Tracey Roberts
Pearce · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“For many years, Commonwealth incentive programs have played an important role in encouraging quality care, preventive health and better health outcomes across Australia. They support providers to deliver services that improve the health of patients while strengthening the broader health system.”
“It improves governance without disrupting patient care. It strengthens administration without changing the fundamental principles that underpin Medicare. That is sensible public policy. Good governments understand that effective reform often occurs incrementally.”
“And it strengthens the legislative foundations supporting one of Australia's most important public institutions. Deputy Speaker, Australians rightly value Medicare. They value a health system built on fairness, accessibility and quality care.”
“For healthcare providers, certainty matters. Doctors, nurses, allied health practitioners and practice managers already navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment.”
“It requires legislation that keeps pace with changing models of care. It requires governance arrangements that provide certainty. And it requires accountability that gives both providers and patients confidence that public resources are being used appropriately. This Bill contributes to those objectives.”
“It benefits healthcare providers because expectations are more transparent and administrative arrangements are more consistent. Most importantly, it benefits patients because confidence in the integrity of the health system is strengthened. Public confidence matters. Australians expect that public funds are administered responsibly.”
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“His commitment to the Baptist Church spanned more than 70 years, serving as deacon, church secretary, organist, Boys' Brigade captain and chaplain, seniors coordinator and librarian, and helping to establish the seniors fellowship at Woodvale Baptist Church. For generations of young people, Brian will always be 'Mr Prangnell from the Boys' Brigade'. As state president, secretary and executive officer of the Boys' Brigade in WA, and as a longstanding company captain and chaplain, he shaped countless boys into young men of character, discipline and faith. Many in our community can trace their values and resilience back to time spent under Brian's calm, caring leadership. To our veteran community, Brian was a rock.”
“() (): The incorporated speech read as follows— It is with deep respect and affection as the federal member for Pearce that I honour the life and legacy of Mr Brian Charles Prangnell OAM. I have witnessed firsthand the impact Brian has had on our local community and our state. He was a man who never sought the spotlight yet whose quiet, steadfast service illuminated the lives of so many. Brian's story is woven into the fabric of Western Australia. From his early days in the Baptist Church through to his later years as a community and veterans leader, he devoted himself to serving others with humility and faith.”
“These are the real-world results of the government's commitment to a better and fairer education system. I am proud to represent a community that values education so deeply and that works so collaboratively to give every child the best start in life. The Albanese Labor government will continue to deliver on our commitment to fairness, quality and opportunity—because every child, every family and every community deserves nothing less.”
“The Albanese Labor government continues to work closely with states, territories and school communities to support these efforts and ensure every child feels safe, respected and valued. Education is about more than academic success—it's about helping children grow into confident, compassionate and capable young Australians. Through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, we are making that vision a reality. We are investing in schools, supporting our teachers and strengthening the foundation of our education system in a way that will deliver lasting benefits for students in Pearce and across the nation. When I visit local schools, I see firsthand how vital those investments are. I see new classrooms being built, teachers innovating with new technologies and students developing the skills they will need for the jobs of the future.”
“Commonwealth teaching scholarships are opening doors for capable, passionate Australians to enter the profession and stay there. Our reforms to strengthen initial teacher education are ensuring graduates are well prepared for the classroom from their very first day. I also want to acknowledge the national effort underway to prevent and respond to bullying in schools. A safe and inclusive learning environment is essential for every child's success. Whether it's in the schoolyard, the classroom or online, bullying has no place in our communities. In Pearce, our local schools are showing real leadership in this area—with student wellbeing programs, peer support initiatives and mental health partnerships that create safer, kinder learning environments.”
“I have had the privilege of visiting many schools across Pearce, and, in every conversation I have with teachers, one theme is constant: their deep dedication to their students. We owe these teachers not just our gratitude but our support. That is why the Albanese Labor government is taking practical action to tackle teacher shortages, improve training and make teaching a sustainable and rewarding profession. Encouragingly, new data shows more Australians are choosing to study teaching—a sign that our initiatives are working. Through the Commonwealth paid prac initiative, student teachers are now being paid during their practical placements, easing financial pressure and helping more people complete their degrees.”
“It is a partnership with states and territories that ensures record funding is delivered alongside genuine reforms—reforms that will lift student outcomes in literacy, numeracy and student wellbeing, while supporting teachers to focus on teaching and learning. We know that education is one of the greatest equalisers in our society, and we have a responsibility to make sure that every student, in every community—whether in Butler, Wanneroo, Two Rocks or Kinross—has equal access to opportunity. That is what this agreement delivers. We all know that great schools rely on great teachers. Teachers are the heart of our education system, inspiring, guiding and empowering students every single day.”
