Matt Burnell
Spence · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Christiana also said: We need Carnival to stop exploiting the workers. We work very long hours and get paid not even peanuts. Australia has built its reputation on fair wages, safe workplaces and respect for working people. Those values cannot stop at the water's edge.”
“Long shifts are routine, often stretching well beyond 12-hour days. Nobody should have to choose between protecting their health and keeping their job, and, after I heard this, nobody can convince me to go on a Carnival cruise in the future. The Maritime Union of Australia deserves enormous credit for exposing these practices.”
“This was about making sure those without a voice had someone prepared to stand up for them. That experience has stayed with me ever since. Perhaps that is why I reacted so strongly after meeting two former Carnival Cruise employees, Queen and Christiana, this week. What they described left me entirely appalled.”
“Queen and Christiana described having to purchase their own drinking water, Wi-Fi, toiletries and sanitary products while living on board. Basic necessities became another cost deducted from wages that were already impossible to live on. No employer should expect workers to pay simply to meet their most fundamental needs.”
“Thank you to the member for Mayo for that fine contribution to this House just now. Before I entered this place, I spent a decade working offshore in the Australian oil and gas industry.”
“I call on AMSA to ensure these rights are respected and enforced. I know the pride that comes from working in the maritime sector. I also know the sacrifices made by those who spend months away from their families to keep global trade and tourism moving. That commitment should never be rewarded with exploitation.”
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“I call on AMSA to ensure these rights are respected and enforced. I know the pride that comes from working in the maritime sector. I also know the sacrifices made by those who spend months away from their families to keep global trade and tourism moving. That commitment should never be rewarded with exploitation. Australia can do better than this and we expect better than this. Carnival Cruise, I suggest that you start doing better immediately.”
“Christiana also said: We need Carnival to stop exploiting the workers. We work very long hours and get paid not even peanuts. Australia has built its reputation on fair wages, safe workplaces and respect for working people. Those values cannot stop at the water's edge. A multinational company should never gain a commercial advantage by exploiting vulnerable workers who have little ability to defend themselves. Crew aboard Carnival's three Australian 'home ported' vessels have signed a petition calling on the company to commence collective bargaining and begin addressing these unacceptable conditions. That is not a radical demand. It is a right protected under international maritime law. This week, those crew members presented their petition to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the agency responsible for enforcing seafarer rights.”
“Long shifts are routine, often stretching well beyond 12-hour days. Nobody should have to choose between protecting their health and keeping their job, and, after I heard this, nobody can convince me to go on a Carnival cruise in the future. The Maritime Union of Australia deserves enormous credit for exposing these practices. For years they have fought to ensure vulnerable international seafarers receive the same dignity and respect every worker deserves. Without that advocacy, many of those stories would never have reached the Australian public or the light of day. Queen captured this issue perfectly when she said: Carnival needs to be held accountable for how they treat their crew members … it's nothing short of slavery. She also reminded Australians that every cruise purchased allows these practices to continue.”
“Queen and Christiana described having to purchase their own drinking water, Wi-Fi, toiletries and sanitary products while living on board. Basic necessities became another cost deducted from wages that were already impossible to live on. No employer should expect workers to pay simply to meet their most fundamental needs. But this was just the tip of the iceberg. Meals served to crew were recycled from food left over in the guest dining areas. Workers suffering illness, including gastro, had to continue performing their duties because taking time off simply was not an option. Instead of receiving rest, they'd have their shore leave cancelled altogether. That should concern every Australian. Ships are demanding workplaces where the spread of illness places everybody on board at risk.”
“This was about making sure those without a voice had someone prepared to stand up for them. That experience has stayed with me ever since. Perhaps that is why I reacted so strongly after meeting two former Carnival Cruise employees, Queen and Christiana, this week. What they described left me entirely appalled. These were not isolated complaints about difficult work; they were accounts of systemic exploitation taking place aboard vessels carrying Australian passengers and operating from Australian ports. This is a workplace where retail crew members earn around US$225 each week. Spread across the hours they were expected to work, that amounted to little more than $2 an hour. No Australian should consider that acceptable for themselves, and neither should we accept that for anyone else.”
“Thank you to the member for Mayo for that fine contribution to this House just now. Before I entered this place, I spent a decade working offshore in the Australian oil and gas industry. From 2006 until 2016, I worked as an able seaman and boatswain, serving aboard drill rigs, seismic survey vessels, anchor handlers and a range of offshore support vessels. Those years taught me plenty about hard work. They also taught me something far more important: no matter where a seafarer comes from, everyone deserves to be treated with respect, paid fairly and return home safely. Life at sea is unlike any other profession. The hours are long, the conditions are unforgiving, and you're no less than hundreds of kilometres from your family. During that time, I also served as a union delegate.”
