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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“On top of that, we are delivering targeted programs like support for men's sheds and mental health programs in sporting clubs. We have also brought in the role that I'm in, the Special Envoy for Men's Health, and I couldn't be prouder about this government bringing something like that in. But government cannot do this all alone. We need workplaces, clubs and communities looking out for each other. We need men to know that reaching out is strength. So today I want every Aussie bloke out there to hear this clearly. You do not need to wait. You do not need a referral. If you are struggling, please, please reach out. Call TIACS. Text TIACS. Talk to somebody who understands. And, if you notice a mate acting differently, check in on him. Ask him how he's going. You don't need to say anything fancy. Just be there. Have a conversation.”
“I was lucky enough to have people who pushed me and talked to me and talked me through and pulled me through those tough times. That's why services like TIACS are so important. They speak the language of everyday workers and make asking for help feel normal. TIACS proves that when support is simple and safe men will reach out, and TIACS proves that every single day of the week. The Albanese Labor government is committed to improving men's health as well. We are investing $7.8 billion in mental health and suicide prevention from 2025 to 2026. We're expanding free support, strengthening digital care and making Medicare easier to access. We also have the National Men's Health Strategy guiding long-term action to help men live healthier lives and live longer.”
“Every day we lose an average of seven men to suicide, and that's seven families that are shattered, seven communities that are carrying a loss that should have never happened. Too many men feel they have to tough things out and sort things out alone. As many as two in three avoid getting help because of old ideas about what strength looks like. We know where that leads. We see it in hospitals. We see it in relationships and in funerals that come far too soon. I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom because I've been there myself. When I missed the 2000 Olympics and 2002 Commonwealth Games teams, it knocked me harder than I expected. I questioned my self-identity, my confidence and my future in the sport I loved. When I missed out on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the struggles came back again.”
“TIACS is a free mental health support service for tradies, truckies, miners, farmers, apprentices, hospo workers and, really, anybody doing it tough. They offer free counselling by phone and text from qualified mental health professionals. There are no waiting lists, no referrals, no costs and, most important of all, no judgement. A bloke can be in a ute, in the smoko shed or at home, and they can reach out straightaway. The number is printed on their gear, so help is right there in front of them, and many are using it—they really are. TIACS has had more than 50,000 conversations. That's 50,000 moments where somebody chose to talk instead of staying silent. This is what saving lives really looks like. The motion we are debating today recognises that men's mental health is one of Australia's biggest health challenges.”
“Deputy Speaker Lawrence, before I begin, you might be wondering why I'm standing here today in what is probably the brightest and boldest suit parliament has ever seen. I want to assure you that I didn't lose a bet and I'm not on my way to a fancy dress party. I'm wearing this TradeMutt and TIACS suit because it's designed to do exactly what it's done all day. It makes people stop, it makes them look and, most importantly, it makes them talk. This suit is part of a movement called TIACS, which stands for This Is A Conversation Starter. Today I'm proud to wear it so we can start a very important conversation about men's mental health. TIACS was created by two tradies, Dan and Ed, who are here today, who lost a mate to suicide. They wanted to make sure other men did not slip through the cracks, so they built something simple and practical.”
“I move: That this House: (1) recognises that men's mental health remains one of the most pressing and under-discussed health challenges in Australia; (2) notes that every day, an average of seven Australian men take their own lives, lives that could have been saved with earlier support and connection; (3) acknowledges the ongoing stigma that too often stops men from reaching out for help when they are struggling; (4) calls on all levels of government, business, and community leaders to continue promoting awareness campaigns, education, and workplace initiatives that make it clear that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness; (5) encourages men everywhere to check in on their mates, their workmates, and themselves and to make use of the great services available; and (6) affirms that mental health is not just an individual issue but a community one, and that when men are supported to speak up and seek help, families and communities right across Australia are stronger for it.”
“I'm talking about Leanne Murray, Geoff De lulliis, Rich Kahl, Eddie O'Reilly, Neredah Goodwin and Dr John Schjenken—researchers who are genuinely leading the world in understanding sperm health, environmental impacts and what actually makes a healthy baby. They are tackling everything from heat stress, PFAS, diet, stress and all the things that can shrink a bloke's—chances! Their work means earlier advice, better IVF outcomes and fewer couples going through the heartbreak of not being able to get pregnant. Here's the big message. Male reproductive health isn't a joke, but, if a few cheeky lines from us helps get young blokes paying attention, then I'm more than happy to have them keep coming. To the team at Newcastle: keep up the hard work and make sure our swimmers get to that goal. Cheers.”