“Their care and commitment ensure that every child in Pearce, and across our nation, has the opportunity to reach their potential. This year also marks the beginning of a historic new chapter for Australian public education. The Better and Fairer Schools Agreement represents the largest Commonwealth investment in public schools by any government in Australia's history. This is a record investment—one that reflects the Albanese Labor government's unwavering belief that every child, in every classroom, deserves an excellent education, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be. Importantly, this is an agreement built on fairness and results.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows— The 2026 school year has begun, and I acknowledge the remarkable work happening in classrooms right across Australia—and particularly in the vibrant schools of my electorate of Pearce—while highlighting the Albanese Labor government's record investment in public education through the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement. This time of year always fills our communities with energy and optimism. Across Pearce, students are settling into classrooms, teachers are welcoming students, and families are returning to routines that form the rhythm of our daily lives. Behind every one of these moments are the dedicated principals, teachers, education assistants and support staff who make our schools such important hubs of community life.”
“They mean being able to go online before a procedure, see what different specialists typically charge, compare those costs and have an honest conversation about fees and gaps. They mean greater confidence that the premium increase letter has been properly scrutinised and that similar products are subject to the same rules. Most importantly, they mean fewer unpleasant financial surprises when people are at their most vulnerable, and more Australians getting the care they need when they need it. I commend the Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026 to the House.”
“The Albanese Labor government made an election commitment to tackle product phoenixing and to fix the broken approach to price transparency, and this bill delivers on that promise. It does so while working with the medical profession and good-faith insurers, including bodies like the Australian Society of Anaesthetists and peak hospital groups, that are ready to partner with government to make the system accurate, meaningful and fair. It also sends a clear message to those who have not done the right thing: the era of gaming the system through nondisclosure or phoenixing is over. For my constituents—families, older Australians, and young people taking out private health insurance for the first time—these changes mean more than a line in a statute book.”
“For the system, it restores coherence and fairness—similar products, whether new or existing, will face the same oversight and consumer-protection expectations. Underlying both schedules is a simple principle—patients and consumers must be at the centre of the private health system. For too long, opaque pricing, complex policy wording and practices that make sense on a balance sheet but not at the kitchen table have dominated. This bill shifts the balance back towards transparency, accountability and informed choice. It supports doctors who already practise informed financial consent, insurers who compete on value rather than confusion, and patients who simply want to know what they are signing up for.”
“In short, if an insurer wants to charge more or deliver less, it must go through a transparent process and justify that decision to government. This gives effect to the wider scrutiny of premiums that the Minister for Health and Ageing has signalled and gives consumers greater confidence in the value of private health insurance. The Office of Impact Analysis estimates a modest regulatory burden—around $480,000 a year in compliance costs across all 28 insurers—and notes there is no impact on individuals or community organisations. For consumers, the benefit is confidence that premium changes and new products are properly scrutinised and that commitments to address phoenixing are being honoured.”
“It hurts existing members, who see the value of their cover erode and lose confidence that ministerial approval means anything. It undermines the 15.3 million Australians with private health insurance, who deserve to know that products on the market are subject to consistent scrutiny and that premiums reflect fair value, not creative rebadging. The bill amends the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 so that insurers must seek the Minister for Health and Ageing's approval not only when they change premiums on existing products but also when they set premiums for new products. They will also have to seek approval before making certain changes that reduce cover, benefits or other key terms and conditions.”
“In the hospital sector, commentators note that publishing billing data on Medical Costs Finder will help patients 'find the best value' when they need specialist advice and treatment, rather than leaving them to navigate an opaque market. Schedule 2 deals with the other piece of the puzzle—how private health insurance premiums are set and how consumers are protected when insurers change or launch products. At present, insurers must apply to the minister if they wish to change the premium on an existing product, but they do not need approval for premiums on new products. Some have used this loophole to close an old product and relaunch a similar one with higher premiums or fewer benefits, avoiding proper scrutiny. Product phoenixing does real harm. It hurts new customers, who pay more for less.”
