 million for Wakefield Public School. Under this government there is nowhere better to grow up than in regional Australia. There was 500 grand for the Cessnock BMX track and $1 million for the Cessnock Regional Skatepark.”
“This government has put over $268 million in for the Muswellbrook Bypass project. Over 26,000 freight and passenger vehicles will use this new route every day when it is completed—3,700 heavy vehicles will use it. People have been talking about this bypass since 1996, and we are getting it done with zero thanks from those opposite. Do you think $268 million sounds good? Wait until I tell you about the Singleton Bypass, Deputy Speaker. We have backed this project with $560 million, the largest road infrastructure investment ever in Singleton's history. Five sets of annoying traffic lights will be bypassed by this beautiful eight kilometres of road that is getting built right now in the Hunter. We're getting it done with zero thanks from those opposite.”
“We are a government that, once again, values the regions, a government that understands that regional Australia is the vital backbone of our economy. It is where our food is grown. It is where our products are made. It is where our energy is generated. People from the regions are hard-working, good people, and for too long they were let down by those opposite, who had nothing to offer them. We have been rebuilding regional Australia. We have been getting it done with zero thanks to those opposite. We have really put what has been needed back into the regions. We have delivered more for regional Australia than any other government in living memory. Let's take a look at my regional electorate. It tells you what this government has done for the regions, particularly in the Hunter.”
“They say you shouldn't throw stones in glass houses. Clearly no-one has told this to those opposite, who say this government is giving up on regional Australia. You've got to be joking, Deputy Speaker. It would be funny if it wasn't for the fact that those opposite really did leave regional Australia behind in their decade of waste and neglect. They left regional Australia behind so badly that it's shocking that they get up here and say that we have given up on regional Australia. This government has rebuilt regional Australia. I see this every day when I'm driving around my electorate. When I talk to the people of the Hunter, I hear that they are relieved that this government, once again, has their back.”
“When it closed, he transferred to the then Maitland transport unit, and has remained with the Court Escort Security Unit. Congratulations to John Hedley, who received the Australian Fire Service Medal. John joined the Bulga brigade in 1974. He held roles such as deputy and senior deputy captain before his election as the Hunter Valley district group captain in 2001, a position he continues to hold. Congratulations to all. Thank you for the contributions you have made to our community.”
“He was a ministerial appointed member of the Upper Hunter Air Quality Advisory Committee in the NSW Environment Protection Agency, commissioner and member of the Mining and Petroleum Gateway Panel with the Independent Planning Commission, founder and inaugural co-chair of the research committee with the Australian Coal Association Research Program, chair of the editorial board of the Australian coal journal and chair of the OH&S committee of the Australian Coal Association, which is now part of the Minerals Council of Australia. Congratulations to Darren Kearney, who received the Australians Corrections Medal. Darren has operated at several levels of Corrective Services in New South Wales over the past 34 years. He began his career in 1990 at Parklea prison, before being transferred to Maitland Gaol in 1992.”
“He is a member of the Rotary Club of Singleton and the NSW Rural Fire Service in Broke, a volunteer at the Singleton Visitor Information Centre, deputy chair of Broke Fordwich tourism association, chair of tourism Singleton, a board member at the Hunter Region Tourism Organisation, a member of the Broke Landcare group and a member of the Broke water supply committee.”
“Geoff is a board member and chair of the Broke Fordwich Private Irrigation District. He has been a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy since 1968 and previously served as president. He has also been involved heavily with the Hunter Valley branch, initiating the Hunter student chapter, and was made an honorary fellow in 2017. Geoff was a councillor on Singleton council from 2004 until 2008 and chair of the Redbank power station community consultative committee from 2004 to 2008, as well as being chair of the Broke Fordwich alliance community.”
“He has been a speaker at numerous health star rating symposia and consultations, including FoodLegal in 2017. He made a big contribution towards food regulation in Australia and New Zealand, being a member of the steering committee for front-of-pack labelling and an industry member on the technical design working group. From 1981, Gregory was involved with the Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Company Australia in roles ranging from process analyst and food scientist to group and corporate technical manager. Gregory has also been involved in fundraising efforts for the Black Dog Institute. Congratulations to Geoffrey Sharrock from Fordwich, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia, AM, in the general division for his significant services to the mining industry and to the community.”
“He was a member of the governance committee and a member of the Australia Day committee for the Singleton council. Gerard has a strong involvement in the community and church, serving as the president of the Singleton tourism association and as national president of the Australian Catholic Cursillo Movement. He was a member of the finance committee for the Singleton Catholic parish, synod representative with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and treasurer at Mercy Rest Home. He's got just a few thing on his plate! Dr Gregory George Gambrill was awarded an AM in the general division for his significant services to science and to public health and nutrition. He was a member of the health star rating system technical advisory group from 2014 to 2016 and was the algorithm development lead.”
“I rise to recognise some extraordinary people who live in the Hunter who were rightly recognised on Australia Day for their incredible contributions to our community and our nation. Gerard McMillan from Singleton was awarded an OAM for his service to the community and to business. Gerard has been involved with the Singleton Diggers and was general manager from 1979 to 2020. He has been an honorary life member since 2020. He has also been part of the RSL and Services Clubs Association as a past state president and life member; the Club Managers Association Australia; the Licensed Clubs Association of Australia, now Clubs Australia; and the Registered Clubs Association of New South Wales. He was a district governor of Rotary International District 9670 and was an internal auditor.”
