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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“While discussions around capital gains tax can quickly become technical, the principle behind the reform is remarkably simple: investors should pay tax on real gains and they should not be taxed on inflation. Returning to indexation restores that principle. The current arrangements created distortions that influence investment decisions and encourage capital to flow towards particular assets for tax reasons rather than economic reasons. Correcting those distortions helps ensure that investment flows towards opportunities that generate genuine economic value, which creates a positive environment for innovation and long-term economic growth. Another important feature of the reforms is the broad application across asset classes. A piecemeal approach would simply create new distortions elsewhere.”
“The goal is not to penalise people who have made decisions under existing rules; the goal is to ensure that future tax incentives support outcomes that strengthen housing supply and improve affordability. Modelling indicates that these reforms will help around 75,000 additional Australians become homeowners over the next decade. For thousands of young families, that represents the difference between continuing to rent and finally purchasing a home of their own. Alongside these changes sits an equally important reform to capital gains tax. For gains accrued after 1 July 2027, the current 50 per cent discount will be replaced with cost-based indexation alongside a 30 per cent minimum tax.”
“Beginning from 1 July 2027, negative gearing arrangements for residential property purchased after budget night will be limited to new builds. Why is this? It's straightforward: Australia needs more homes. More supply is essential if we are serious about improving affordability. Directing investment towards new construction helps increase the number of properties available to Australians, while supporting jobs throughout the construction sector. Importantly, existing arrangements are being grandfathered. Australians who currently own investment properties or utilise negative gearing will not—I repeat, will not—be forced to change their existing arrangements. Certainty remains in place for current investors. Future investment, however, will be encouraged towards building additional housing stock.”
“A stable home creates opportunities for families, provides security in retirement and allows people to build wealth and participate fully in the economy. Yet, for too many younger Australians, that dream has become increasingly difficult to achieve. The current tax settings have contributed to outcomes that favour speculation in the existing housing stock over the creation of new supply. As prices have risen faster than wages, many first home buyers have found themselves locked out of the market altogether. That is why schedules 1 and 2 of this legislation are so important. The reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax are designed to improve housing affordability, while ensuring investment continues to play an important role in the economy.”
“Future generations should not inherit structural problems simply because governments lack the courage to address them. Too often in politics, there is an incentive to postpone difficult decisions. A challenge emerges, everyone agrees it exists, everyone acknowledges it's becoming worse, yet meaningful action is delayed because the problem appears politically difficult. That is not the approach being taken here. This legislation accepts our responsibility to act now rather than leaving these issues for younger Australians to solve later. Housing affordability provides perhaps the clearest example. For many Australians, homeownership remains the single most important pathway to financial security. It has long been part of the Australian dream.”
“These are not isolated changes operating in different directions. Together they form a coherent package designed to make the tax system simpler, fairer and more effective. What makes these tax reforms particularly important is that they build upon the government's broader record of responsible economic management. Australians rightly expect governments to confront difficult challenges rather than leave them for someone else to solve. Responsible management of the nation's finances remains essential if we are to build a stronger and more sustainable economy. Continued investment in health care, education and the services that communities rely upon every day is a fundamental obligation of government. Revenue raised through reforms is being returned to workers and businesses, while supporting stronger budget sustainability over time.”
“Across Australia, people are working harder than ever, and I see that every day in my community in the north. Yet many feel that the rewards of economic growth have become increasingly difficult to access. Young Australians are spending longer saving for a deposit, families are feeling pressure from rising costs, and businesses are looking for greater certainty to invest and expand. At the same time, unnecessary complexity continues to make our tax system harder to navigate than it needs to be. This budget responds directly to those challenges. More than 13 million workers will receive tax relief, businesses and startups will benefit from measures worth $3.5 billion, and compliance costs across the economy will fall by approximately $540 million every year, whilst more homes will be delivered for more Australians.”
“Together, they represent the most significant package of tax reforms undertaken in more than a quarter of a century—a package designed to make the economy work for more Australians rather than the fortunate few. At its heart, this legislation is built around a simple proposition: Who should our tax system work for? Should it continue rewarding distortions that have built up over decades, or should it support workers, encourage productive investment and help young Australians build a secure future? This government has made its choice. It is a reform agenda built around fairness, aspiration and effort. Most importantly, it acknowledges that economic policy should serve the many Australians who get up every morning, go to work, pay their taxes and simply want the chance to get ahead.”