“Many anaesthetists already give patients detailed information about likely fees and potential out-of-pocket costs, yet many patients still do not fully understand what their policy covers. This legislation supports that ethical practice by making consistent fee and coverage information easier to find and understand. Stakeholders in aged care and hospital administration have also recognised the significance of this reform. Older Australians and their families can be blindsided by unexpected specialist or procedural fees as they move between residential care and hospital. By requiring health cost transparency, this bill helps ensure older people and their carers are not surprised by large out-of-pocket costs at a stressful time.”
“That will take some of the guesswork out of healthcare decisions and allow people to weigh cost alongside other factors, such as quality, location and waiting times. Clinicians and professional bodies see the value of these reforms. The Australian Society of Anaesthetists has welcomed the bill as an important step to improve clarity in a confusing system. They point out that private health insurance premiums are a major cost-of-living pressure and that patients deserve clear, accurate information about what their insurance covers and how to get value from it. Their survey work shows that informed financial consent is already routine in anaesthetic practice, especially for planned admissions.”
“Instead of relying on a handful of specialists to upload their fees, the bill allows government to publish information on typical fees and out-of-pocket costs using Medicare, hospital and insurer billing data that is already collected. The initial focus will be on non-GP specialists, with the capacity to add GPs later. Patients will be able to see what different specialists usually charge for particular services and what that has meant, on average, for the gaps they might face. This is a commonsense change. We already collect this data, and it is patients who pay the bills. They should be able to see clear ranges of what doctors actually charge, in one place, and compare those charges with other practitioners in their area.”
“It did not deliver for patients or for taxpayers. Meanwhile, private health insurance premiums are adding to cost-of-living pressures. Insurers must get ministerial approval to raise premiums on existing products, usually through the annual premium round. They can, however, launch new products at any time, at any price, without approval. Some insurers close an existing product and reopen a very similar one at a higher price or with reduced benefits. This practice, known as product phoenixing, leaves new customers paying more, undermines trust and defeats the purpose of ministerial premium scrutiny. Schedule 1 of this bill fixes the failed Medical Costs Finder model and turns it into a tool patients can actually use.”
“The biggest cause of those out-of-pocket costs is specialist fees, not hospital charges. It is wrong to expect patients to commit to a treatment plan without knowing what it will cost them and their family. People should not have to choose between their health and their household budget. Under the previous government, about $24 million was spent on the Medical Costs Finder website. It was meant to give people clarity about specialist fees and help them compare costs, but it relied on voluntary disclosure from specialists. The result was embarrassing. Out of around 6,300 eligible specialists, at the end of 2022 only six had displayed their fees—six! Three years later, only about 88 specialists had done so—to clarify: that is 88 doctors, not 88 per cent. That is not transparency; that is failure.”
“Some tell me they sit at the kitchen table and call their insurer, only to be left without a clear answer. When a parent decides not to take a child to a specialist because no-one can give them a straight price, something in our health system is not working as it should. This bill is about restoring confidence and fairness to that system. It aims to give patients clearer information and a fairer deal when they use private health care. It does that in two main ways: by fixing how specialist fees and out-of-pocket costs are published, and by tightening oversight of private health insurance premiums so insurers cannot dodge scrutiny through 'product phoenixing'. We know that cost is already a major barrier to care. In 2024-25, 8.6 per cent of people—more than 800,000 Australians—delayed or missed specialist care because of cost.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows— I would like to speak in strong support of the Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private Health Consumers) Bill 2026. This bill goes to the heart of what I hear in my electorate of Pearce. People are worried about the cost of seeing a specialist. They are confused about what their private health insurance actually covers. They are unsure who to trust when making big decisions about surgery or treatment, especially when they are already anxious or unwell. Every week, constituents tell me similar stories. Their premiums keep rising, but the exclusions and gaps quietly expand. They receive referrals from their GP but do not act on them, because they fear a big, unknown bill at the end.”
“Each of these honours reflects the deep respect and gratitude felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her and witnessing her remarkable contribution. I was fortunate to know and work alongside Margaret. She was a dear friend who led with wisdom, grace, and a smile that could light up any room. To her family: thank you for sharing her with all of us. Her legacy will continue to inspire us to lead with kindness, strength, and community spirit, just as she always did. Congratulations, Margaret. We miss you dearly, and today I honour you with love, respect, and heartfelt gratitude for a lifetime of selfless service.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows— I would like to acknowledge someone truly extraordinary, Margaret Cockman, who was honoured posthumously on the Western Australian Women's Hall of Fame Roll of Honour. Margaret wasn't just a leader—she was the heart and soul of Wanneroo. Her quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering belief in service shaped the community we are so proud to call home. She dedicated her life to bringing people together, and she did it with humility, warmth, and a genuine love for others. Margaret's lifelong commitment to community service was recognised in so many ways. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, received the Centenary Medal, and was named a freeman of both the City of Wanneroo and the City of Joondalup in Western Australia.”
