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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“We're acting to bridge the capability gap, bringing forward the acquisition of these submarines by a full decade. That acceleration matters because capability delayed leaves Australia exposed. Through AUKUS, Australia will join a small group of nations globally, as one of only seven to operate submarines of this capability. That is a significant shift in our strategic position, and it is one we are delivering with purpose and responsibility. Nowhere is that transformation clearer than in South Australia. At Osborne we are seeing the foundations of this national effort take shape. In February this year, the Prime Minister announced a $3.9 billion investment as a down payment for the Osborne submarine construction yard. This investment is not just about infrastructure; it is about jobs, skills and opportunities for future generations.”
“It demands that we build an Australian Defence Force with greater reach, greater endurance and greater capacity to project greater capability—not for conflict but for deterrence, for stability and for security across our region. That is what AUKUS delivers. Our investment in conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines represents a step change in Australia's capability. It will allow our defence force to operate over longer distances, remain undetected and respond to challenges with confidence. We recognise the scale of this investment. It is one of the largest industrial undertakings Australia has ever seen, shaping industry, infrastructure and jobs for decades to come. This is about building sovereign capability here at home—a future made in Australia.”
“The delivery of AUKUS is one of the most significant nation-building efforts in our country's history. AUKUS is a central pillar of the Albanese government's national security policy, designed to protect Australia, our interests and our place in the world. It is something I feel passionately about, as one of the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of AUKUS, because the strategic environment we face is becoming more complex, more contested and more uncertain. As the National Defence Strategy makes clear, we are confronting the most challenging circumstances since the Second World War at a time when our economic connections to the world have never been greater. That reality demands a new approach.”
“It's about backing working families in the north, strengthening workforce participation and ensuring every child, no matter their postcode, has access to quality early education. It's about giving parents breathing room, giving children the best possible start, building stronger communities into the future—because when families are supported, when children are given opportunity, the entire North benefits. In closing, I also want to send out a huge shout-out to our premier, Peter Malinauskas, on a historic win in South Australia, with a record number of seats. Well done on a fantastic campaign, and hopefully we'll get our candidate for Light over the line in the coming days as the vote continues.”
“It means that parents can say yes to work, say yes to training and say yes to building a better future without the constant trade-off between earning an income and caring for their children. At the centre I met a mother named Michelle, and her story is one that speaks volumes. Michelle shared that the three-day guarantee has helped her immensely, easing the financial burden, but, just as importantly, giving her the confidence to continue working a full-time job and supporting her family. She didn't overcomplicate it. She summed it up in one word: life changing. And that word carries weight because it reflects what this policy is doing in real homes for real people.”
“Walking through those doors, speaking with educators who show up every day with passion, meeting the mums and dads who are doing their best for their families and seeing their children engaged, learning and thriving reinforced exactly why this reform matters. These centres are not just places of care; they're places of early learning, of development, of confidence building and of opportunity. The three-day childcare guarantee ensures that families can access at least three days of subsidised early education and care regardless of their working arrangements, removing one of the biggest barriers families have faced. In Adelaide's north, where many parents are balancing shift work, casual hours, study and caring responsibilities, that certainly is not a luxury; it's essential.”
“Labor's three-day childcare guarantee is making a real, tangible difference for families right across the north—not in theory, not in headlines, but in the day-to-day lives of parents trying to make it all work. This guarantee is about certainty, about fairness and about making sure families across this country and particularly in communities like mine can plan their lives without the constant pressure of rising childcare costs and unpredictable access. Because, for too long, too many families have been left wondering whether they could afford to work, whether they could take on extra hours or whether child care would simply cost too much to make it worthwhile. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a Goodstart Early Learning centre in the heart of the north.”
“My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industry and Innovation. How is the Albanese Labor government working with the South Australian government to back steelworkers in Whyalla? Why is this important for our sovereign manufacturing capability?”
“Through the National Skills Agreement, through long-term investment and through making free TAFE permanent, we are laying the foundations for sustained growth, because this is about the kind of country we want to be, only where opportunity is real, where skills are valued and where your future is not limited by your circumstances. In communities like mine across the north, that matters deeply because, when opportunity reaches places that have been overlooked, it does not change individuals; it transforms communities. That is what free TAFE is delivering. That is why it is worth backing now and into the future.”
