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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“Real wages have begun to recover after a period of decline. We have maintained a strong labour market by historical standards, even in the face of global uncertainty. And we dramatically improved the budget position. Australia has now recorded the largest nominal budget improvement in a parliamentary term. We delivered the first back-to-back surplus in nearly 20 years, and recent budget outcomes have come in significantly better than forecast, reflecting disciplined economic management. That did not happen by accident; it was the result of responsible management discipline and an economic plan that works for ordinary Australians, not just the top end of town. The Albanese Labor government will continue this approach in our second term.”
“I rise to speak on Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. These bills represent the continuation of our government's responsible and fair economic management. They provide roughly seven-twelfths of the annual funding required for this fiscal year, alongside allocations for budget measures announced earlier in the 2025 budget and some additional items since that include funding for election commitments and measures highlighted in the pre-election fiscal outlook and adjustments following machinery-of-government changes. It's worth taking stock of what we already delivered in our first term. We have stabilised and strengthened the economy. We have made meaningful progress in easing inflationary pressures.”
“So, yes, this motion raises real concerns about accountability, and those concerns should be taken seriously. The government has accepted the ANAO recommendations and is working to strengthen how programs are measured and delivered, because, at the end of the day, this isn't about ticking boxes. It's about making sure that when someone's doing it tough, they can get the help they need and what actually works for them. Every life matters. We owe it to every mate, every worker out there, every community member, every family, every brother and sister to make sure we get this right.”
“From a men's health point of view, this is absolutely critical. If we want to bring those numbers down, we have to meet men where they're at, which means making services easier to access, more practical and built around real life. It means reaching blokes in workplaces, in clubs and in community and not just expecting them to walk through the front door of a service. It also means getting in earlier, supporting boys and young men, helping them deal with stress, relationships, pressure and change before it builds up. At the same time, we can't ignore bigger pressures people are under right now. The cost of living, housing stress, family breakdowns and exposure to violence all play a role. If we want to reduce suicide, we have to deal with those pressures as well.”
“Around $200 million has gone into crisis support lines like Lifeline and 13YARN, making sure someone's there when that call comes in. On top of that, there's a $1.1 billion investment in mental health services to expand access and make it easier for people to get help, which includes more Medicare mental health centres, more headspace services and new youth specialist care centres. These are practical steps that are helping people on the ground, but the ANAO report makes an important point that it's not enough just to spend money. We need to know that it is actually working. We need clear targets, proper tracking and a better way of measuring outcomes. That's why the work of the National Suicide Prevention Outcomes Framework matters. It'll help us understand what's actually making a difference and where we need to do better.”
“That's why suicide prevention can't just sit in one part of government. It has to be joined up. It's about mental health services. It's also about housing, the cost of living, family support, education and community connection because the things that push people to the edge are rarely just one thing. The Albanese Labor government understands that. Last year, we released the National suicide prevention strategy 2025 - 2035 , and we've backed that up with real investment. Since 2022-23, more than $610 million has gone into suicide prevention initiatives, including support for people leaving hospital after a suicide attempt. There has been more than $300 million invested in supports designed to be delivered by First Nations communities.”
“They are clear about outcomes, proper oversight and a system that is working, and that's fair. At the same time, we need to be honest about what we're dealing with here. Nine Australians die every single day from suicide. More than 150 attempt to take their own lives every day. These aren't just figures on a page. These are sons. These are daughters. These are parents, mates and workmates. As Special Envoy for Men's Health, I see this through a very clear lens. Too many of those lives are men—men who are struggling, often quietly, telling themselves to toughen up and not reaching out until things have gone too far. We see it every day in workplaces, in sheds and in sporting clubs. Men are less likely to ask for help, more likely to put it off and more likely to wait until they're in real trouble.”
“I rise to speak on this motion and thank the member for Bowman for bringing it forward. It's an issue that hits close to home for too many Australian families. Suicide prevention is not just a policy; it's about real people. It's about families losing someone they love, mates losing a mate and communities trying to make sense of something that should never have happened. This House has noted the findings of the Australian National Audit Office, and it's right that we take them seriously. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has agreed to the recommendations. The government has accepted the report. Assistant Minister McBride is working through it very carefully right now. People expect that, when we invest this level of funding into suicide prevention, it's doing what it's meant to do.”