“The Victorian parliament has legislated a free TAFE guarantee, recognising free TAFE as a pillar of their education and training system, and the Victorian opposition has not opposed that bill. If the Victorian Liberals can accept that free TAFE works, then there is no excuse for the federal Liberals to stand in the way. I commend this motion to the House and reaffirm our commitment that no-one will be held back and no-one left behind when it comes to skills and training in Australia.”
“With the passage of the free TAFE legislation at the Commonwealth level, free TAFE is now an enduring part of our national system, guaranteeing at least 100,000 places a year from 2027 and locking in long-term support to the states and territories. This safeguard means that future governments will not be able to quietly walk away from their responsibility to train the workforce Australia needs. The contrast with those opposite is stark. Federally, the opposition opposed the fee-free TAFE bill and refused to support key measures to grow TAFE and apprenticeships. However, in Victoria, their state colleagues have understood what their federal counterparts will not: that Free TAFE removes the single biggest barrier to vocational training and that guaranteeing its future is both economically responsible and socially just.”
“Importantly, free TAFE is reaching groups who too often miss out: women now make up nearly 62 per cent of enrolments, First Nations Australians around 6 per cent and people with disability about 8.5 per cent, with strong participation from regional and remote areas. It gives local businesses access to trained workers in the sectors where they are crying out for staff. It supports our hospitals, our childcare centres, our aged-care providers and our construction sites with a steady pipeline of skilled people who live in the community they serve. For each student, it turns aspiration into a practical pathway from the classroom to a good, secure job. That is why legislating free TAFE matters so much.”
“In 2023 alone, 180,000 free TAFE places were delivered nationwide, and a further 300,000 places are being rolled out over the three years from 2024, with an additional 20,000 places targeted to construction and housing. In my own electorate of Pearce, we see the benefits of this investment every day. Local TAFE campuses and training providers have welcomed hundreds of new students into fee-free courses in aged care, disability support, early childhood education and construction trades, helping to meet Western Australia's skill shortages in health, housing and critical community services. Young people from suburbs and regional communities across Pearce are gaining their first qualifications without being deterred by upfront fees, and mature-age workers are retraining into in-demand roles instead of leaving the workforce altogether.”
“The Albanese Labor government has now legislated to make free TAFE a permanent feature of our national training system, securing its future so it cannot be taken away on a whim. From 2027, Commonwealth funding will support at least 100,000 fee-free TAFE places every year, embedding free TAFE at the heart of vocational education and training. We should be very clear that this has happened despite opposition from those opposite. At every step, they have dragged their feet, refused to back in extra free TAFE places for construction and new energy and voted against the very bill that locks in free TAFE for the long term. Through the Fee-Free TAFE Skills Agreement, the Albanese Labor government has partnered with state and territory governments to invest over $1.5 billion in free TAFE places across the country.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows— Thank you for this motion, and I speak in support of a program that is changing lives in Pearce and right across our country. For three years now, free TAFE has expanded opportunity and opened up new pathways for Australians to gain the skills they want for the jobs we desperately need. It began in January 2023 and has already seen more than 500,000 enrolments in priority areas such as digital and technology, construction, and early childhood education and care. These are not abstract numbers, they are real people: mums returning to the workforce, young people finding their first career and workers retraining as our economy changes.”
“On Red & Yellow Day, and every day, I thank you all for what you do for your bravery, your kindness and your unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. Thank you.”
“Behind every red and yellow uniform stands a person who chooses to serve—who chooses to give their time, energy and care to others. Beyond the beach, your clubs foster education, inclusion and community engagement. From running beach safety programs to training new lifesavers and hosting local events, your work unites people and builds resilience within our coastal communities. As your federal representative, and as Vice-Patron of Surf Life Saving WA, I want to express my deepest gratitude. You represent the very best of the Pearce community—courage, compassion and a steadfast commitment to keeping others safe. Please know that your service is noticed, valued and profoundly appreciated.”