“It should not just sit on paper. It should move through communities, lifting people up as it goes. That is exactly what free TAFE is doing. This government understands that education is not just an individual benefit; it's a national asset. We have the responsibility to help people now and a duty to the next generation to build an economy that rewards effort and unlocks potential. That is why investing in skills is not optional. It is essential, and it is why supporting TAFE is in Labor's DNA. We are rebuilding a system that was neglected, restoring confidence and ensuring public training institutions are strong and accessible.”
“It's about making sure no-one is left behind, and, when people are given that chance, they take it. The results speak for themselves. VET graduates are more likely to be employed and earning more within a year of completing their qualifications, on average earning around $11,800 more. That is meaningful change, not just in wages but in confidence, in stability and in future planning, because when someone gains a qualification, it does not just change their job prospects; it changes the way they see themselves and what they believe to be possible. In the north, I see that first hand. TAFE Elizabeth and TAFE Salisbury allow apprentices to start in trades, parents to return to study after years out of the workforce and young people to choose a pathway that leads somewhere tangible. That is what good policy should do.”
“That is why only Labor is backing free TAFE, because only Labor is making the choice to invest in people—to train the tradies, the carers and the technicians our country needs. This is practical support, not theory, not slogans and not ideas but real investment in real Australians. Importantly, this is not temporary. Free TAFE has been made permanent, giving certainty to students, to providers and to industries that rely on skilled workforces, because, if we are serious about building Australia's future, we have to be serious about skills. We have to recognise that talent exists everywhere but that opportunity does not always follow. That is why free TAFE is targeted, supporting young people, job seekers, women, First Nations Australians and those facing barriers to education.”
“Free courses are offered in areas that lead directly into jobs in our economy—aged-care and disability services, community and family services and women's education. These are sectors built on care, compassion and connection, and they are crying out for skilled workers. At the same time, we are seeing strong uptake in industries shaping our economic future—workplace training, hospitality and cookery, cybersecurity, IT support, networking, programming, website development and automotive servicing. These are modern skills and practical skills, and they are opening pathways to secure, well-paid employment. Free TAFE is about building the workforce we need to construct homes, to care for our ageing population, to drive clean energy and to strengthen our digital capability.”
“I remember standing in this place in 2023 and speaking about what fee-free TAFE could mean—the doors that it might open and the lives it very well might change. I have to say it is an absolute pleasure to stand here now not to talk about potential but to talk about what has already been delivered for Australia and for communities like mine across the northern suburbs of Adelaide. This reform has moved quickly, and it has landed powerfully. Across the country, more than 742,000 Australians have enrolled in free TAFE, and over 245,000 have already completed their courses. In South Australia, there have been 26,725 enrolments and more than 6,100 completions. Free TAFE is about removing that upfront hurdle and replacing it with opportunity. In Adelaide's north, that opportunity has been seized.”
“Zoe Bettison, the member for Ramsey and the state Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, will be recontesting and doing a fantastic job there around Salisbury. Rhiannon Pearce, the member for King, up around Golden Grove, has been doing a stellar job over the last four years but is also a first-term minister. So congratulations to Rhiannon. To John Fullbrook, my long-term friend: all the best, mate, in the seat of Playford. You've put your community first. You've worked really hard over the last four years, and you've had your fair share of challenges—all the best on Saturday week. To James Agness, James Rothe, Ella Shaw and Matt Marozzi, who are all good friends running in their seats as new candidates: Go well. I know you've put in the hard yards, and you definitely deserve the vote. Best of luck on Saturday week.”
“But, firstly, I want to congratulate the outgoing member for Elizabeth, Lee Odenwalder, on his 16 years in state parliament. He's made a fine contribution to his local electorate and community, and I wish him all the best for the future. Another retiring member is Tony Piccolo, who has been the member for Light and will be contesting the seat of Ngadjuri. He has been a fantastic stalwart in the Gawler area for decades, and I'm sure he will do a fantastic job in the Ngadjuri seat moving forward. My predecessor, Nick Champion, will be recontesting the seat of Taylor, and he has been leading the way in the planning and housing portfolio for the last four years, delivering on significant housing growth not just in my electorate but across the state and helping to take the pressure off our housing crisis.”
“In just nine days, South Australians will have their time to decide who will govern the state for another four years. We have been blessed over the last four years to have Premier Peter Malinauskas, more affectionately known as Mali, lead our state and reinvigorate our state's economy. Just in the last four years we've brought back the V8 Supercars and LIV Golf and just secured MotoGP, and we've had the Gather Round, the premier weekend package for those who love Aussie rules. It has reinvigorated our economy to the point where people want to invest in our state, and they are lining up to do so. It is a fantastic opportunity for people looking to make South Australia their home. So it is with great pleasure that I will now go through the list of fantastic candidates that we have in and around my electorate.”