“I never thought I'd come into the parliament and talk about semen, but here we are, and I'm thrilled to rise to the occasion because, while it's a topic that gets a few giggles, it's actually one that we need to take far more seriously, preferably before things go flaccid on us as a nation. Right now, one in six couples needs help to start a family. Even though male factors are involved about half of the time, blokes have somehow managed to dodge this for decades—but not anymore, because in Newcastle we have an absolutely world-class team turning this whole field around. And, yes, they really are the masters of the reproductive arts.”
“More than 3,500 men lose their lives to prostate cancer every year, one of the most treatable cancers if we get on top of it early. In male-dominated industries like the construction and mining workforces across Newcastle and the Hunter, the mental health risks skyrocket and yet nearly one-quarter of men say they would not seek help from anyone. So if a loud suit like this can start one conversation, nudge one mate to speak up or get one bloke through a tough patch, I will happily look like a hi-vis packet of skittles in this House any day of the year. Let's keep on talking. Let's keep blokes alive. Thank you to Dan and Ed up in the gallery. Thank you for what you do for men's health.”
“Yes, for those wondering, I am wearing a very bright trademarked TIAC suit. No, your television is not broken and, yes, your eyes will recover. But I am wearing this loud get-up for a loud reason: to start conversations about men's health and men's mental health because too many blokes are suffering in silence. Australia has some of the healthiest men in the world, who also happen to be world-class at avoiding the doctor. Sixty per cent of blokes wait more than a week to get checked and one-third wait over one month. We service our cars every 12 months or every 10,000 kilometres, but try getting a bloke to book a GP appointment—good luck. The stats are no joke: seven men per day die by suicide; 40 per cent more men die from cardiovascular disease than women.”
“Then there's Addyson Kirby, also from Cessnock, making her mark in basketball. Her drive and leadership on the court inspires her teammates and other young women in sport. Ameka Melmeth from Cameron Park is another talent rising extremely fast in basketball. Her work ethic and skill are on show, and she will go a long, long way. Finally, we have Lleythan Jenkinson from Kilaben Bay. He's proving himself one to watch in tennis. His achievements already speak volumes about where his future might take him. I say to the Hunter Academy of Sport, the coaches, the parents and volunteers, thank you very much. Behind every athlete is a team that gives their time, energy and encouragement. None of this happens without you. Thank you.”
“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. It's groups like you that keep the Hunter what it is. Thank you. Speaking of local pride, it's not just our businesses that are kicking goals. The same drive and determination we see in local entrepreneurs can also be found in our young athletes. I want to recognise some outstanding young sports stars from the Hunter, recently celebrated by the Hunter Academy of Sport. Every year, the academy's Athlete of the Year and Rising Star awards shine a light on the next generation of talent in our region. This year's recipients show exactly why the Hunter has such a proud sporting reputation. Firstly, Zac West from Cessnock has been turning heads in Aussie Rules footy. His attitude and commitment to the game are a credit to his club and the community.”
“A shout-out to this year's winners: the outstanding employee award went to Jade Gray from Flying Colours Education; outstanding young business leader was awarded to Quyen Nguyen from Dental Folk; outstanding business leader went to Peter Haynes from Northern New South Wales Football—well done, Haynesy; outstanding visitor experience was awarded to Matt Hall Racing; employer of choice went to Move About Therapy Services Warners Bay; excellence in innovation went to Fire Response; excellence in sustainability went to Northern New South Wales Football; outstanding new business went to Showtime Kayaking; excellence and diversity and inclusion went to Dynamic Business Technologies; outstanding community organisation went again to Northern New South Wales Football—they cleaned up that night; excellence in micro business went to Psyborg; excellence in small business went to Yard Kings Brewing—and it is beautiful beer, may I say; excellence in large business went to Agility Professional Tree Service; Origin Energy's people's choice award went to 8 at Trinity—congratulations to Keith and Natalie; and the big one, business of the year, went to the amazing Matt Hall Racing.”
“I had the pleasure of attending this year's Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, a night that celebrates the people and the businesses that keep our community moving. These are locals who are open early, who close late and who back our region every single day, creating jobs, supporting families and helping our towns thrive.”