“I thank the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations who helped shape this work, including the steering committee and the community controlled sector. Their leadership gives this plan its strength. This plan also matters because it aligns with Closing the Gap, contributes to reducing family violence and responds to calls for action from key inquiries and reviews. Parliament should support this plan because it's practical and community led. For those of us who care about men's health, this is also a reminder that the health of men and boys is so important for the safety of women and children. If we want a safer future, we must back women, protect children and help men change. That is what this plan does and that is why I strongly support this motion.”
“And that's why Aboriginal community controlled organisations must be at the centre of this work. The plan also recognises that support must be practical, with mobile teams in remote areas, safe transport and emergency accommodation for women and children to leave violence safely, and support for children to heal from this trauma. Community playgroups where mums and bubs can connect with elders and access early support are also vital. I also want to acknowledge the women whose strength and advocacy have brought us to this point. For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have carried communities through hardship. They have been protectors, they have been teachers and they have been leaders. This plan stands on their shoulders.”
“It's also about social and emotional wellbeing, connection, healing, respectful relationships and teaching boys that strength is shown through self-control, empathy and responsibility. Too often, poor mental health, unresolved trauma, substance misuse and rigid ideas about masculinity can combine in very destructive ways. None of that removes accountability, but it tells us that, if we want to stop violence before it starts, we need to support men and boys earlier, particularly those dealing with trauma and disconnect. That is why this plan's investment in programs that help men take responsibility for their actions and build respectful relationships is so important. That's why men's wellness centres, community based healing programs and culturally grounded initiatives matter.”
“Behind every statistic is a life, a family, a child, a community carrying trauma that no-one should ever have to bear. As Special Envoy for Men's Health, I want to speak to one part of this motion in particular, which is that it recognises that we must engage men and boys if we are serious about ending violence. We cannot talk honestly about family, domestic and sexual violence without talking about men's behaviour, responsibility and the need to intervene. Violence is always a choice. Nothing excuses it. If we want prevention, we must understand the pathways that can lead some men and boys towards using violence and must act earlier to change that path. That is where men's health perspective matters. Good men's health is not just about physical health.”
“This is the first standalone national plan focused specifically on ending family, domestic and sexual violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children. It has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and with states and territories, and it's backed up by serious investment. Most importantly, it's built on the principles that lasting change must come from listening to the communities and backing community led solutions. The statistics before the House are very confronting. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are far more likely to be victims of intimate-partner homicide. They are far more likely to be hospitalised because of family violence, and the risks are even greater in rural and regional remote communities.”
“I'm supporting this motion from my good friend the member for Lingiari, and I want to commend her for a long, steadfast advocacy for the safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children and communities. This motion is important because it recognises something that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have been saying for decades. They have been calling to be heard, for safety and for action that is led by the community, grounded in culture and shaped by lived experience. That is why the launch of Our Way—Strong Ways—Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026-2036 is such an important step forward.”
“The Hunter has always punched above its weight when it comes to sport. We've produced a remarkable number of professional and elite athletes, and it's vital that we continue backing the next generation of local talent so future champions also rise from our region.”
“Australians have worried about that information and about how their DNA could be used against them. The fear has real consequences. It has discouraged testing, and that really matters—just the same as trust matters in this as well. When people trust the system, they engage with the system. They get tested, they participate in research and they seek early treatment. That leads to better outcomes for everyone. This bill is also forward looking. It recognises that genomics will play an increasing role in healthcare into the future. I'm looking forward to seeing what Australians can do with this and what we can do with this as a government to make sure that no Australian has to choose between their health or their financial security.”
“There is already a functioning disciplinary system in place, and the proposed stage 2 would have required individual advisers to register annually with ASIC. This would have created additional red tape without improving consumer protection. This bill removes an unnecessary burden. It ensures regulation remains effective but not excessive. It supports financial advisers while maintaining strong standards. Again, there is broad stakeholder support for this measure. Taken together, this bill delivers practical reforms across several areas, but, at its core, it's about people. It's about ensuring Australians are not penalised for taking care of their health, ensuring our laws keep pace with science and building a system that works for the community. For decades, genetic discrimination in life insurance has been a concern.”
“This schedule provides a valid appropriation to meet commitments made in the 2024-25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. It supports investment and institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. It also reduces administrative burden by allowing routine decisions to be delegated where appropriate. These changes will make Australia a more agile and effective participant in the global financial system. They will allow us to meet our obligations effectively. They will support international efforts to address development challenges. There is no expected stakeholder opposition to these measures. Schedule 4 repeals stage 2 financial adviser registration. Under existing arrangements, financial advisers are already registered through their licence.”