“The Albanese Labor government remains committed to implementing the royal commission's recommendations and ensuring that genuine change follows from its work. For those reasons, I commend the bill to the House.”
“It requires governments, agencies and communities to remain focused on implementation long after reports are handed down and headlines fade. What this bill demonstrates is a commitment to continue that work by the Albanese government. It demonstrates a willingness to translate recommendations into action. It demonstrates an understanding that the health and wellbeing of defence personnel, veterans and their families must remain a national priority. This legislation represents an important step on that journey. Through stronger information sharing, modernised health frameworks, improved family support, enhanced transition arrangements and better governance, it delivers meaningful reforms that will help build a more responsive and effective system.”
“They seek to address systemic challenges identified through years of detailed examination and testimony. Most importantly, they focus on outcomes through greater information sharing, earlier intervention, stronger continuity of care, improved support for families, enhanced governance, safer service environments and more effective transition arrangements. Each reform contributes to a broader objective of reducing harm and improving wellbeing across the defence and veteran community. No single piece of legislation can resolve every challenge identified by the royal commission. The tragedy of veteran suicide demands humility as well as determination. Lasting reform for veterans requires sustained effort over many years.”
“They also reinforce the principle that service in the Australian Defence Force is both a privilege and a responsibility. Alongside these substantive reforms, the bill contains amendments that support the operation of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission. Governance and accountability in these areas matter and effective oversight strengthens public confidence and improves institutional performance. The royal commission identified the importance of independent scrutiny and clear accountability arrangements. The reforms contained within this legislation support those objectives. Collectively, the measures before the House represent practical change rather than symbolic change. They are informed by evidence. They respond directly to the findings of the royal commission.”
“Public confidence in defence depends upon maintaining high standards of conduct and character. Service in uniform carries unique responsibilities. Australians rightly expect those entrusted with those responsibilities to meet appropriate standards. The bill strengthens existing arrangements in this area. Individuals convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for serious violent or sexual offences will be prohibited from joining the ADF. Mandatory discharge arrangements will apply to members sentenced by an Australian court to imprisonment. Existing 'fit and proper person' requirements are consolidated and clarified. Substance related separation processes are aligned with existing medical separation frameworks. These measures promote consistency, transparency and fairness.”
“Greater recognition of family needs strengthens the broader wellbeing framework surrounding defence personnel. Particular attention has been given to circumstances involving family and domestic violence. The bill ensures that benefits and support arrangements can continue for former spouses and partners in the immediate aftermath of separation, where family and domestic violence is present. These provisions support safer separation outcomes. They recognise that access to support can be especially important during periods of heightened vulnerability. This represents a practical reform designed to assist individuals facing difficult and often dangerous circumstances. The legislation also addresses integrity and safety requirements associated with service in the Australian Defence Force.”
“These reforms strengthen the capacity of defence health services to identify trends, evaluate interventions and improve performance over time. Support for defence families forms another significant component of the legislation. The royal commission repeatedly highlighted the vital role families play in supporting serving personnel and veterans. Partners, parents, children and carers are often the first to recognise changes in physical and mental wellbeing. They frequently provide practical and emotional support throughout periods of service, transition and recovery, yet families themselves can experience significant challenges. Improved information sharing and communication arrangements will help families remain connected to relevant support systems.”
“The reforms contained in schedule 2 reflect those realities, as they provide legislative support for clinical governance arrangements, health monitoring activities and quality improvement initiatives. A modern defence force requires a modern health system. Personnel serving in uniform deserve healthcare arrangements that reflect contemporary clinical standards and best practice. Enhanced governance contributes to better outcomes for patients. Improved monitoring supports early identification of emerging issues. Stronger quality assurance promotes continuous improvement across the health system. The bill also enables lawful and proportionate use of health information to improve service delivery and support suicide prevention initiatives. Evidence based decision-making depends upon access to quality information.”
“Agencies will be better positioned to proactively engage with individuals identified as being at increased risk. These changes support a more coordinated and person centred approach to transition. Rather than expecting veterans to navigate multiple systems independently, government agencies will be better equipped to work together on their behalf. That represents a significant cultural and operational shift. Another important aspect of the bill concerns defence health services. The legislation establishes a dedicated basis for defence health services and modernises the framework governing their operation. Contemporary health care requires clear governance structures, strong quality assurance mechanisms and robust clinical oversight.”