“Thank you for your leadership, your service and your commitment to strengthening our communities. To all women across Australia and Adelaide's northern suburbs, happy International Women's Day.”
“Ensuring women have equal access to education, employment, leadership and community participation remains a priority, because when women succeed, communities grow stronger, families prosper, and societies become more inclusive and resilient. These events I attended across the north this International Women's Day, from the Burundian community celebration to the Gawler breakfast, demonstrate the incredible contributions women make every day. They also remind us of something Catherine Spence understood more than a century ago: progress happens when people step forward to lift others up, it happens when communities support one another and it happens when we recognise the value of every voice. To the women we have celebrated today, thank you for everything you do.”
“Their efforts remind us that community strength is built not just through large national decisions but through local action, through people who step forward to help organise events, run clubs, mentor young people, advocate for causes and create opportunities for others. That spirit of service is something we see across the north every single day. From multicultural community organisations and sporting clubs to volunteer groups and charities, women are often at the centre of these efforts. They organise, they lead, they support and they inspire. International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate those contributions, but it is also a reminder that the work of advancing equality and opportunity continues.”
“Tanya Veldkamp was acknowledged for her service to the Gawler Agricultural, Horticultural and Floricultural Society. Belinda Wellington was recognised for her advocacy on women's health issues, an area of work that has helped raise awareness and provide support for many in community. Bianca Williams was honoured for her contributions to Co-op BLGW, strengthening local cooperation and community initiatives. And Kim Wright was recognised for her enduring commitment to the Gawler community through years of dedicated service. Each of these women has made a lasting contribution to our community, often through volunteer work, through leadership and through countless hours spent supporting others.”
“Erica Kokoschke was celebrated for her service to the Gawler VIEW Club. Marie-Louise Lees was acknowledged for her work with the Rotary Club of Gawler, contributing to projects that support the community locally and internationally. Katrina May was recognised for her service to the Gawler business community and her ongoing support for local enterprise. Karen McColl was honoured for her enduring commitment to the Willaston Football Club, supporting generations of local players and families. Jayne Polito was recognised for her service to the Gawler and District Tennis Association, helping to grow participation in sport across the region. Sondra Taylor received recognition for her contribution to the Gawler Show, an event that has long been a highlight of community life.”
“The breakfast also recognised a number of extraordinary women whose dedication to community life in Gawler continue to make a lasting difference. These women represent the very best of local leadership, service and volunteerism. Shirley Banson was recognised for her services to the Gawler Bowling Club. Ann-Marie Bookman was honoured for her longstanding work supporting Gawler's environment and ecology. Melissa Hardy was acknowledged for her contributions to the Gawler town band, helping sustain an important cultural institution in the community. Councillor Helen Hennessey was recognised for her dedication to promoting and preserving the history of the town of Gawler. Sarah Henson received recognition for her work in business and for her charitable initiatives, including her involvement with Love for Lobes.”
“Nicole spoke candidly about her remarkable 40-year career with South Australia Police. It was a career defined by dedication, professionalism and service to the people of South Australia. But Nicole's story did not end with her time in uniform. She also shared her journey of confronting and recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Her willingness to speak openly about that experience was both courageous and inspiring. It reminded everyone in the room that strength is not just about perseverance through difficult moments; it's also about having the courage to seek help, to heal and to support others facing similar challenges. Her story resonated deeply with many in attendance, and reinforced the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing in our communities.”
“Another event I had the pleasure of attending recently was the Gawler International Women's Day Breakfast, with James Agness, a candidate for Light, me, Nathan Shanks and councillors from Town of Gawler Council. This event has become a cherished tradition in the local community, bringing together women from across Gawler and the surrounding districts to celebrate leadership and community service. This year's breakfast was held at Nixon Function Centre, and it was completely sold out. The strong turnout says a lot about the value the Gawler community places on recognising women's achievements and sharing stories of leadership. Guests gathered early in the morning to listen to a powerful and deeply personal address from Nicole Dempster, coordinator of The Haven in Gawler.”