“They support competition, they support investment, and they support economic growth. Importantly, these measures elevate existing relief, which has been provided through ASIC instruments, into primary legislation. This provides greater certainty and stronger oversight. There has been strong support for these measures from industry stakeholders. There is no expected opposition. This is sensible and practical reform. Schedule 3 of this bill deals with multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund. It modernises and streamlines the legislative framework governing Australia's participation in these institutions. These institutions are evolving. They are developing new financial models. They are responding to global challenges. Australia must be able to respond as well.”
“This schedule deals with licensing exemptions for foreign financial services providers. It introduces three exemptions from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence. The first is the comparable regulator exemption. This applies to providers that already regulate in jurisdictions with comparable standards. The second is the professional investor exemption. This allows providers to offer services to Australian professional investors without a licence. The third is the market maker exemption. This applies to providers making markets in certain derivatives. These reforms are about balance. They maintain the integrity of our financial system while reducing unnecessary regulatory burden. They ensure Australian businesses and investors can access a broader range of financial products and services.”
“That is what prevention looks like, and that is what this bill supports. This reform will pave the way for expansion in genetic screening. The DNA Screen study aims to expand to 100,000 participants. That would identify thousands more Australians at risk and, importantly, those Australians would no longer have to worry about insurance discrimination. This is how we build a healthier nation. Modelling shows that population-level genomic screening could deliver productivity gains in the order of billions of dollars. This is not just good health policy; this is good economic policy. Prevention reduces long-term healthcare costs. It keeps people in the workforce. It strengthens families and communities. This bill is an important step toward that future. I now turn to schedule 2 of the bill.”
“Under the previous setting, some couples hesitated, worried that even the act of testing could affect their financial security. That hesitation could delay important decisions about family planning and early medical care. Under this bill, that couple can proceed with confidence. They can seek the advice, understand their risks and make a more informed decision about the future of their family without fear of insurance consequences. In my electorate in the Hunter, we have already seen the impact of genetic testing. At least 30 young people participated in a DNA Screen study. Three were identified as being a high genetic risk. A young woman was found to be at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Two young men were found to be at high risk of bowel cancer. Because of testing, they were able to take action early.”
“Under this new framework, that hesitation should no longer exist. People can act early, seek advice and take control of their future without second-guessing the financial consequences. Consider also regional and rural Australians, who often face higher barriers to accessing specialist care. For them, early knowledge can be even more critical. Genetic testing can guide limited healthcare resources more effectively and help avoid late-stage illnesses that require complex treatment far from home. Removing insurance fears makes these benefits more accessible across the country. Let me offer another example. A young couple planning to start a family may choose to undertake genetic carrier screening. This test can identify whether they're at risk of passing on a serious inherited condition to one of their children.”
“That's deeply concerning. It means people were walking away from potentially life-saving knowledge because of financial fear. This bill removes that fear and that barrier. It also sends a powerful signal to researchers and clinicians. It tells them that Australia supports innovation in medical science and that we're willing to remove outdated barriers that hold this progress back. When participation in research increases, discoveries accelerate, new treatments are developed, and lives are improved. We can also think about the families who carry inherited conditions that are not yet visible. A patient who knows there's a history of heart disease may hesitate to test their children. A young adult may delay testing for a cancer predisposition. Under the old system, that hesitation was understandable.”
“I want to highlight the real-world impact of genetic testing. The DNA screen study at Monash University tested 10,000 Australians aged between 18 and 40 for genetic risks of preventable cancers and heart disease. The results were striking. One in 50 participants were found to be at high genetic risk. That's two per cent of those tested. That's a significant number of Australians. These individuals were then able to take preventive action: they accessed surgery; they undertook regular surveillance; they began medication. These are the life-saving interventions. Young Australians want this information. The DNA screen study was oversubscribed. Tens of thousands of people expressed interest in it. But there was a problem. The main reason many people chose not to participate was fear of genetic discrimination in life insurance.”