“Only the Albanese Labor government will help you do this. The opposition—the coalition over there—want to rip this away. They think this is wasteful spending. We'll make sure this is not wasteful spending, because we want you and your mates, all your friends who are involved in the trades and services we need, to help rebuild Australia to give us what we need into the future. Thank you to all the tradies out there now. Thank you to the early childhood educators, the nurses, the NDIS workers—anyone who works in those support areas. Thank you for all you do for our communities, our country. Without people like you we wouldn't be able to stand in a place like this, so thank you. Go get a trade and really enjoy your life. Cheers!”
“Go to TAFE, get an apprenticeship and get on with building the life, the future, the career you've always wanted. There is no better time than right now, because this government—the Labor government—is committed to making sure you have the support you need to not only get into TAFE but thrive during your apprenticeship. The opportunities that will come to you, the doors that will open, are endless. You never know where life's going to take you. When I was an apprentice on the tools, getting dirty every day, I didn't think I'd be in this place talking up what it means to be an apprentice. So I say to anyone out there who's even thinking about doing it: just take the leap and do it. It's an amazing career. Being an apprentice, sure, you go through some tough times, but we are here to help you.”
“She thinks that, if people get something for free, they don't value it and don't welcome it. But every dollar we spend on our people brings big rewards, more work, new ideas and a stronger economy. Investing in skills today means a better, tougher economy tomorrow. As we look into the future, industries are evolving and new sectors are emerging. Free TAFE will ensure that our workforce is not only prepared for today's challenges but agile enough to meet the demands of tomorrow's economy. My advice to anyone who is thinking about entering a trade, early childhood education, nursing, aged care, personal care or disability services? Go and do it! Honestly, tradies are cool. We've built Australia. We've made Australia what it is. We need more engineers, too, but tradies make this place work.”
“A first-year apprentice will be getting $120 a week for living away from home. That's a nearly $43 increase. A second-year will go up to $90 per week, which a $51.41 increase, and third-year apprentices will receive $45 per week, which is an extra $20 a week. We're also increasing the disability Australian apprentice wage support payment to support more employers taking apprentices with disability. The payment has been increased for the first time since 1998. The massive difference will make the lives of our apprentices easier. What this will do for them cannot be underestimated. This will make a huge difference. We know that some—and by 'some' I mean 'those opposite'—think that TAFE is a waste of money. We heard that come straight out of the mouth of the deputy opposition leader. She's really not keen on it.”
“This is exactly what the $10,000 incentive payment will help encourage, with apprentices who work in the housing construction industry receiving $2,000 at the six-month mark into their apprenticeship and then at the 12-month mark, the two-year mark, the three-year mark and upon completion of their apprenticeship. They will receive $2,000 at every one of those marks along the way. This payment is only one of a whole stack of changes we want to make to better look after our apprentices. We have raised the allowance paid to apprentices living away from home. This is the first time since 2003 that this has happened. A lot has changed and a lot of things have gone up in price since 2003, but apparently not this allowance. It's about time we made it up to date to better help apprentices living away from home in 2025.”
“This is why we are responding with the housing construction apprenticeship program, which includes a $10,000 initiative payment that I'm sure will help encourage people to take up an apprenticeship and make life just that little bit easier while they're completing their apprenticeship. Getting an apprenticeship will be easier than ever with our 500,000 fee-free TAFE places. At the end of the day, we want more Australian workers to make more things here. This can only be done if we have more people going through TAFE, more people completing apprenticeships and more tradies. When we have more tradies, we will have the workforce to deliver our Homes for Australia Plan, an ambitious target to deliver 1.2 million homes over the next five years.”
“We're going to do things like make sure apprentices are being looked after by giving them a little bit extra in their pocket to help them get by each week. I was an apprentice and, more recently, I managed apprentices when I managed a local engineering business. I know better than anyone that, while getting a trade is worth it in the long run, getting through your apprenticeship on lower wages can be really tough. It's really, really hard, and sometimes this can steer people away from apprenticeships. A person may start an apprenticeship and then really struggle whilst they're going through it. So we're here to help, and this was reflected in the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.”
“It will be focused on areas that will achieve the national ambitions of a future made in Australia: construction and housing supply, the care and support economy, defence, digital and technology, manufacturing, and the restoring of our sovereign capability. These are all areas that we must help to thrive in order for a future Australia that will also be thriving. There are a few key differences which really set us apart from the coalition. Our commitment to VET, to TAFE and to skills more broadly is certainly one of them. There is only one party that truly cares about TAFE, and that's us. The record shows this. The opposition's policy announcements show that this will not change after the next election. On this side of parliament, we aren't giving the bosses a taxpayer funded handout to go for lunch or to watch the footy.”
“The bill sets out key matters that are to be dealt with in the free TAFE agreement, including the number of free TAFE places, the areas of study, the groups prioritised for access, reporting requirements and financial agreements. Finally, the bill will require the Skills and Workforce Ministerial Council to be consulted on any proposed changes to the act. As our country grows and demand for skills increases, a strong TAFE is more important than ever. That's what we have started to build, and now it's time to protect and maintain the rate of progress that we are making. This bill ensures that free TAFE positions will be targeted to industries experiencing current and projected workforce shortages.”
“This bill is about making sure that this isn't just a one-off sugar hit for our sector. It is about making sure that we future-proof TAFE so that people will always be able to have the opportunities accessible to them. With this bill, fee-free TAFE will become a permanent part of our national vocational education and training system. This bill does three important things. Firstly, it commits the Commonwealth to make a grant of financial assistance to the states and territories for the delivery of free TAFE places, with states and territories required to enter a free TAFE agreement with the Commonwealth which sets out terms and conditions for financial assistance. This means that the states and the Commonwealth will work together to make sure that TAFE is strong and our country has enough qualified people in sectors that need workers.”