“Tax reform is rarely simple and it is rarely easy. Every change to the tax system creates debate because taxation sits at the centre of so many decisions Australians make: where they invest, whether they buy a home or start a business, and how much of their hard-earned income they keep. Yet, one thing has been increasingly clear over recent decades: the status quo is not working as it should. Too many young Australians are locked out of homeownership. Too many workers feel like they are carrying a growing burden while watching wealth accumulate elsewhere. Too many Australians look at the tax system and wonder whether it still reflects the economy we live in today. That is why the reforms in the 2026-27 budget matter. They're not an isolated measure designed to fix a single problem.”
“In the 2026 budget, more than $770 million was committed to implementing royal commission recommendations, including the largest increase in allied health funding for veterans in two decades. These changes will improve access to physiotherapy, psychology and other critical services while reducing unnecessary red tape and making it easier for veterans to receive the care they need.”
“When we came to office, the Department of Veterans' Affairs had been left underfunded and underresourced, with almost 42,000 new claims sitting untouched and veterans waiting far too long for the support they deserved. By properly funding DVA and increasing staffing, this government has cleared that inherited backlog and ensured new claims are now being looked at within 14 days of submission. The investment has been substantial, with $37.9 billion spent on veteran compensation and treatment during our first three years in government. But this is about more than funding alone. The Albanese government is delivering once-in-a-generation reforms to simplify veterans' entitlements, implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and build a system that is easy to navigate and faster to access.”
“Just as this government is investing in the capabilities, infrastructure and workforce needed to keep Australia secure into the future, we are equally committed to supporting the people who have worn our nation's uniform. A strong defence force is measured not only by the equipment it operates or the ships and aircraft it acquires but also by how well we care for serving personnel, veterans and their families before, during and after their service to our country. Supporting our veterans is one of the most important responsibilities of government, and the Albanese Labor government is backing that responsibility with real investment and real reform.”
“We want Australian businesses to play a central role in this once-in-a-generation investment, ensuring the economic benefits are felt not just in Defence precincts but across communities throughout the country. In South Australia, the $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility is strengthening our sovereign capability while supporting hundreds of local jobs. Right next door, at the RAAF Base Edinburgh defence precinct, almost $312 million has been invested to upgrade critical infrastructure and sustain Defence operations into the future. Through investments like these, the Albanese Labor government is ensuring Australia remains secure, resilient and prepared for the challenges ahead while creating the skilled jobs and industrial capability our nation will rely on for decades to come.”
“A key part of that work is AUKUS. AUKUS represents one of the most significant strategic and industrial undertakings in our nation's history. It is helping deliver the next generation of submarine capability while creating opportunities for Australian workers, manufacturers and businesses to participate in global defence supply chains. Already, South Australian manufacturer and northern suburbs local Century Engineering has become the first South Australian company to receive a purchase order from the United States under the program. That is a tangible example of how AUKUS is creating opportunities for local industry, developing supply chains and helping build sovereign capability here at home.”
“The 2026 National Defence Strategy and the 2026 Integrated Investment Program set out a clear vision for Australia's future security. They recognise the need for greater self-reliance, a stronger sovereign defence industry, improved national resilience and deeper partnerships with our allies and partners. Most importantly, they back those objectives with funding. The 2026 Integrated Investment Program includes an additional $14 billion over the next four years and $53 billion over the decade. Since coming to office, the Albanese government has increased defence spending by $30 billion across the forward estimates and $117 billion over the next decade. These investments are not just about keeping Australians safe; they are about creating highly skilled Australian jobs and supporting a future made in Australia.”
“I'd like to start by thanking the member for Riverina for his kind acknowledgement earlier. I also acknowledge the member for Herbert and his service to this fine country and also yourself, Deputy Speaker Wilkie, for your service. In a world that is becoming more uncertain and less predictable, Australians expect their government to ensure our Defence Force has the people, equipment and capabilities needed to keep our nation safe. That is exactly what the Albanese Labor government is delivering. After years of chaos and dysfunction under those opposite, including 24 different ministers across the Defence portfolio in less than a decade, this government has provided the leadership and long-term planning our national security demands.”
“At the same time, our nation is contributing to a region that remains peaceful, stable and open. Right now we have a moment in time that is calling for a Team Australia effort. Everyone needs to get on board for the sake of the security of this country and our region. To those opposite, who brought this MPI up, maybe think a little bit harder next time.”