“The bill also strengthens arrangements between Defence and DVA during periods of transition from military service to civilian life. Transition to civilian life represents a significant change for many personnel. I've seen this happen many times. While countless veterans make that transition successfully, the royal commission identified circumstances where individuals experienced challenges accessing support during this period. Delays, administrative complexity and fragmented information systems can create additional stress at a time when support is most important. The reform contained in this bill addresses those concerns directly. Earlier transfer of relevant information from Defence to DVA will support more timely claims processing. Improved access to information will assist compensation arrangements and tailored support services.”
“The reforms align with established Privacy Act principles and broader privacy protections. Achieving the right balance is essential. Government agencies require access to information that can help identify risk and support vulnerable individuals. At the same time, Australians rightly expect strong protections for personal and sensitive information. This legislation delivers both objectives. Better information sharing is not an administrative exercise; it is a practical reform with real-world consequences. When agencies can identify emerging risks earlier, support can be offered sooner. When information follows an individual through different stages of service and transition, continuity of care improves. When researchers and policymakers have access to better data, future interventions become more effective. These outcomes can save lives.”
“Together, these reforms create a more integrated and responsive system. They recognise that suicide prevention is not the responsibility of a single agency. It requires coordinated action across Defence, Veterans' Affairs and other government bodies working towards common objectives. A central feature of the bill is the creation of clear legislative authority for information sharing. The legislation enables Defence, the DVA and other Commonwealth agencies to collect, use and disclose information for research, analysis, evaluation, prevention and early intervention purposes. When covering areas of sensitivity such as this, the bill contains robust privacy safeguards to ensure information is handled appropriately, while ministerial guidelines will govern the exercise of these powers.”
“Taken together, the legislation enables and supports 35 recommendations that are focused on improving the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families. This bill establishes needed reform across information sharing, health services, family support, service entry and exit arrangements, and governance structures. The legislation is structured across five schedules. Each schedule contributes to a broader objective of strengthening wellbeing, improving safety and reducing the risk factors that can contribute to poor outcomes. Schedule 1 focuses on information sharing. Schedule 2 modernises the defence health services framework. Schedule 3 strengthens information sharing and support arrangements for defence families. Schedule 4 reforms service entry and exit provisions. Schedule 5 improves governance and accountability measures.”
“Evidence presented throughout the inquiry demonstrated that support services work best when agencies are able to collaborate effectively and share relevant information responsibly. Effective care depends upon continuity, early intervention depends on awareness, and prevention depends upon understanding risk before a crisis occurs. The royal commission recognises these realities and recommended substantial reforms to improve information sharing across Defence and Veterans' Affairs. While a number of interim measures have already been introduced, permanent legislative reform is necessary to provide certainty, consistency and accountability. That is precisely what this bill delivers. The bill directly implements 15 recommendations of the royal commission. Beyond those direct measures, it further supports 20 additional recommendations.”
“It builds stronger foundations for early intervention, continuity of care and suicide prevention. Most importantly, it seeks to ensure that government agencies are better equipped to identify risk, provide support and respond effectively when individuals and families need assistance. One of the clearest findings of the royal commission was that enhanced information sharing is fundamental to improving health, wellbeing and safety outcomes. The commission identified circumstances where information that could have supported an individual was held within one agency but not available to another. It highlighted situations where fragmented systems and administrative barriers prevented timely intervention.”
“Delivering meaningful change requires legislation, investment, administrative reform and sustained commitment across multiple portfolios and agencies, and progress is already being made. By the end of 2025, 32 recommendations had been implemented. By the end of this year, it is expected that approximately two-thirds of the royal commission's recommendations will have been implemented. That represents substantial progress on one of the most significant reform agendas affecting the defence and veteran community in recent history. The legislation before the House today is a critical part of that work, as it translates recommendations into practical reforms. It strengthens the legislative framework that governs how Defence and Veterans' Affairs support current and former personnel.”
“A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 17:33 to 18:06 That response reflected both the significance of the findings and the determination of the government to drive lasting change across Defence, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the broader support systems that serve military families. The government accepted the overwhelming majority of the commission's recommendations. We agreed or agreed in principle to 104 of the royal commission's 122 recommendations. A further 17 recommendations were noted for continued consideration and detailed policy development. Those figures demonstrate a government determined to act rather than delay. They reflect an understanding that reform cannot be achieved through rhetoric alone.”