“You've got to be kidding me! The opposition talking about betrayal of regional Australia? Come off it, everyone! Every time I drive around the Hunter, from Cessnock to Singleton to Muswellbrook to Lake Macquarie, I see locals working their guts out in the country, and I see this government backing them in. The last mob, who had nearly a decade in charge, had plenty of time to show regional Australia some love. Instead we got cuts, closures and photo opportunities in borrowed hi-vis gear. Roads crumbled, services disappeared and jobs went overseas. They talked a big game but delivered bugger-all, and now they want to talk about betrayal. The truth is that this government is standing with regional Australia.”
“It comes from the Hunter, mate, and don't let anybody else tell you otherwise. To all the Hunter vineyards out there, and to all the wineries and cellar doors: keep up the great work. I know sometimes times are tough with what you're going through, and I thank every single one of you for what you do for our area, what you do for our industry and what you do to make Hunter the very best place it can be. Cheers, all.”
“I want to finish by thanking everyone involved in it this year's show: the judges; the exhibitors; the organisers; the winemakers themselves; and the viticulturists too—let's not forget them—because without the viticulturists the winemakers can't do their job, so, thank you to the viticulturists as well; and, of course, the Army at Singleton for once again hosting the judging. The Hunter Valley should be very proud. We're not just making wine; we're making history. We are setting the standards and we are showing the world that the best wine does not come from Paris or Rome or Napa. They come from Pokolbin, from Broke and from Lovedale. They come from the Hunter. So, next time anyone asks me where the best wine in the world comes from, I will tell them straight—very straight.”
“The Hunter Valley wine industry contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the national economy every year, but, more importantly, it gives Hunter its identity. When people hear 'Hunter Valley', do you know what they think of? Wine—the best wine in the world. When they taste Hunter wine, they remember it. Now, I'm a big bloke and I've been known to enjoy a glass or two, and I will tell you this: I will put a Hunter Valley semillon or a Hunter Valley shiraz on the table against any wine from around the world. French, Italian, Californian: you name it. Nine times out of 10, the Hunter will win. That is why shows like the PKF Hunter Valley Wine Show matter. It's not just about medals and trophies; it's about recognition. They're about reminding ourselves and the world that the Hunter continues to lead the way.”
“Our shiraz has character, finesse and personality that sets it apart from all of those bigger ones that some people may talk about. It is elegant, it is age-worthy and it speaks of the land it comes from. Our chardonnay is among the best in the country and we are not afraid to try new things: from vermentino to fiano, to sparkling styles that show off the versatility of our region. And beyond the wine itself, let's talk about what this means for our community. The Hunter wine industry is jobs for locals; it is tourism that brings people in from Sydney, interstate and all around the world; it is festivals and events that fill our restaurants, hotels and towns; it is families who have been working the same vineyard for generations and new migrants coming and making their mark; it is pride in who we are and what we do.”
“These are about investing in the next generation, making sure that our young viticulturists and winemakers have the support, training and opportunities to keep the Hunter at the very top for decades to come. Let me say this as plainly as I can: the Hunter Valley is not just Australia's best wine region; it is the world's best wine region. I can already hear the interjections from members representing the Barossa, Margaret River, McLaren Vale and elsewhere. They will all tell me their shiraz is bolder, their cab sav is bigger and their pinot noir is fancier. Good luck to them, but, when the dust settles, the Hunter still stands alone. We do semillon like nobody else in the world. The French might try and the South Africans might try, but, when people talk about the benchmark for semillon, they talk about the Hunter.”
“Across the board we saw success for so many local wineries, from Brokenwood with their 2025 Oakey Creek Vineyard Shiraz, to Thomas Wines with their Sweetwater Ridge and Kiss Shiraz, to Colvin Wines, De Iuliis Wines, John Wallace Wines, Pepper Tree Wines, First Creek Wines, Mercer Wines, Glandore Wines and Gunpowder Wines—the list goes on. Every single one of them proves that the Hunter is not just about one or two famous labels; it is about the whole of community, whole of winemakers—big and small—innovating and pushing the boundaries while also respecting tradition. I have to give a special mention to the scholarships awarded along the way for these trophies: the Tyrell Family Advanced Viticulture Scholarship, the Brokenwood Advanced Wine Technology Scholarship, and the Alastair Sutherland scholarship as well.”