“It tells us that this is the right reform at the right time. And it's not just about removing harm; it's about unlocking opportunity. We should see this reform as part of a broader shift towards prevention in health care. We're entering a new era—an era where we can prevent disease instead of simply treating it. This bill helps Australia move into that era. Prevention is not only better for individuals; it's much better for the entire system. When diseases are identified early or avoided altogether, we reduce pressures on hospitals, reduce long-term treatment costs and improve quality of life. Families avoid the trauma of late diagnosis. Communities remain stronger because people stay healthier and active for longer. This is the kind of reform that delivers benefits well beyond the individual.”
“This is important because it ensures that life insurance remains properly risk rated. What we're doing is drawing a fair line. We're saying that predictive genetic information should not be used to disadvantage people. We're protecting Australians from discrimination while maintaining a functional insurance system. There are also strong enforcement mechanisms. Breaches of this ban will attract civil penalties and criminal offences. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission will oversee the enforcement of these rules. These protections are real, they are backed by law, and they will be upheld. There is broad support for this reform. Genetics researchers support it. Patient advocacy groups support it. Even the life insurance industry supports it. That tells us something important.”
“Some are even avoiding participation in medical research. That's a loss for individuals. it's a loss for families and it's a loss for our entire health system. We cannot allow fear to stand in the way of life-saving care, and this bill fixes that. It ensures that, when somebody is considering a genetic test, their focus can be on their health, not on how their insurer might respond. It aligns our laws with modern science. It brings the Insurance Contracts Act into step with the Disability Discrimination Act. It provides clarity, certainty and protection. This reform has been carefully designed. It does not prevent insurers from using clinical information. They can still consider diagnosed conditions. They can still consider symptoms. They can still consider family medical history.”
“But, for too long, Australians have faced an unacceptable choice: do they take a genetic test that could protect their health, or do they avoid testing because they're worried it will affect their ability to get life insurance? That's not a choice anyone should have to make. This bill removes that fear. Schedule 1 of the bill amends the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 to ban life insurers from using genetic test results when deciding whether to offer cover or what terms to offer. It's clear and it's a simple rule: your genetic test results cannot be used against you. This reform ensures Australians are not punished for taking proactive steps to manage their health. Treasury analysis has shown that people are delaying or avoiding genetic testing because of concerns about life insurance.”
“I rise to speak on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025. This is an important bill. It's a bill about fairness, it's a bill about trust and, above all, it's a bill about making sure Australians can make decisions about their health without fear. At its heart, this legislation delivers on a clear commitment. We said we would stop life insurers from using genetic testing results against Australians. This bill does exactly that. Genetic testing saves lives. It allows doctors to identify serious risks early. It allows people to take preventive action. It allows families to understand their health and plan for the future as well.”
“That is why I'm working closely with the minister to make sure these improvements reach all parts of our community. We are not saying the job is done, but we are getting on with it. We are strengthening Medicare, we are supporting doctors and we are helping with the cost of living by improving everybody's health care, because in the Hunter and across Australia health care should be based on what you need, not on what you can afford. That is what people expect and that is what we are delivering. Only an Albanese Labor government really cares about Medicare. That's why we will continue to invest in it, and we'll continue to invest in areas like the Hunter.”
“Bulk-billing rates are going up across the Hunter, and this did not happen by chance. It came from the biggest investment in Medicare in Australia's history. We chose to support our local GPs, strengthen primary care and make it easier for people to see a doctor without worrying about the cost. In the Hunter, we're already seeing the results of this. There are now 27 GP clinics that are fully bulk-billing. This means families can get care when they need it, where they need it. Pensioners do not have to delay treatment either. Young people can look after their health without financial stress. This is about getting Medicare back to what it should be. It should be for everybody, it should be easy to access and it should be fair. But there is still more to do. In the Lake Macquarie area, access is not what it should be.”
“Congratulations to the 23 athletes who made this possible: Tilly, Amayah, Peyton, Phoenix, Vogue, Harper, Mia, Ella, Paris, Ayla, Scarlett, Georgia, Asher, Mikayla, Quinn, Ivy, Felicity, Sophia, Kendra, Amarni, McKenzie, Miilah and Taylor. And congratulations, of course, their dedicated coaches, Alissa and Liv, whose leadership and support helped bring out the very best in this team. Those young athletes are fantastic ambassadors for our region, the Hunter. They show what can happen when talent, hard work and community spirit come together. To the Lady Lynx cheer team, congratulations on an outstanding achievement. It's an extraordinary result and one that has made the Hunter incredibly proud of you all. Thank you.”