“Most famously, she became Australia's first female political candidate, running for election at a time when women were still fighting for the right to vote. That courage, that determination to speak up and advocate for change, helped shaped the democratic institutions we know today. Her life reminds us that progress often begins with individuals who refuse to accept the limits placed upon them. Representing an electorate named after Catherine Spence is a great honour. It is a constant reminder that leadership means lifting others up, expanding opportunity and ensuring that every person, regardless of background, has a chance to contribute. The women we celebrate on International Women's Day carry fourth that same spirit. They lead in business, in sporting clubs, in volunteer organisations and in communities across the north.”
“When women from multicultural backgrounds are supported and empowered, the entire community benefits. Their voices, experiences and perspectives strengthen our national story. They help shape a society that is inclusive, compassionate and forward-looking. As the federal member for Spence I often reflect on the remarkable woman our electorate is named after, Catherine Helen Spence. Catherine Spence was one of the most influential reformers in South Australian history. She was a writer, a social advocate and a passionate champion for fairness and democratic reform. At a time where women were largely excluded from public life, Catherine Spence stepped forward and made her voice heard. She advocated for electoral reform, for education and for a more just and representative society.”
“They help preserve culture and tradition while also building opportunities for the next generation of young Australians. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Emmanuel Bizimana, President of the Burundian Community of South Australia. Emmanuel's dedication to his community is evident in everything he does. Through leadership, organisation and an unwavering commitment to bringing people together he continues to create opportunities for the Burundian community to connect, celebrate and support one another. Leadership like that strengthens not just one community but the broader community we all share. It was a privilege to attend this event and celebrate the achievements of Burundian women who are making a positive difference here in South Australia. These gatherings highlight something very important.”
“It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women's achievements, to share stories and to reflect on the role women play in strengthening multicultural communities here in Australia. Events like this are incredibly important. They create space for connection, for reflection and for recognising the many women who contribute to building vibrant, resilient communities far from the countries where many first begin their journeys. Australia's story has always been shaped by migration, and communities like the Burundian community here in South Australia are a powerful reminder of that strength that cultural diversity brings to our nation. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 16:19 to 16:32 The women in that community are leaders, mentors, mothers, business owners and community organisers.”
“International Women's Day gives us an important opportunity each year to pause and recognise the women who shape our communities in quiet, determined and often extraordinary ways. It is a moment to celebrate achievement, to acknowledge leadership and to recognise the countless contributions women make every day to families, workplaces and community life across Australia. Over the past week, I had the privilege of attending the Burundian community of South Australia's International Women's Day celebration with the Minister for Multicultural Affairs in South Australia, Zoe Bettison, and the Mayor of Playford, Glenn Docherty—a warm and welcoming gathering that brought together families, community leaders and women from across the Burundian community.”
“As co-chair of the group Parliamentary Friends of Australian Fashion and Textiles, I am committed to supporting this sector and the people behind it—and I want to thank my co-chairs, the member for Flinders, Zoe McKenzie, and the member for Fowler, Dai Le, for their continued support and friendship in launching this group—and to supporting Australian fashion, because, when we support Australian manufacturing in fashion and textiles, we are supporting skilled jobs, regional communities and the future of making things in this country. I'm incredibly excited for the launch of this strategy and what it means for the long-term strength and longevity of the industry. To those that are attending tomorrow morning: you will enjoy a fantastic display of what Australia has got to offer in the way of Australian fashion.”
“Being from the northern suburbs of Adelaide, it is no secret that I'm a strong supporter of RM Williams and the contribution it makes to my community. The brand is an Australian icon, but more importantly it is a real manufacturing success story, with skilled workers in my electorate continuing to craft boots that are worn around the world. This industry contributes more than $27 billion to our economy and employs almost half a million Australians, many of them women working in skilled manufacturing roles across the country. Yet, despite that strength, 97 per cent of the clothing and textiles that we wear are made offshore. That is why the upcoming national manufacturing strategy for fashion and textiles is so important.”
“Without appropriations, commitments cannot be delivered. Services cannot operate. Communities cannot rely on continuity and certainty. These bills are how we uphold responsible government, ensuring transparency, scrutiny and accountability in every dollar spent. They reflect our values, what we choose to prioritise and who we choose to support. Ultimately, appropriation bills are about trust—the trust Australians place in us to steward their resources wisely. Through these measures, we demonstrate that trust is being honoured with investments that strengthen communities and build Australia's future.”