“Liz Silkman, the so-called queen, proved her title once again, picking up the George Windham Memorial Trophy, the Murray Tyrrell Trophy and the Henry John Lindemann Memorial trophy for her 2023 and 2024 chardonnays. Tyrells, one of the great Hunter families, picked up the trophy for best museum white with their 2006 vat 1 semillon. That is nearly 20 years old and is still showing the life and vibrancy that makes Hunter semillon so famous around the world. If that was not enough, Audrey Wilkinson took out the Wines of Provenance trophy with their Ridge Semillon from 2006, 2014 and 2017. That proves the point I'm making: Hunter wine is not just good when it is young; it ages with grace, develops character and shows the world what we have known for years—that is, the Hunter makes wines with real longevity.”
“Let me tell you about the winners because this is where the Hunter pride really kicks in. The Petrie-Drinan Trophy for the best white wine went to Tinklers Wines for their 2017 reserve semillon. That same wine also won best semillon of the show and best table wine for a small producer. If you want a great definition of a Hunter Valley semillon, it is right there—crisp, bright and capable of ageing with more grace than about any white wine in the world. The Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy for best red wine of the show went to Sweetwater Estate Wine for their 2023 shiraz. They also picked up trophies for best single vineyard red and best shiraz. Again, it is what the Hunter does best—medium body shiraz with spice and pepper that makes it stand out from the heavyweights elsewhere. We also saw incredible results also from Silkman Wines.”
“This year was also the first with Toni Paterson MW as chair of judges. Tony summed it up beautifully when she said, 'The wines of the Hunter show integrity, personality, harmony and length. Those are the hallmarks of good wine and those are the hallmarks of the Hunter Valley.' She said there was beauty in the wine everywhere she looked and she was spot on. We were also joined by a international judge Dr Edward Ragg MW, who came all the way from Beijing. He has judged at the Decanter World Wine Awards, written extensively about wine and taught some of the best. Even he walked away impressed, saying the Hunter Valley produces a unique style, particularly with Shiraz, that excites him. If somebody who has tasted wines from every corner of the world tells you the Hunter wine is special then you better believe it.”
“That pride was on full display at the 2025 PKF Hunter Valley Wine Show awards—the 53rd edition of this event that has become one of the most respected wine shows in the country. It was judged earlier this year at the Lone Pine Barracks in Singleton, right in the heart of my electorate. It was wrapped up with the trophy winners' luncheon at Cypress Lakes in Pokolbin with none other than my good friend Johanna Griggs AM as the MC. If you want a sign of how seriously we take wine in the Hunter, then look no further than this: nearly 4,000 bottles were assessed by the judging panel. That's right—4,000 bottles of Hunter Valley wine all lined up and put to the test. We had 68 exhibitors, 679 entries and, in the end, 80 gold medals were awarded. That is the depth and strength of the Hunter Valley Wine Show.”
“I rise today to talk about something very close to the heart of the Hunter: wine. But it's not just any wine; it's the best wine in the world. Yes, I know every region in Australia will try stake their claim, but let's be honest, the Hunter Valley has got them all covered. The Hunter is more than just a wine region. It's a community, it is jobs, it is culture, it is history, and it is also our future. Of course, it's semillon, shiraz and chardonnay—wines that are world famous and wines that locals here have been enjoying and perfecting for generations. We've been doing this longer than anyone else in Australia. The Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wine, and I will argue anywhere, any time that it remains the benchmark.”
“My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industry and Innovation. How is the Albanese Labor government's delivery of reliable energy driving good blue-collar jobs in regional Australia? What are the threats to this?”
“They made it harder to see a GP and pushed costs through the roof. They called it responsible budgeting. What that really was was a direct attack on Medicare and a direct attack on the people of the Hunter. But we're fixing it; we're rebuilding Medicare. We're backing local doctors and we're cutting waiting times. We're making sure no-one in the Hunter is left behind and making sure they don't have to choose between their wallet and their health. Only an Albanese Labor government cares about the people of the Hunter, cares about Medicare and cares about Australia. Back us in.”