“I want to recognise an incredible achievement by a group of young athletes from our region, who have taken the Hunter all the way to the world stage. The Lady Lynx cheer team from EOD Allstars have been crowned the USA national champions at the Spirit Sports Grand Nationals Championship in California. After already being undefeated national champions here in Australia in 2025, these young women travelled halfway around the world, took on some of the best teams anywhere and came home with the title. Achievements like this don't happen by accident; they come from early mornings, long training sessions, discipline, commitment and teamwork, and this team brings those qualities to every single performance.”
“My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. How is the Albanese Labor government improving connectivity for people living in regional, rural and remote Australia? What other approaches has the government been asked to consider?”
“I am proud to stand up for coalminers and I'm proud to represent a community that have built this country with their hands, their backs and their sacrifice. Labor will always stand up for working people. We will always back the Hunter and we'll always back coalminers. I commend the bill to the House.”
“After unfortunately losing his father in a tragic accident last year, that leave has allowed him to support his family and help his mother adjust to life on her own. 'This industry is intense,' he said. 'Long service leave is recognition that you have dedicated years to it. It gives you time you would not otherwise have—proper time with family.' Jeremy got there in the end, but he should not have had to fight that hard for something he had already earned. And that's exactly why reforms like the ones in this bill matter. The legislation is part of Labor's long tradition of standing up for workers and fixing broken systems so entitlements are real, not just words on paper. I am proud to support this bill.”
“He had to track down old payslips, bank records and employment details dating back years just to prove what everyone already knew: that he'd been working in the industry the whole time. As Jeremy put it: 'It was heavily scrutinised. It should not be that hard when you have been on site the whole time doing the work.' Years later, one former employer even attempted to change recognised service, arguing technicalities about whether the equipment he worked on counted as mining work. With union support, Jeremy successfully defended this claim, but it reinforced just how vulnerable workers can be when the law leaves room for ambiguity. In Jeremy's words: 'It became a matter of principle. If you have put the time in, it should be recognised.' Today, Jeremy is finally on long service leave.”
“Many of these workers have spent decades moving between sites and employers, doing essential work, yet have been the ones most affected by gaps in the long service leave scheme. I want to put a human face on what these gaps in the system actually mean. In my electorate of Hunter I spoke with a tradie from Cessnock named Jeremy, who works in the black coal industry. Jeremy eventually had his long service leave recognised under the coal long service leave scheme, but only after an 18-month process of gathering evidence from multiple employers and proving he'd been working on site in the industry that whole time. Because he worked for contractors, he was not automatically covered.”
“When you start out you want to know that the rules are fair. You want to know that the system works. You want to know that loyalty and hard work are valued. By fixing these legacy issues we are now strengthening the scheme for the next generation of miners as well as the current ones. I also want to acknowledge the many contractors and ancillary workers who keep the industry moving. Too often when people talk about mining the only picture is the big operators. But anyone who has worked on a mine site knows the reality. It is the maintenance crews. It is the fitters. It is the sparkies. It's the emergency response teams. It's the water cart operators. It's the people who test, inspect and repair equipment so everyone gets home safe at the end of shift.”
“That is why legislation like this matters: because it shows follow-through, it shows that when issues are identified and when court decisions clarify longstanding disputes this government acts, and we act with workers in front of mind. This bill does not just tidy up a technical problem. It restores confidence in the system that miners rely on. It says that if you have put the years in and you've done the hard yards across multiple sites and employers then your service will be recognised. Your leave will not disappear into a legal grey zone. That certainty is especially important for older workers. I've spoken to miners in their 50s and 60s who have been genuinely worried about whether their long service leave would ever materialise. This bill answers those concerns. It's also a matter for younger workers coming into the industry.”
“I am not a career politician who discovered coal when I first ran for office. I lived it, I worked it and I will always fight for the people who still work in it. This bill also shows what responsible transition looks like. It does not abandon workers or strip away their entitlements. Instead, it says that while mining continues workers will be protected. Their leave will be honoured. Their service will count. That is what a just approach looks like. I also want to say something about trust, because trust matters in communities like mine. For too long, coalminers have been told one thing and delivered another—promises made at election time, more words spoken at press conferences, and then silence when it comes time to actually stand up for the workers and the workforce.”