“As I conclude, it is worth reminding ourselves why appropriation bills matter so profoundly in this place. They are not simply numbers on a page, lines in a ledger nor dry counting exercises. They are the mechanism by which this parliament turns priorities into progress. Through appropriations, we give legal authority for the public's money to be invested in the public good. It is through these bills that Medicare is strengthened, that bulk-billing clinics keep the doors open and that free TAFE students gain new skills without new debt. It is through these bills that new homes are built, that mental health services open their doors and that more doctors are trained for more communities. Every initiative we have spoken about today, from education to housing, from health care to energy, depends on the authority granted by this parliament.”
“In my electorate of Spence, locals are already embracing this opportunity. We now have 2,622 home batteries installed—the fifth-highest total in South Australia and the ninth highest in Australia. That tells you something about our community. It's practical, forward looking and ready to back solutions that save money and support the environment. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program builds on that momentum, helping more families participate in reducing upfront costs that can otherwise be a barrier. This is good for households, good for cost-of-living relief and good for our national energy security. Labor understands that the energy transition must be affordable and fair, and schemes like this ensure communities like Spence are not left behind but leading the way.”
“The Albanese Labor government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program is about helping households take control of their power bills and take part in Australia's clean energy future. For many families, rooftop solar has already made a difference. But, without a battery, too much of that energy is sent back to the grid during the day and bought back at night. This scheme changes that, making home batteries more affordable so families can store the power they generate and use it when they need it most. It means lower electricity bills, greater energy independence and a more stable, reliable grid for everyone. It also strengthens our transition to renewables by supporting distributed storage across suburbs and communities, rather than relying on a handful of large projects alone.”
“It's about increasing housing where people actually want and need to live—close to jobs, schools, transport and services. It's also about supporting local construction jobs, apprentices, apprenticeships and the small businesses that rely on a strong building sector. By partnering with states to unlock land and accelerate construction, Labor is addressing housing from every angle: supply, affordability and opportunity. This is nation-building work, but it's also deeply personal for the families who will finally get the keys to their first home. Labor said we would act on housing, and in South Australia that action is now underway. And what is a house without a source of power?”
“It was a promise grounded in the reality facing families, renters and first home buyers across the country. In South Australia, that promise has been delivered in a very real and tangible way. The announcement of 17,000 new homes to be built in South Australia is a game changer for our state, boosting supply and easing pressure in a tight housing market. Importantly, around 7,000 of these homes will be reserved specifically for first home buyers, giving young people and working families a genuine pathway to homeownership. For too many South Australians, owning a home has felt like something slipping further out of reach, with rising prices, rising rents and limited supply. This investment is about changing that trajectory.”
“Importantly, this work is being delivered through the Australian General Practice Training Program, with both the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners committed to continuing their role. By backing training, Labor is backing access, prevention and continuity of care. It is a clear signal that general practice matters and that Labor is serious about building a healthcare system that works for every community. Another area we pride ourselves on is housing. One of the clearest commitments made by the Albanese Labor government was to tackle Australia's housing shortage head-on by building 100,000 new homes for Australians who have been locked out of the market for too long. This wasn't a slogan.”
“Through new five-year grant agreements, we are supporting the continued growth of Australia's GP and rural generalist workforce, providing certainty for training providers and for doctors choosing general practice. This year is on track to surpass 2025 as the largest GP training cohort on record. An estimated 2,100 doctors will commence GP training in 2026—including rural generalist trainees, who play a critical role in delivering care in regional and rural communities. These trainees begin their training this month, stepping into a pathway that is essential to the long-term strength of primary health care.”
“That translates to earlier diagnoses, better preventive care and less pressure on our hospitals. It also supports the hardworking GPs and practice staff who keep our primary-care systems running. Labor's commitment to bulk-billing is a commitment to fairness, prevention and a healthcare system that works for everyone. It's a commitment we will continue to deliver on for communities like Spence. A strong health system starts with a strong workforce. That is why the Albanese Labor government is investing more than $1 billion to train more doctors in more communities. This historic investment is about planning for the future and ensuring that Australians can see a GP when they need one, no matter where they live.”
“Across the country, we are also providing a record investment into more bulk-billing practices so anyone can see a doctor for free. This is real relief for families facing cost-of-living pressures, for pensioners, for parents and for people managing chronic conditions. By increasing Medicare rebates and introducing new incentives for bulk-billing practices, Labor is helping clinics to keep their doors open and continue offering care that is free at the point of use. At its core, Medicare is about universality—the idea that everyone deserves access to quality health care, no matter their income or postcode. In my electorate of Spence, that investment is already delivering results. We now have 16 fully bulk-billed practices, out of 25 GP practices in total, meaning more locals can see a doctor without delay or cost.”