“Most importantly, we owe them a commitment that the lessons of the royal commission will not gather dust on a shelf. The Albanese Labor government has approached this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves. Long before entering government, Labor called for the establishment of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide because we recognised the scale of the challenge confronting the defence and veteran community. Upon coming to government, we continued to support the work of the royal commission and committed ourselves to implementing meaningful reform. On 2 December 2024, the government released its formal response to the royal commission.”
“The royal commission heard from thousands of Australians who shared deeply personal experience about their service, their transition to civilian life, their interactions with government systems and the support they received when they needed it most. Many recounted extraordinary acts of courage performed in service to our nation. Others spoke of circumstances where systems designed to support them fell short of what they deserved. Every contribution made to the royal commission came at a personal cost. Veterans, serving personnel, partners, parents, children and loved ones relived painful experiences so that future generations might be better supported than they were. This parliament owes them more than gratitude. As well, it owes them action and reform.”
“I would like to commend the previous speaker, the member for Lalor, for that fantastic speech. The Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026 marks another important milestone in the Albanese government's response to the landmark royal commission into veteran suicide. Few issues examined by this parliament carry the same gravity and responsibility as the challenge of preventing suicide among serving personnel, veterans and their families. Behind every recommendation of the royal commission sits a person, a family, a story and, in far too many cases, a profound loss that should never have occurred.”
“Everyone will benefit from stronger investment in our public hospitals alongside permanent Medicare urgent care clinics that make it easier to receive treatment close to home. More women will have access to specialised endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, ensuring conditions that have been overlooked for far too long receive the attention they deserve. Veterans will be supported through a dedicated veteran wellbeing agency, recognising that those who have served our nation deserve coordinated care and lifelong support. While those opposite remain divided on who should lead their party or whether they require a glam-up or a makeover, we will continue to deliver change and a better tomorrow for every Australian.”
“'Twas the night before delivery, and all through the House not a creature was stirring, not even those in their five per cent deposit houses. When the calendar turns to 1 July tomorrow, the following changes will come into effect. Working Australians will wake up with another round of tax cuts, keeping more of what they earn, which will help ease cost-of-living pressures. Families will gain greater security through the continued expansion of paid parental leave, moving us closer to six months of support for new parents. Workers will receive higher minimum and award wages because a fair day's work continues to deserve a fair day's pay. Small businesses will have the certainty of a permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off.”
“My question is to the Minister for Defence Industry. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering critical defence capability at the same time as creating jobs for Australians? How does this compare to what the government inherited?”
“Every person who attended, donated or shared their story played a role in supporting this mission. I congratulate everyone involved in making the day such an outstanding success and thank the Willaston Football Club for continuing to demonstrate what community leadership looks like. For anyone who would like to contribute, donations can still be made by visiting worldsgreatestshave.com and searching on there for the Willaston Football Club. Congratulations on what was a fantastic event and, in the true Donnybrook spirit, always fighting for everybody within our community. Thank you for everything you do. Go the Donnybrooks!”
“Their courage, honesty and willingness to speak from the heart helped transform the event from a fundraiser into something far more meaningful. Importantly, this event formed part of the Willaston Football Club's wellbeing program, an initiative designed to equip people with the knowledge, confidence and support networks they need when confronted with health challenges. That commitment to building resilience and encouraging people to seek help when they need it is making a real difference throughout the community. The World's Greatest Shave is about far more than cutting or dyeing hair. Funds raised help provide physical, emotional and financial support to Australians living with blood cancer while also helping to fund vital research that brings us closer to better treatments and outcomes.”
“Organisers initially set a fundraising target of $3,000, hoping to make a meaningful contribution to the work of the Leukaemia Foundation. By the end of the event, the goal had been completely eclipsed, with more than $14,000 donated by community members—and still rising—determined to make a difference in the lives of others. Behind every dollar raised was a story, and some of the most powerful moments of the day came from those brave enough to share their own experiences. Karen McColl spoke openly about her leukaemia diagnosis, offering a deeply personal insight into the challenges faced by so many Australians living with blood cancer. Adam Wardle, a father of two junior players at the club, shared the story of losing his father recently, reminding everyone in the room that cancer leaves few families untouched.”
“Recently, it was my pleasure to attend the World's Greatest Shave at the Willaston Football Club, where the north came together in remarkable numbers to support Australians impacted by blood cancer. Local sporting clubs are often known for what happens on the field, but their true value is measured by what they do off it. The Willaston Football Club demonstrated exactly that, turning a community fundraiser into an opportunity to support families and encourage important conversations about health and wellbeing. I was proud to be joined by my good mates James Agness, the member for Light, and Nathan Shanks, the mayor of Gawler—who joins us in the chamber today—as we stood alongside more than 170 people who packed the clubroom in support of this worthy cause. The generosity shown by those in attendance was nothing short of extraordinary.”