“And it sends a very clear message: Labor has your back. Let's be honest about something else. When it comes to coalminers, there's only one party in this parliament that consistently stands up for them, and that's the Australian Labor Party. Labor built the industrial protections that miners rely on. Labor supports collective bargaining. Labor defends long service leave. Labor brought in same job, same pay. Labor understands that a strong industry, strong work and strong workers go hand in hand. Too often we hear lectures about coal communities from people who have never stepped foot on a mine site. Too often we see miners talked about as an inconvenience rather than a workforce that deserves respect. Labor does not do that. We back miners, because we are miners. I stand here as proof of that.”
“The Hunter Valley is the beating heart of Australia's coal industry. Generations of families have worked in mining. It has built towns, funded schools and supported local communities. When people talk about coal in abstract terms, I remind them they're talking about my neighbours, my mates—about electricians, fitters, operators, truckies, cleaners, shotfirers and maintenance crews. This bill will benefit workers across the Hunter Valley and the New South Wales North Coast, the Illawarra, Central Queensland and Mackay and the Whitsundays. But for the Hunter it is especially significant. It means workers who have moved between employers will finally see their service recognised. It means miners approaching retirement will not be left short. It means certainty where there has been confusion.”
“This bill allows reasonable assumptions to be made about service where records are incomplete, so workers are not punished because paperwork has been lost in time. Again, this is about fairness. A miner should not miss out on leave they earn simply because an employer no longer holds a file from 20 years ago. This bill also fixes the additional levy rate applied to late payments. At the moment, the legislation references a defunct interest rate that is no longer publishable. That undermines compliance and weakens enforcement. By updating the rate to one linked to the Reserve Bank or set by regulation, the bill restores the additional levy as a meaningful incentive to pay on time. That strengthens the scheme and protects workers into the future. I want to talk specifically about what this means for the Hunter.”
“Every worker remains entitled to 100 per cent of their long-service leave. The waiver does not come out of workers' pockets. It is funded by the coalmining industry long service leave fund and designed to get employers into compliance so workers can finally have access to what they are owed. The alternative is years more of delay, litigation and workers stuck waiting. This approach strikes the right balance. It protects the integrity of the fund, incentivises participation and, most importantly, gets workers connected with their entitlements sooner rather than later. This bill also recognises the reality that we are dealing with historical records, sometimes going back decades. In some cases, payroll and service records no longer exist.”
“That clarity is very welcome, but it also means that some employers suddenly face large historical levy debts and some workers still sit in limbo waiting for their service records to be recognised. This bill responds to that reality. It does not pretend the past did not happen. It deals with that honestly, practically and in ways that puts workers first. The legislation establishes a time limited voluntary payment arrangement that allows employers to pay outstanding levies in a structured and manageable way. Employers who opt in can repay approximately 80 per cent of their unpaid levy, with the remaining portion waived if they comply with the arrangement. Let me be very clear about this point, though, because it will be misrepresented, I'm sure. This is not a giveaway to employers, and it does not reduce a single worker's entitlement.”
“The bill addresses two longstanding legacy issues in the coalmining industry long service leave scheme. First, it deals with the historical levy liabilities that arose because of years of legal disputes about coverage. Those disputes left some employers outside of the scheme and workers unable to access or accrue their entitlements. Second, it fixes a broken penalty mechanism by updating an outdated levy rate that no longer functions as an effective compliance tool. These are technical issues, but the consequences for workers are very, very real. Recent court decisions, including the Hitachi and Orica cases, have now clarified coverage under the scheme.”
“It is a hard-earned entitlement that recognises the physical and mental toll of years working in the mining industry. The portable long service leave scheme exists because miners move between sites, contractors and employers across long careers. Without portability, too many workers would miss out entirely. This scheme was built to stop that from happening. But, for too long, gaps and disputes in the system have meant that some workers could not access what they were owed, through no fault of their own. This bill fixes that. At the heart of this legislation is connecting coal workers to their lawful long-service leave entitlements as quickly and as fairly as possible. That is the purpose, that is the priority, and that is why Labor is acting.”
“I rise today to speak in strong support of the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. I do so not just as the member for Hunter but as someone who spent years working as a coalminer. I know what it's like to put the boots on in the dark, to work long shifts, to miss birthdays, to miss weekends and to come home covered in coal dust, knowing you've earnt every dollar the hard way. Mining is not an abstract policy issue for me. It is my community, it is my family and it is my mates. This bill matters because it goes to something fundamental: fairness, certainty and respect for people who built this industry and continue to power this country and the world. Long service leave in the coal industry is not a bonus or a perk.”