“Australian workers are already gaining the expertise needed for this task, with personnel from ASC undertaking specialised training at Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard in the United States. Significant investment in surrounding infrastructure will ensure South Australia has the roads, services and facilities required to support this growing workforce. What we are witnessing is not simply a Defence project but a generational investment in Australian skills. Australian manufacturing and Australia's future prosperity. That is precisely what AUKUS seeks to achieve. It strengthens Australia's security. Workers are gaining access to skills that will remain valuable for decades. Communities will benefit from investment that supports long-term economic growth.”
“Those partnerships are not only strengthening our national security but also creating enormous opportunities for Australian workers, apprentices and industries. South Australia will sit at the centre of this nation-building endeavour, with Australia's future conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines to be constructed at Osborne. The Albanese government has committed billions of dollars to transform the precinct into one of the most advanced shipbuilding hubs in the world. Construction of the new submarine construction yard and the Skills and Training Academy will support up to 4,000 jobs as the infrastructure required for this historic project takes shape. Once submarine production is under way, thousands more highly skilled workers will be needed, with between 4,000 and 5½ thousand direct shipyard jobs expected to be created.”
“Students in STEM can see a future where their skills are developed and applied here at home. Tradespeople will play a central role in building and maintaining some of the most sophisticated industrial projects our nation has ever undertaken. Businesses large and small are positioning themselves to participate in supply chains that stretch across allied nations and connect Australian expertise to global markets. Equally important is the contribution AUKUS makes to stability throughout our region. Across the Indo-Pacific, countries are seeking certainty at a time of growing strategic complexity, and Australia has always played a constructive role in supporting a stable and open region. Our partnerships with the United States and the United Kingdom strengthen our capacity to continue fulfilling that responsibility.”
“Much of the discussion surrounding AUKUS understandably focuses on Defence capability, yet limiting the conversation to the subtext of this MPI misses the broader significance of what AUKUS creates. At its core, AUKUS is helping position Australia to become a more capable, more skilled and more prosperous nation. The agreement is already driving investment into industries that will support economic growth for decades to come. Advanced manufacturing, engineering, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence are no longer concepts reserved for research papers and university lecture theatres. They are becoming real industries that will employ Australians and create opportunities in communities across the country. Young Australians entering the workforce today will have access to career pathways that scarcely existed a generation ago.”
“My great-uncle Doug flew missions over Europe as a tail gunner, fighting shoulder to shoulder with the British in the battle against Nazi Germany. Those stories are not unique. Across Australia, countless families carry memories of sacrifice and service. You see it in the RSLs in the cities and the humble cenotaphs in rural towns. The relationship Australia shares with the United States and the United Kingdom was not built overnight and is not insignificant. Its foundations were laid over generations through shared sacrifice and commitment to preserving peace and stability. Today, AUKUS represents a continuation of that story, not a reflection on the past alone but a practical investment in the future that our nation wants to build.”
“In my office hangs a quilt proudly crafted by Aussie Hero Quilts, and I just want to give a special shout-out to Jan-Maree and the team at Aussie Hero Quilts on 15 years of giving back to our veterans across this great country. It tells the story of my family, whose connection to military service stretches across generations. Woven through that quilt are reminders of Australians who served far from home, alongside men and women from nations that remain our closest partners today. My grandfather fought in Papua New Guinea during the Second World War, serving alongside American forces in defence of our freedom. My great-uncle fought in that same campaign but never returned home. His name is now etched into history at Lae War Cemetery.”
“They help bring communities together to raise vital funds, and they help remind people facing cancer that they are not alone. This is what great communities do. When times are tough, they rally around each other. They remind us that, even in the face of something as devastating as cancer, there is still hope, kindness and generosity all around us. So to everybody involved in Gawler's Biggest Morning Tea: thank you for your generosity and your hard work, and thank you for helping build a future where fewer Australian families have to experience the pain of cancer. Let's start planning now to ensure that we have an even bigger and better success next year for the next Biggest Morning Tea.”
“While the fundraising total was fantastic, what stood out most was the spirit of the event, with people giving up their time to help others, volunteers making sure every table was full and every guest felt welcome and students from Trinity College North and Indi School Elizabeth doing a fantastic job cooking and serving some delicious food. What is a morning tea without great food? I also want to acknowledge the many local businesses and community groups who supported the event through donations and prizes. They are businesses like Elders Real Estate, Knights Roses, Gawler Quilters and Bakers Delight all played their part, as did the Lions Club of Gawler. It may seem like a small gesture to some, but these contributions make a real difference.”