“Since Labor's bulk-billing changes kicked in on 1 November, we're seeing a real shift across the Hunter: more GPs, clinics signing up to bulk-bill, more doctors coming to the region and people finally finding it easy to see a doctor. That's exactly what Medicare was meant to do: give every Aussie access to care without having to worry about the cost. This government has increased the number of GPs. We've increased bulk-billing payments. We've increased the number of surgeries that are bulk billing. In fact, the only thing that this side has cut is my beard. Labor's tripling of the bulk-billing incentive is the biggest investment in Medicare history, and it's paying off. Families, pensioners and kids right across the Hunter are better off. The Liberals froze Medicare and drove doctors away from bulk-billing.”
“He helped make same job, same pay a reality, and made sure the voices of the coal, gas and power station workers were heard in every boardroom and every parliament across this country. He has done it all with guts, integrity and a fierce belief in what a union stands for—honest, militant, democratic trade unionism. Tony, your leadership has shaped not just the MEU but the entire Australian labour movement. You have mentored a generation of unionists and left the movement stronger than when you found it. On behalf of us all, I want to thank you for decades of service, courage and commitment to the members of our great union. Enjoy your well-earned retirement, mate. I can't wait to have a beer with you soon.”
“Today I want to speak about a bloke who has given his heart and soul to trade union movement, Tony Maher. For almost three decades Tony has been at the helm of the mighty Mining and Energy Union, standing up for workers in one of the toughest and proudest industries in this country. To spend 27 years leading this union is no small thing. That is 27 years of wins for miners and energy workers and their families, not just in pay and conditions but in dignity, respect and the right to be heard. Tony has fought for fair pay, safer workplaces and stronger future for our energy community. He has stood by workers through industry change, community battles at times when others would have walked away.”
“A special shout-out to the Mining and Energy Union, who tipped in a huge $24,000, and to the team at All Ways Healthcare in Cessnock and Kurri Kurri, who chipped in $8,150. Massive thanks to the other huge supporters: Lion, Lilly Australia, the New South Wales Minerals Council, MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant operation and a couple of mystery donors who quietly dropped five grand or more on this as well. You know who you are, and thank you.”
“Well, it turns out I do have a chin after all. Last week, my beard hit the deck after a solid innings of 12½ years. I first started growing it when my beautiful wife was pregnant with my first daughter, Zoe. Thanks to some incredible supporters, we raised over $125,000 for some amazing charities: Mark Hughes Foundation, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and CareFlight Australia. It's a whole lot of good coming from one hairy bloke. A massive thanks to the Movember team for jumping in and helping to get the shave live on the Today S how with Karl and Sarah. I'm still recovering from how Karl attacked my face and also from my own reflection. To everyone who chipped in, whether it was a few bucks or a few thousand, thank you.”
“We can mine coal and use offsets. We can keep our power stations running for as long as the markets support them. We can also be leaders in solar, batteries, renewables, gas and new industries that will take us into the future. That is good for jobs, good for families and good for the Hunter. The Hunter has always been the engine room of New South Wales. We powered the state through coal, and now we're proving we can lead the way to net zero as well—not by shutting down but by stepping up, not by walking away but by making smart choices. That is what net zero means for us. That's why it's good for the Hunter and that's why we'll continue to support it all away. To the coalmining community out there: remember, for as long as people want to buy our coal we'll always supply it to them.”
“Not one person is calling solar 'woke' in the Hunter; they are too busy cutting their power bills. We have plenty of sun in this country, so why wouldn't we make the most of it? For those who ask, 'What about when the sun doesn't shine?' the simple answer is something called a battery. It stores solar energy so you can use it at night. With our Cheaper Home Batteries Program, it has never been more affordable. Hunter households are taking it up at one of the fastest rates in the nation, with 106,000 batteries installed since 1 July. A proud coalmining region is proving that you can honour the industry that built us while embracing technology that makes life cheaper and easier. That's the real story of net zero in the Hunter. It's not about sacrifice. It's not about turning our backs on coal. It's about building on our strengths.”
“I am not in favour of any of the power stations shutting down earlier than they have to, and, if business came forward tomorrow with a solid plan for a new coal-fired power station in the Hunter, I would happily look at it and have the conversation. I am not opposed to any source of power generation, as long as it stacks up financially. But the truth is that the market has moved on. Our coal stations are ageing and are having many unplanned maintenance outages, and new ones are no longer the cheapest and most efficient way to generate power. At the same time, Australia is leading the world in rooftop solar, and in the Hunter families are leading that charge. From Kurri to Cessnock to Toronto to Singleton, people are putting solar on their roofs because it saves them money.”