“To the nippers—the youngest members of our lifesaving family—you are the future of Surf Life Saving. Your enthusiasm to learn about the ocean, safety and teamwork is inspiring. You already demonstrate the values that make Surf Life Saving such an enduring part of Australian life. To the parents and families who support these young lifesavers, thank you. The early mornings, the encouragement and the quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts ensure that every club runs smoothly. That support—often unseen—underpins everything your children, coaches and volunteers achieve throughout the season. To our members and volunteers, your service saves lives. Every patrol, rescue and preventative action matters. This summer, your quick thinking and readiness have undoubtedly saved lives and prevented serious incidents.”
“As the Vice-Patron of Surf Life Saving WA, and of the Quinns-Mindarie and Alkimos Surf Life Saving clubs, it is an absolute honour and a privilege to stand alongside the men and women who continue a proud Australian tradition of courage, teamwork and community service. Each season, without hesitation, our surf lifesavers don the red and yellow and step forward—rain, shine or swell—to protect our coastline and keep our community safe. This summer has been no exception. From those busy Christmas patrols to the scorching weekends in January, your professionalism, vigilance and skill have been on full display. Whether performing rescues, providing first aid or offering reassurance to beachgoers, your actions reflect a remarkable commitment to public safety.”
“() (): The incorporated speech read as follows— Thank you, Deputy Speaker. As we gather in the chamber on 4 March—Red & Yellow Day—it feels especially fitting to pay tribute to those who proudly wear those colours along our coastlines every summer. I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible members of the three Surf Life Saving clubs in my Pearce electorate—Quinns-Mindarie, Alkimos and Yanchep—for their outstanding service, commitment and dedication throughout this season. These clubs embody the very essence of community spirit and public service, and it is only fitting that their contributions are acknowledged in this place.”
“Data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research shows that as of 30 June 2025, there were 22 per cent more apprentices in construction compared to June 2019—a clear sign that well-designed policy delivers lasting results. I commend the minister and the Albanese Labor government for their leadership. The Key Apprenticeship Program is not just building homes—it's creating careers, confidence, and stronger local communities, including in my home electorate of Pearce WA. Thank you.”
“This means more inclusive workplaces and more Australians contributing their talents to our shared future. These measures reflect a vision for an Australia where vocational education is respected as a genuine pathway to secure, meaningful work. Every apprentice, regardless of background, deserves that chance to succeed. The need could not be clearer: we are facing the worst national skills shortage in fifty years, a problem neglected for too long. The Key Apprenticeship Program is central to our plan to invest not just in projects, but in people—the very people who will build the homes, schools, and infrastructure that strengthen our communities. The results speak for themselves.”
“This is smart policy that supports apprentices every step of the way, while helping employers train and retain workers at a time when the construction industry needs them most. Builders can have confidence that a pipeline of skilled local tradespeople is being built for the future. I also want to acknowledge the increase in the living away from home allowance—the first in over 20 years. This is particularly meaningful for young people from regional and outer-metropolitan communities, such as parts of Pearce, who often face tough decisions between staying close to family or travelling for opportunities. This reform ensures geography doesn't decide opportunity. And something that is close to my heart, for apprentices with a disability, the Albanese Labor government has doubled support for the employers who take them on.”
“Importantly, this initiative aligns with the National Housing Accord, which brings together all levels of government with industry to deliver 1.2 million well-located homes over the decade ahead. Apprentices—including those trained right here at the North Metropolitan TAFE in Clarkson, WA—will turn that ambition into bricks-and-mortar reality. When we train apprentices locally, we build both local jobs and the very homes our community needs. A key feature of the program is the $10,000 incentive payment for apprentices in housing and construction trades. Structured across the life of the apprenticeship, it supports both commencements and completions. Starting a trade is important—but completing it is where the true value lies. Skilled workers mean confidence, stability, and local businesses that can thrive.”
“Each of these apprentices represents real progress: a young person in Pearce gaining valuable skills, a local family building stability, and an industry strengthened for the years ahead. This program ensures we have the skilled workforce needed to tackle Australia's—and Western Australia's—housing shortage. For too long, our local builders and small businesses have struggled to find enough tradespeople to meet demand. The Key Apprenticeship Program addresses that challenge head-on. It's a targeted investment in people, ensuring our construction sector can keep pace with population growth especially important in fast-growing areas such as the Pearce electorate.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows— I rise today to acknowledge and commend the Albanese Labor government's Key Apprenticeship Program—a flagship policy delivering real outcomes, real jobs, and real opportunities for hardworking Australians, including in my electorate of Pearce, WA. In just its first six months, this program has supported over 11,400 new housing apprenticeships across the nation. That figure represents more than 11,400 Australians taking their first steps into a trade career—and in Pearce, we are already seeing the benefits. From Butler to Eglinton, Yanchep, and Two Rocks, local apprentices are helping to build the homes, community infrastructure, and secure the future of our regions.”