“That is an extraordinary effort from the people of Gawler and the north because the reality is that this disease touches every single Australian family in one way or another. Almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. Those numbers are surely confronting. Events like the Biggest Morning Tea remind us that there is also enormous generosity, compassion and resilience in our communities. One morning tea at a time, Australians are helping fund research, support services and prevention programs that save lives.”
“Last week, right across this country, from school halls to sporting clubs and community centres alike, Australians gathered in support of the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea. It was great to join my mate the mayor for Gawler, Nathan Shanks, at the Gawler Barossa Jockey Club for what may well have been one of the biggest and best morning teas anywhere in Australia. It was an incredible turnout. More than 350 people from across the community came together not just for a cup of tea and a slice of cake but also to hear the latest edition from Ray, our frequent emcee, and his terrible jokes to warm us all up before a heartfelt address from John and Vanessa Eason about their battles with cancer. Together the community raised around $15,000 for the Cancer Council.”
“We're creating a tax system that is fairer, easier to navigate and better suited to the modern Australian economy, because Australians shouldn't feel like they are being punished for getting ahead or putting in the extra hours at work. More than 13 million working Australians will benefit from the lower taxes we are delivering and will see greater relief in their household budgets. This is about building an economy that rewards effort, drives investment and gives Australians confidence in the future. I'd like to remind everyone that nothing worth fighting for comes easy, and these tax changes are worthwhile for each and every single young person and person who doesn't have a home across this country that's looking to enter the housing market. We have to change the status quo, and that's exactly what this side of the House is doing.”
“The budget handed down just a few weeks ago is focused on delivery for everyday Aussies. Whether you're moving from Mum and Dad's, you've been a lifelong renter or you've recently gone solo and need a new home to live in, we are delivering for you. Amendments to capital gains tax and negative gearing on existing homes means we are creating an environment where it is easy to get more people into their own home. For those wanting to create wealth through the housing market, we are maintaining negative gearing concessions on new builds. This encourages the building of new homes across Australia by increasing supply and addressing the housing shortage issue of the last few decades. But this isn't the only way we're delivering for Australians.”
“This builds on the Albanese government's existing $1.04 billion commitment to upgrade the Australian Rail Track Corporation network. These are real investments that will strengthen supply chains, improve reliability and move more freight off our roads and onto rail. Importantly, many within industry and regional Australia have welcomed this reset. Pacific National CEO, Brett Grehan, described the government's announcement as an important next step to program funding. Wes Judd, chair of the Millmerran Rail Group—”
“We are preserving the corridor north of Parkes and protecting sites for future intermodal terminals in Queensland. Most importantly, we're ensuring future decisions are based on proper planning, proper consultation and proper value for taxpayers, because governments have a duty to ensure taxpayer money is spent responsibly, particularly at a time when Australians expect discipline, value and accountability from every dollar invested. After years of neglect under the coalition, this government is investing $2.8 billion into the productivity, resilience and reliability of Australia's freight rail network. That includes a further $1.75 billion to improve freight rail infrastructure, alongside a $55 million incentive scheme to get more freight moved by rail and sea.”
“Those are the words of their own side. It's an extraordinary admission that politics was placed ahead of sound infrastructure planning and, in turn, the Australian people. That is why the Albanese government has taken the sensible and responsible approach to Inland Rail. When we came to office, we commissioned Dr Kerry Schott to undertake an independent review into the project. That review confirmed the extent of the problems we had inherited and highlighted the need for a more disciplined and sustainable approach. So we made the decision to reset the project and put it, like all sensible things related to rail, back on track. We have taken the practical decision to focus on delivering Inland Rail to Parkes by the end of 2027.”
“When the coalition first announced Inland Rail in 2017, Australians were told the project would cost around $9.3 billion. By 2020 that figure had grown out to $16.4 billion. By the time we came to office in 2022, estimates had blown out beyond $31 billion—and even then there was no genuine certainty around the final cost or delivery pathway. What we inherited was a project plagued by uncertainty and poor decision-making. And perhaps the most remarkable part of this debate is that even senior figures of the former government now openly admit it. Just 2½ weeks ago, on 2WEB Outback Radio, the former leader of the Nationals said this: 'The cost blow-out was because of a poor decision, and it was when we were in government. Barnaby Joyce was too weak to take on Malcolm Turnbull because of some local politics.' Those are not our words.”