“These steps included energy efficiency, switching to renewables, carbon capture, methane abatement, electrification and investing in negative emissions technologies. In other words, the industry itself is leading the way. Another old chestnut is that we should build a new coal-fired power station. Now, coal power is something that has a special place in my heart. Our power stations have kept the lights on in the Hunter for generations. They create good jobs, they built communities like Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Muswellbrook, and they made the Hunter the powerhouse of the state and of Australia. For that, I will always be grateful.”
“One of the lines I always hear is that net zero will close down coalmines. That's rubbish. The Minerals Council of Australia and many coal companies have already set themselves net zero targets by 2050. They did this even before government legislated our national target. So I ask those opposite: why would the peak mining body set net zero targets if it meant destroying their own industry? Why would companies sign up for it if it meant going broke? The answer is obvious: they wouldn't, because net zero is not about shutting up shop. It's about running mines, keeping people in work and reaching net zero through offsets and better technology. Back in 2021, the Minerals Council set out practical steps to get there.”
“I'm a fitter and turner by trade. I'm a bloke who has worked alongside miners, tradies and power station workers, and now I stand here as their representative in this parliament. Sometimes, though, when I come into this place to explain net zero to those opposite, I feel more like a kindergarten teacher than a member of parliament. I don't know if it's selective hearing, genuine misunderstanding or just plain ignorance, but, whenever we talk about reducing our emissions, those opposite leave out the most important word in 'net zero': 'net'. Net zero does not mean shutting down industries. Net zero does not mean zero emissions. Net zero is about one thing: offsets. It means we take as much carbon out of the atmosphere as we put in. It is simple and practical, and industries in the Hunter are already doing it.”
“Congratulations to all those local sporting champions. Sport has always been the heart of Hunter, and it's incredible to see so many young people from our region competing at such a high level. These competitions are important stepping stones on your pathway to achieving your dreams. Stay committed, train hard and give it your best, because you never know how far you can go. When you do make it, always know you'll have the Hunter cheering you on. I wish you all good luck in the future.”
“These small grants really do make a big difference to the athletes themselves and the parents supporting them. I want to congratulate our recent local sporting champions: Lexie Phillips, who competed at the 2025 Australian Age and MC Age Championships; Ben Frost, who played in the Australian youth baseball championships; Brandon Cox, who played in the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup; Braydan Carlson, Jenice Hicks and Zach West, who competed at the Australian track and field championships; Brodee Sunerton, who played at the USA flag football Junior International Cup; Charlotte Campbell, Claire Godfrey, Olivia-Skye Sharp, Will Soden and Zoe Dent, who competed at the Australian junior athletics championships; Carrie Phillips and Kobi Hodges, who played at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships; Ryan Jones and Tyson Williams, who competed at the MX motorcycle GP; Caitlin Rose, who competed at the Australian national road racing cycling championships; Jed Louis who competed at the Oceania motorcycling junior cup; Drew Kremer and Lachlan Morris, who competed in the ProMX motocross championships; Julie Brummer, who played in the hockey Australia indoor under 18s championships; Mackenzie Wills, who played in the 2025 VIRTUS World Basketball Championships; Maddie Roberts, who rode in the 2025 Pony Club Australian National Championship; Mitchell Summers who competed in the School Sport Australia athletics championship; and, finally, Sybella Pike, who played in the Australian schoolgirls rugby league championships.”
“The Hunter has always punched above its weight when it comes to sport. We've produced a stack of professional and elite athletes, and I want to make sure we're backing the next crop of local sporting talent, so that the next generation of superstars also comes from the Hunter. But talent and determination alone aren't always enough to reach the top. Competing a high level is a high cost, and too often it's the parents digging deep into their pockets to get their kids to competitions. That is where the Local Sporting Champions program steps in. It provides financial assistance to help young people compete in, coach or umpire at the chosen sport. I know firsthand how expensive it can be when you're competing on the state and national levels or even on the international level.”