“The objective is to ensure care is easier to access and better tailored for individual circumstances. These reforms form part of a broader effort to build a veterans' support system that is responsive, modern and centred on wellbeing, recognising that getting support early often prevents more serious problems from developing later and that rehabilitation and treatment are most effective when barriers to access are removed. Most importantly, they recognise that veterans deserve a system that works for them, not the other way around. The men and women who have served our nation answered the call when Australia asked. They accepted responsibilities that most Australians will never be required to carry. Our responsibility is to ensure that, when support is needed, it is available without delay and without unnecessary obstacles.”
“Under the current arrangements, veterans can find themselves navigating repeated referral requirements and administrative processes simply to continue receiving care. That can create barriers at exactly the moment people should be focused on recovery and rehabilitation. The new arrangements will replace the strict 12-session treatment cycle with a more flexible annual monetary limit of $5,000. This change will allow veterans to access more appointments without the need for repeated referrals and unnecessary paperwork. It will reduce administrative burdens while giving veterans greater certainty about their ongoing treatment. Importantly, veterans experiencing acute or complex health needs will continue to receive support above that threshold where clinically appropriate. The objective is not to limit or take away necessary care.”
“Funding for physiotherapy and exercise physiology consultations will increase from $75.10 to $110. Standard podiatry consultations will increase to $110. Psychology services will receive some of the most substantial improvements, with a standard consultation of more than 50 minutes increasing from $163.40 up to $260. These changes represent a significant investment in the wellbeing of veterans and a recognition of the important role allied health professionals play in supporting those who have served. Better funding means a stronger network of providers. A stronger network of providers means improved access to care. Improved access to care means veterans can receive support earlier and closer to home. Just as importantly, the government is reducing unnecessary red tape that too often frustrates veterans trying to access treatment.”
“Access to services such as physiotherapy, psychology or podiatry should never be determined by whether a provider can afford to offer treatment under the existing funding arrangements. That is why the Albanese Labor government is delivering the largest increase to allied health funding for veterans in more than two decades. These changes respond directly to recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and reflect the experiences shared by veterans and providers across the country. Time and again, veterans told the royal commission that access to allied health services was becoming more difficult. This government listened. From 1 July next year—2027—significantly increased payments will help ensure veterans can continue accessing the support and treatment they deserve.”
“Additional staffing and sustained investment have helped clear the backlog we inherited and improve the speed at which claims are entering the system. Today, new claims are being allocated within days rather than sitting untouched for months. That means veterans are receiving support sooner and gaining earlier access to services they need. Yet improving outcomes for veterans is about far more than processing claims. A support system can only be considered effective if the care it provides is accessible, affordable and available when they need it. For many veterans, allied health services play a critical role in maintaining physical health, supporting recovery from injury and addressing the impacts that service can have on mental wellbeing.”
“Before I start, I want to acknowledge the member for Solomon, the member for Petrie and the member for Herbert and thank them for their service to this country. After years of underinvestment, those opposite had left the Department of Veterans' Affairs struggling to meet demand, with almost 42,000 claims—that's right, 42,000 claims—sitting unallocated in the system. Behind every one of those claims was a veteran or family member waiting for compensation or support. No Australian who has served under the flag of this great nation should be left waiting indefinitely for help. That's why one of this government's earliest priorities was properly resourcing the Department of Veterans' Affairs and ensuring support could reach veterans faster.”
“It helps them gain skills, earn fair wages and build secure futures. In doing so, it strengthens not only our labour market but our entire nation. I commend the government for these reforms and for its continued commitment to creating a better working future for all Australians.”
“The budget also recognises that many skilled migrants arrive in Australia with valuable qualifications, practical experience and a desire to contribute. However, complex recognition processes have prevented people from fully utilising those skills. This government is acting to address that problem. By improving skills recognition pathways, strengthening oversight and modernising systems, we are helping skilled migrants move into jobs that match their experience sooner. Alongside these employment and skills reforms, the government continues to strengthen workplace protections. We have delivered same job, same pay reforms that are benefiting thousands of workers, and we believe that opportunities should be available to every Australian regardless of their background or circumstance. This budget helps Australians find work.”