“Another fine contribution by the member for Riverina, if that's what you want to call it. For more than a decade Australians were promised a nation-building freight rail project that would transform the movement of goods across our country. What they got instead was delay, confusion, ballooning costs and a project that was fundamentally mismanaged from the very beginning. The fact of the matter is the Inland Rail project was bungled by the former coalition government from start to finish. Those opposite announced routes before proper planning had even been completed. They commenced construction without certainty around where the line would terminate, where freight would move or what the final cost to taxpayers would actually be. This was infrastructure by press release, not proper nation building.”
“It does not claim to do everything, but it does take an important step forward. It reflects a commitment to fairness, a commitment to safety and a commitment to ensuring that those who serve are supported by systems that are worthy of their service. To the veterans and families who shared their experiences: your voices have been heard. To those currently serving: your wellbeing matters. To those we have lost: this parliament has a responsibility to act. That responsibility continues, and today we take a take a step towards meeting it.”
“It must be accompanied by cultural change within institutions, by stronger accountability at every level and by sustained attention to ensure those changes take hold over time. It strengthens protections for those at risk, improves accountability across the system, modernises processes that have not kept pace and recognises the clear connection between justice, culture and mental health outcomes. This debate ultimately comes back to some simple questions: Are we prepared to learn from what the royal commission has told us? Are we prepared to make the changes required? And are we prepared to ensure that the future generations of defence personnel are better protected than those who came before them? These amendments answer those questions with a resounding 'yes'.”
“It acknowledges that people were punished not for wrongdoing but for who they were, and it provides a means to remove the ongoing impact of those convictions, including preventing their disclosure. It also allows families, including those of deceased veterans, to apply. That matters because the effects of those policies did not end with an individual; they extended to families, to reputations and to legacies. We know that this reform cannot undo the past, but it can help address its consequences. These legislative changes sit within a broader program of reform. Work is underway to further examine military sexual violence, including research into military sexual trauma and stronger responses and support for victims. Legislative change on its own is not enough to deliver the reform that is required.”
“They are designed to create a more consistent, modern and effective system, one that supports good order and discipline while giving commanders the clarity and authority to act appropriately. At the same time, it helps ensure resources are directed where they are needed most, towards serious matters. While aligning the operation of the system with the expectations the community rightly holds of fairness, accountability and professionalism, importantly, the bill also addresses an historical injustice. It provides a pathway for defence personnel who were convicted solely based on consensual homosexual activity to have those convictions extinguished. This is a significant measure because it acknowledges that past policies caused real harm.”
“Just as importantly, it helps guard against outcomes where the process itself compounds distress, ensuring the operation of the system reduces harm rather than inadvertently adding to it. By streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary complexity, the bill also helps shorten the time individuals spend within the system. That matters. Prolonged uncertainty can be deeply damaging, particularly for those already under strain, and delays only serve to compound that stress over time. A system that operates efficiently is not just administratively better; it is more humane and ultimately more likely to earn the trust of those who depend on it. These reforms operate across all levels of military discipline.”
“Alongside that, the bill also allows the use of video evidence in sexual offence matters. That is consistent with modern practice in civilian courts. It recognises that the process of giving evidence can itself be traumatic, and it seeks to reduce that burden without compromising fairness. A critical part of this legislation is its focus on mental health within the discipline system. For too long, the mechanisms available have not reflected contemporary understanding of trauma, stress and suicide risk. This bill introduces treatment pathways and diversionary options where appropriate. That does not mean misconduct is overlooked. It ensures the system is better equipped to respond to the individual circumstances of those before it, including recognising where mental health is a relevant factor and tailoring responses accordingly.”
“By giving Defence clearer tools to address harassment early and consistently, this bill reinforces expectations of respect, accountability and professionalism across the force. It reinforces the expectation that all members of Defence, regardless of rank or role, are held to the same standard of behaviour. That matters, and it supports the broader cultural change that the royal commission called for. Another important reform relates to the handling of sensitive material. People who come forward in cases involving sexual offending or other deeply personal matters must have confidence that their information will be treated with care. This reform strengthens protections around the disclosure of that material. It reduces the risk of unnecessary exposure, and it helps build trust in the system.”