“At a time when reaching out for support can feel only too hard, the centre provides confidential mental health support, assistance with work and study concerns, alcohol and drug counselling and guidance on physical and sexual health, all in a safe, welcoming space. This investment means that a young person struggling with anxiety, depression or stress doesn't have to wait weeks for help or leave their community to access care. Importantly, the new headspace in Gawler will be a community hub where young people feel seen, heard and supported by professionals who understand their world. It's a recognition that mental health is as important as physical health and that early intervention changes lives. This centre will make a real difference in the lives of young people and families across Gawler and the surrounding districts.”
“In the town of Gawler, we have just opened the new headspace facility to provide high-quality mental health services for the north. This new facility means more young people in the Gawler region will now have timely access to mental health support, counselling services and wellbeing programs right here in their town. Headspace has a proud national reputation for delivering youth-friendly, evidence based care, and bringing that service to Gawler recognises the very real challenges local young people and families have been facing. For too long, many in our community have had to travel long distances to get the help they need.”
“Early childhood education and care has also seen strong uptake, supporting the educators who underpin families, communities and workforce participation. Building and construction courses continue to attract strong interest, helping train the tradies needed to deliver homes and vital infrastructure. Importantly, free TAFE is delivering real cost-of-living relief, with South Australian students able to save up to $4,400 on courses like certificate IV in information technology and certificate III in early childhood education and care. Free TAFE isn't just an education policy; it's a workforce reform, a cost-of-living measure and an investment in Australia's future. If you're willing to learn, the government is willing to back you Beyond education, another key area of deliverables for any Labor government comes in health care.”
“It has arrived right in the heart of Elizabeth, and that is something our community can be proud of. In keeping with the topic of this Labor government delivering on education, we recently had the pleasure of celebrating three years of fee-free TAFE courses. Free TAFE is about opening doors for young people leaving school, for workers retraining or changing careers, and for people looking to upskill without taking on more debt. It recognises a simple truth: a strong economy needs skilled workers and Australians deserve clear, affordable pathways to secure jobs. At TAFE SA, some of the most popular fee-free TAFE courses reflect the real needs of our workforce. Courses in information technology are in high demand, building digital skills that are now essential across almost every industry.”
“For many people in the north, the barriers to study are real: long travel times into the city; juggling work, caring responsibilities and family life. Uni Hub Playford helps break down those barriers by making study reachable, practicable and part of everyday life. This hub is part of the Australian government's Suburban University Study Hubs program. Working in partnership with local universities, TAFE and our school communities, it supports pathways into the jobs of the future in areas like defence, health, advanced manufacturing and technology. Most importantly, it sends a clear message to young people and mature-aged learners alike: you don't have to leave the north to build your future. Opportunity is no longer something you travel hours to reach.”
“Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister for Education to Elizabeth to officially open Uni Hub Playford, South Australia's first permanent suburban university study hub right in the heart of Adelaide's north. This is a significant moment for our community because, for too long, where you lived has determined whether higher education felt possible. Located at the TAFE SA Elizabeth campus, the hub provides modern, purpose-built study spaces, high-speed internet, quiet work areas and shared facilities for students enrolled at any university or training provider. But this hub is about much more than desks and wi-fi. Students will have access to academic skills assistance, career advice, wellbeing support and guidance to help them stay on track and succeed.”
“Importantly, they allow government to respond to reality, to changes in demand, to updated cost pressures and to circumstances that could not have been fully anticipated at budget time. They ensure continuity of government, stability of services and confidence across the economy. At their core, appropriation bills are about responsible governance, about meeting obligations, paying the bills and ensuring the machinery of government continues to function as intended. That is why appropriation bills matter and why this House must always treat them with the seriousness they deserve. When appropriation bills are passed, it means that government promises can be delivered to communities. Communities like mine in Spence have been reaping the benefits of Labor delivery since 2022.”
“Appropriation bills may not always attract the attention of this House or get the front-page headlines in the morning paper but they sit at the very heart of our parliamentary democracy. They are how parliament exercised one of its oldest and most important responsibilities—control and release of public expenditure. Without an appropriation passed by this House, the Commonwealth cannot lawfully spend a single dollar. Programs cannot operate, services cannot be delivered and commitments made to the Australian people cannot be honoured. Appropriation bills are what turn policy decisions into real outcomes. They provide the legal authority that allows government to fund hospitals, schools, payments and national institutions. They ensure transparency, accountability and parliamentary oversight over how public money is used.”