“That is why the government continues to back apprentices and trainees. The reforms announced in this budget ensure that support is targeted where it makes the greatest difference. Small- and medium-sized businesses will continue to receive assistance to take on apprentices. Apprentices themselves will receive direct support to help them complete their training and build successful careers. These policies are already delivering results. More than 25,000 apprentices have commenced under the housing construction stream of the Key Apprenticeship Program. Trade apprenticeship completions have increased significantly. Construction trades are seeing stronger participation, and more women and First Nations Australians are entering occupations that have traditionally been underrepresented.”
“Australians facing complex barriers will receive intensive support with greater flexibility and more tailored assistance, because finding work is not always straightforward, and each path to employment is unique. Importantly, the government is backing these reforms with significant investment. More than $312 million has been committed through this budget to establish new digital services, strengthen assessments, expand intensive support programs and improve customer service. These investments will help more Australians move into secure employment and stay there. The budget also recognises that a strong labour market depends on a strong skills pipeline. Australia's future will be built by skilled workers in housing, renewable energy and defence, which all require a highly skilled workforce.”
“That approach simply was not delivering the outcomes Australians deserve. Despite historically low unemployment, about 140,000 participants have remained in the system for five years or more. That is a clear sign that change is needed. This budget begins a 'once in a generation' overhaul of employment services. Instead of a rigid and impersonal model, Australians will receive support that reflects their individual circumstances. Those who are ready to work will benefit from a new digital service with personalised tools, career guidance and targeted support. Those needing additional assistance will receive provider led services focused on pathways back into employment.”
“The gender pay gap has fallen to an equal record low of 11½ per cent, and more than 2.7 million Australians are now covered by enterprise agreements. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent real Australians earning more, enjoying greater security and having more confidence about the future. This budget continues that work. One of the most significant measures is a reform of Australia's employment services system. For too long, Workforce Australia operated under a 'one size fits all' approach. People with completely different circumstances were expected to navigate the same system and receive the same support. Whether someone was job ready, returning to work, managing a disability or facing significant personal barriers, the response was often identical.”
“This budget builds on the Albanese Labor government's commitment to ensuring that every Australian can find secure work, develop valuable skills and share in the nation's prosperity. From the day we came to office, this government has understood that a strong economy and strong workplace protections go hand in hand. More than 1.2 million jobs have been created since Labor was elected. Australia has recorded the lowest average unemployment rate of any government over the past half-century. At the same time, we have worked to ensure that workers receive a fairer share of the wealth they help create. The national minimum wage has increased by more than $9,120 per year since May 2022, not including yesterday's announcement by the Fair Work Commission to increase the national minimum wage by 4.75 per cent on 1 July.”
“It supports aspiration without abandoning fairness. It promotes investment while reducing distortions. It delivers relief today while building a more sustainable future. For those reasons, I support the budget.”
“This budget establishes the core framework while allowing detailed consultation to continue where appropriate. When viewed collectively, the reforms contained within this legislation reveal a broader vision for Australia's economy. Workers should keep more of what they earn. Investment should be directed towards productive outcomes. Housing policy should help more Australians achieve homeownership. Businesses should face less red tape. The tax system should be easier to understand. Future generations should inherit stronger foundations than those we inherited ourselves. Those objectives are not radical. They are sensible. They are practical. Most importantly, they reflect the values held by millions of Australians. The budget before the House strengthens opportunity while maintaining responsibility.”
“Small businesses also remain protected under these reforms, as existing small business capital gains tax concessions continue unchanged. For many eligible businesses, those concessions can significantly reduce or eliminate capital gains tax obligations when assets are sold. Entrepreneurship remains vital to Australia's economic future. That is why the government is also continuing consultation regarding the application of these reforms to startups and businesses with low or zero cost bases. Good policy requires consultation, and complex economic issues deserve careful consideration. Legislating major reform in stages is not unusual. Many of Australia's most significant economic reforms have been implemented through multiple legislative tranches.”
“Investors should make decisions based on economic fundamentals rather than artificial advantages embedded within the tax system. Maintaining consistency across assets supports a more balanced and efficient market. Some investors will pay less tax under these arrangements. Others may pay more. Our objective is not to increase or decrease tax for its own sake. Our objective is to ensure that inflation is treated appropriately and investment decisions reflect genuine returns. Property investors who purchase new builds will continue to have flexibility when they eventually sell their asset. They will be able to choose between the existing 50 per cent discount and the new indexation arrangements with the minimum tax. That flexibility recognises the role new housing supply plays within the broader economy.”