“We are building a stronger, healthier and more connected community for generations to come, made possible by shared determination from every level of government and every resident who has helped bring this vision to life.”
“As construction moves into the more visible stages—the structural build and interior fit-out—I will continue to seek regular briefings on cost, timing and progress so that our community stays fully informed every step of the way. Transparency and accountability matter, because this centre belongs to the people of Alkimos and the wider Pearce electorate. As we watch the development take shape, I feel enormous pride but also renewed responsibility. My commitment remains unwavering: to keep standing up for the infrastructure, services and opportunities that our northern suburbs need and deserve. Together, we are not just building a pool.”
“It includes a 50-metre outdoor pool, indoor lap and leisure water, fitness areas, multi-use sports courts and community spaces—all located close to the Alkimos train station to make it easy and accessible for residents across the region. This is community infrastructure done right: connected, inclusive and sustainable. I would also like to acknowledge the thousands of local residents who have stood alongside me over the years, those who signed petitions, attended consultations and wrote to share their views. Our passion and persistence have been instrumental in shaping this project and demonstrating its importance. This has always been a shared effort—by local people, advocacy groups, councillors and all the tiers of government who believed in what this centre could achieve.”
“This builds on contributions from our state and local partners: approximately $12.6 million from the state government and more than $45 million from the City of Wanneroo and developer sources combined. It is a genuine partnership between all levels of government, working together to deliver for the people of Alkimos and surrounding communities. When I look at the plans, I don't just see pools and courts, I see opportunity. I see children learning life-saving water safety skills. I see teenagers finding a positive, welcoming place to spend their time. I see seniors keeping fit and socially connected. And I see local jobs—good, secure jobs that help families build their future right here in our community. The design reflects these aspirations.”
“During construction, approximately 250 jobs will be supported, with a further 42 ongoing roles once the centre opens. That's a huge boost for local economic activity, and a clear example of how community infrastructure drives growth on multiple levels. I have consistently championed this project at every opportunity—in council chambers, at community meetings, and in federal parliament—always with one message: our northern suburbs must not be left behind. Securing strong funding partnerships has been central to this advocacy, and I'm proud that the Australian government has committed $30 million towards the project, including $25 million through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program and $5 million via the Female Facilities and Water Safety Stream.”
“This is the kind of community infrastructure that turns new suburbs into connected neighbourhoods, and it's exactly what our residents have long been asking for. From my time as mayor through to representing Pearce here in Canberra, I've fought hard for this project. I've heard from parents who drive long distances every week for swimming lessons, from older residents who want accessible facilities close to home, and from clubs who have been lobbying for proper training and competition spaces. Every single conversation has reinforced my determination to make sure Alkimos gets a first-class facility. The project is now budgeted at just under $88 million. The main works contract has been awarded, construction is underway and completion is expected late this year.”
“The incorporated speech read as follows— Thank you, Mr Speaker. I'm pleased to update the House on the Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre in the community of Pearce—its progress, the funding partnership that is making it possible and what it means for our fast-growing northern suburbs. As the federal member for Pearce, and having championed this project since my time as mayor of the City of Wanneroo, my focus has always been on delivering the full, high-quality facility our community deserves—a centre that truly meets the needs of local families, seniors and sporting groups. The Alkimos Aquatic and Recreation Centre is far more than a construction site. It is part of the future heart of our northern coastal corridor—a place where families will gather, children will learn to swim, seniors will stay active and local clubs will thrive.”
“It shouldn't depend on which side of a postcode line you live on or whether your suburb was built five years ago or fifty years ago. This bill draws that line clearly. It says, 'We are one connected nation.' Our communities have asked for action. The Albanese Labor government has listened. And now, through this bill, we are delivering. I am proud to support the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation) Bill 2025, and I commend it to the House.”
“It takes something that frustrates people every day, and it fixes it with foresight and fairness. It reflects a government that listens, that acts and that cares about outcomes for people in every corner of the country. So, as we debate this today, I want to remind the House what this bill truly represents. It represents a fair go for outer-suburban families. It represents safety and peace of mind for regional travellers. It represents opportunity for small business and resilience for our economy. And it represents dignity—the dignity of being able to rely on a basic service that connects you to your world. It's 2026. Australians have every right to expect that, when they step outside their home, they will have mobile reception.”