“Our rules are in our budget: improve the budget position, reduce debt, limit real spending and bank revenue upgrades. We have improved the budget by $209 billion, reduced gross debt to a peak around 37 per cent of GDP compared to 45 per cent that was left to us by those opposite, and cut interest costs by $60 billion. When we came to office, inflation was higher and rising, real wages were falling and deficits stretched as far as the eye could see. Now inflation is at a four-year low, real wages have been growing for seven quarters, more than 1.1 million jobs have been created, unemployment is at record lows, and we are delivering cost-of-living relief for people that really need it—child care, cheaper medicines, energy bill relief and three rounds of tax cuts for every Australian worker.”
“That is what good, responsible Labor economic management looks like—delivering for working people, not just talking about it, like those opposite. Standard & Poor's has reaffirmed Australia's AAA credit rating, a vote of confidence in Labor's responsible budget management and the stability in this government. Their so-called fiscal rules were not worth the paper they were written on. They promised us surpluses but went zero from nine. They promised to offset spending but made negative net decisions four out of five times. They promised to bank receipts upgrades but only kept 40 per cent of that. They promised to reduce payments as a share of GDP, but it all went up. They promised to stabilise debt but almost doubled it. We have a clear fiscal strategy, and we are delivering on that.”
“And let's remember that those opposite went to the last election with bigger deficits, bigger debt and a $600 billion nuclear fantasy. They would have driven up power prices, through the roof. Then they promoted the mastermind of that meltdown to now be the shadow treasurer. So forgive us if we do not take fiscal lectures from the mob who doubled the debt before the pandemic and left the country with nothing to show for it. We have turned Liberal deficits into Labor surpluses, driven down debt and shown spending restraint that would be unrecognisable to those opposite. We have done it all while investing in things that matter, like Medicare, aged care, clean jobs—jobs!—and cost-of-living relief for thousands and thousands of Australians doing it tough.”
“We have delivered the largest nominal improvement to the budget in a parliamentary term, a $209 billion turnaround in our first term. We have delivered the first back-to-back surplus in almost two decades. And, in our third year, the deficit is around one-fifth of what we inherited. Those opposite like to talk about spending caps, but, under them, real spending grew by 4.1 per cent on average. Under us, it's at 1.7 per cent. That is discipline and extremely good management. They did not deliver a saving in their last budget. We have found more than $100 billion since coming into government. They spent most of their revenue upgrades; we have banked almost 70 per cent. That's why the budget is stronger, not weaker.”
“We've heard a lot of noise today from those opposite about fiscal responsibility, but let's be real. One side of this place talks about fiscal responsibility and the other side actually delivers on it. When those opposite were in charge, they set fiscal rules and broke every single one of them. They said they would balance the budget. They said they would offset new spending. They said they would bank revenue upgrades. They said they would reduce debt. And they failed on every count. They racked up deficit after deficit, piled on debt and left behind a budget riddled with waste and rorts. They even printed mugs that said 'back in black' but never printed a surplus. Under this Labor government, we have done what they never could.”
“His talent hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2000 he was named a rising food star by the Sydney Morning Herald , proving that he's the cream of the crop. Dave has also been a mentor to the next generation, always happy to share his knowledge and spread love not just the camembert. Today Dave and the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory for 30 years—congratulations. Mate, you've done an edam good job, and that has truly aged to perfection. Some may say this is a little cheesy, but congratulations, Dave, and keep up the good work.”
“Cast your mind back 30 years. The year is 1995. Paul Keating is prime minister. The PlayStation just hit our shelves. Toy Story was lighting up our cinemas. And, on 9 August, an 18-year-old bloke named Dave Bower started working at the newly opened Hunter Valley Cheese Factory in Pokolbin. Dave began on the retail side, cutting his teeth before cutting the cheese—before making the gouda move into manufacturing where he found his passion. He studied cheesemaking through the Gilbert Chandler College of Dairy Technology, showing early that he wasn't just a big cheese but a bloke ready to milk every opportunity. Thirty years and more than 55,000 hours later, Dave became one of Australia's most experienced cheesemakers. Every wheel, every wedge and every block has been made by hand, not by machine. That's 'brie-lliant' dedication.”
“Whether it's sport, community, business or, in this case, pageantry, Hunter locals rise to the top through hard work, resilience and pride in where they come from. Taylee has done herself and her family proud, and she has done us in the Hunter proud. On behalf of our community, I offer you the warmest of congratulations, Taylee, on what you achieved. We look forward to seeing what you can achieve next. Cheers.”