“That is meaningful change because accountability must be visible, must be consistent and must reflect the seriousness of the conduct, regardless of the system in which it is being dealt with. Also introduced is a specific disciplinary offence relating to harassment, and that is an important step forward. Harassment is not a minor workplace issue that can be brushed aside or dealt with informally. It goes directly to the culture of an organisation and the safety of those within it. It can erode confidence, isolate individuals from their peers and leaders and place sustained pressure on a person's mental health over time. Left unchecked, it does more than harm to the individual. It creates an environment where standards slip, where poor behaviour is normalised and where more serious misconduct can take root.”
“This is not about prejudging an outcome. It is about managing risk, and it is about protecting people. It's about ensuring that the workplace does not become another site of harm while processes unfold. The bill also deals with how serious offending is recorded and recognised. The royal commission identified the importance of ensuring that convictions for sexual and related offences are properly documented. Also established is a framework for mandatory disclosure of relevant convictions, and importantly it aligns Defence processes more closely with civilian expectations. Where appropriate, convictions will be reflected in civilian criminal history records.”
“But, more than that, it reflects a shift in approach, a shift away from seeing discipline as purely procedural and toward understanding it as part of a broader system that impacts wellbeing, culture and trust. One of the most important aspects of these measures is the strengthening of workplace protections, particularly in cases involving serious misconduct. Too often, individuals who raise concerns have found themselves continuing to operate in environments that feel unsafe. Too often the burden has been placed on the person who reports harm rather than on the system to respond effectively. That cannot continue. This bill expands the circumstances in which a person can be removed from the workplace. It allows action to be taken where a person is under civilian criminal investigation and where there is a risk to workplace safety.”
“Trust between personnel matters, respect within the workplace matters, and creating an environment where people feel safe and supported matters just as much to the long-term strength and integrity of Defence as does a culture where misconduct is addressed properly, consistently and transparently, giving personnel confidence that standards have been upheld fairly across the organisation. This reform takes a significant step toward that goal. It modernises the Defence Force Discipline Act, which implements key recommendations of the royal commission. It brings military justice closer to the standards Australians expect from contemporary systems of fairness and accountability.”
“It recognises that military discipline and mental health cannot be treated as separate conversations. It recognises that workplace safety cannot be an afterthought. It recognises that fairness, efficiency and accountability must sit alongside one another, not in competition but in balance. The royal commission dedicated significant attention to the issues of sexual violence, unacceptable behaviour and the operation of military justice. It reflected the fact that these issues go to the core of whether Defence is a safe and respectful workplace, because discipline on its own is not enough to build a strong and effective organisation.”
“It influences how misconduct is addressed, whether victims have confidence to come forward and whether personnel are treated fairly, shaping culture, standards and trust across Defence. The royal commission made a very clear finding that involvement in the military justice system is associated with an increased risk of suicide. That is a sobering conclusion because it makes clear that the structure and operation of the system itself can have a profound impact on the people moving through it. The length of time that processes take, the way individuals are treated during those processes, the support available to them and the broader culture surrounding the system all play a role in shaping outcomes and influencing trust in the institution. This bill recognises that reality.”
“In addition, this budget provides $16.6 million for the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission to conduct an independent inquiry into military sexual violence in the Australian Defence Force from the middle of 2026. These investments are about accountability, reform and making sure that those who have served our country are treated with the respect, care and support they have earned. The legislation before the House also goes to one of the most important parts of that reform task—the military justice system. For many Australians, 'military justice' might sound like a narrow or highly technical area of policy, but, for those serving within Defence, its impact is far more significant and deeply personal.”
“In the budget announced last night, we committed to investing more than $770 million in additional funding to deliver on the recommendations of the royal commission and strengthen support for veterans and defence personnel across Australia. That includes a $169.7 million investment over five years to increase fees for allied health providers from 1 July 2027, representing the single largest investment in allied health fees for veterans in more than two decades. We're also investing $29.8 million to support the establishment of a national veterans data asset, helping ensure governments can better understand the experiences of veterans and deliver services that meet their needs.”
“That is why this government called for the royal commission while in opposition, that is why we supported its work while in government and that is why we are now focused on implementing its recommendations—not slowly, not reluctantly, but with purpose. On 2 December 2024, the government delivered its formal response. Of the 122 recommendations put forward, we agreed in principle to 104, and, further, 17 were noted for further work. By the end of 2025, 32 recommendations had already been implemented, and, by the end of this year, around two-thirds of all recommendations are expected to be in place. That is progress. But we are not finished, and we're not at the finish line yet. This government is committed to delivering the royal commission response because those who have served our nation deserve more than words; they deserve action.”