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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“And we're now seeing the rise of dozens of independent brewers who are crafting unique beer while providing local jobs, supporting agriculture and drawing tourists. These are enterprises built from the ground up by risktakers and innovators who are backing locals, and they're all relying on a thriving venue economy, because it's the kegs flowing through pubs and clubs that generate cash flow, enable hiring and keep the lights on. So, when rising costs—from insurance hikes and energy prices to automatic tax increases—threaten these venues, we must act, and that's exactly what the Albanese Labor government is doing. As of 1 August 2025, we have paused the indexation of draught beer excise and excise-equivalent customs duties for two years. That's a real, meaningful change designed to help local venues remain viable and competitive.”
“Hospitality is a huge employer in Australia, one of the most diverse and most community-facing sectors in our economy. It includes bar staff, cooks, cleaners, brewery techs, grain producers, logistics teams, refrigeration mechanics and young people on their first job. These are working Australians who often work the late nights on weekends or public holidays to keep the good times rolling for anyone who wants a cold one with their mates. In South Australia beer production is part of our industrial story. Coopers Brewery is an iconic institution. You would be hard-pressed not to find a Coopers logo on any street in Adelaide. They even sponsor Adelaide United's soccer stadium. West End, too, is another iconic brewery that has woven itself into what it means to be South Australian—and who doesn't love a good red tin?”
“Let's not forget, it's also a proud part of our national pastimes. When watching the cricket—our national sport—at any level, it's always a scorching-hot day, but you have a draught beer in hand. There is a long list of things that can be considered Australian, but it's definitely up there. Even our prime ministers have known that feeling—mingling in the stands, sleeves rolled up, beer in hand, watching the game not as a politician but as an Aussie. These moments matter. They help define who we are. That's why government should never treat communal spaces such as the pub as an afterthought. They're more than bricks and mortar; they're the cornerstone of community. But we must also speak to the economic reality that underpins them.”
“In the pub, you can be a sparky, a student, a senior citizen or a small-business owner, and everyone's just there to unwind and be part of something familiar. That's the magic of the pub—equality over the bar. The price of a pint doesn't vary depending on your politics. It doesn't matter where you went to school or where you're from, and that shared experience, that conversation over a cold one, is part of how we strengthen the social fabric in this country. In fact, when I speak to local veterans at the Salisbury RSL or when I drop by the Playford Bowling Club, I always see the unwritten rule: it's not the beer that matters; it's the mateship. As trivial as that might sound to some, it's in these spaces that you'll find connection, belonging and even mental health support happening informally but powerfully.”
“It is a fixture of everyday life, woven into everything from weekend routines, once-in-a-lifetime milestones or even just the fact it is 5pm and you are leaving work. Engagements, wakes, promotions, demotions, cricket wins and footy losses, they all seem to land us at the local with a pint in hand. And the pub itself, that humble institution, is more than just a venue; it is our unofficial community hall, a place where birthdays are celebrated, meat raffles are drawn and people come together not because they must but because they want to. I have been to countless venues across the north from the Gawler Exchange to the Angle Vale Tavern and no matter the size, postcode or whoever is pouring the beers, that sense of belonging is always the same. It is not about the status, income or background.”
“The member for Casey reminds me more of a baker than a brewer, but thank you for that contribution. I wish to speak in the House today on a matter that cuts to the core of Australian identity, not just in culture or economy but in how we relate to one each other. In Australia, when you say, 'Let's have a beer,' what you are really saying is, 'Let's spend time together.' You are saying, 'Let's take a break, let's reconnect, let's share a moment,' with no expectations, no pressure. That sentiment is worth protecting. Across the country from city laneways to outback roadhouses, sports clubs and RSLs, the act of sharing a pint, schooner, pot or middy has remained a deeply Australian gesture.”
“Whether you're watching from a lounge in Virginia, a kitchen in Truro or a shed in Angle Vale, you'll always have access to stories that sound like home. That's what this bill guarantees. As The Castle taught us, when you stand up for what's right, 'it's the vibe'—it's the vibe of fairness, creativity and community. It's the vibe of Australia. For that reason, I proudly commend the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025 to the House.”
“For me, this bill also speaks to fairness—something Australians instinctively understand. If a teacher in Elizabeth pays taxes, if a nurse in Gawler contributes to super and if a tradie in Munno Para follows the rules, why should multibillion-dollar streaming companies be the exception? Everyone should do their bit. That's what fairness looks like, and fairness is what this bill delivers. Whether you're watching Heartbreak High or Hey Hey It's Saturday , Gladiators or Glitch , you'll know that what's on your screen is part of something bigger—a fair go for Australian stories. Maybe that's the real takeaway here—that our screens aren't just entertainment; they're mirrors. They show us who we are, where we've been and what we can become.”
“You can't replicate the chaos of Rake or the absurd brilliance of Utopia . Those shows work because they're grounded in who we are. This bill ensures that that identity endures and evolves in the digital age. I also want to acknowledge the arts workers who have been calling for this reform for years: writers, producers, directors, editors and crews—people who love this country enough to tell its stories. They've waited long enough for fair treatment. This government listened, and we're delivering. The previous government spent a decade talking about creative industries without giving them the creative certainty they needed, but we're changing that. We're turning commitment into legislation, and we're doing it because we believe that storytelling is nation building. It shapes how we see ourselves and how the world sees us.”
“We should also recognise how this legislation supports regional Australia. More and more productions are being filmed outside capital cities, and that's good news for places like the Barossa, the Riverland and Adelaide's north. When crews roll into town, they book local hotels, hire local transport and eat at local cafes. The economic multiplier is real, and every dollar spent on screen production benefits the broader community. That's why this bill matters not just to Sydney or Melbourne but to every region that wants to be part of Australia's storytelling future. In a world of deepfakes, AI generated voices and synthetic scripts, authenticity matters more than ever. You can train an algorithm to mimic a voice, but you can't code an Aussie sense of humour. You can't fake the heart of T he Sullivans or the warmth of McLeod's Daughters .”
“The Twelve showed that Aussie courtroom drama can rival anything out of Hollywood. This is the pipeline we're protecting, and we do it not because we fear global content but because we value local creativity. It's also about balance—cultural and economic. In recent years, global streaming services have spent billions worldwide on content but only a fraction of that in Australia. This bill fixes that imbalance. It ensures that Australian subscribers aren't just paying for foreign content; they're helping fund Australian production too. That's not protectionism; that's participation. It's saying, 'If you're part of our cultural ecosystem, you play by the same rules as everyone else.' I'd argue that that's as fair as splitting the bill at the pub—everyone chips in for their fair share.”
“We recognise that a nation's creativity is not a luxury; it's a foundation—one that fuels innovation, identity and pride. We back the painters, the playwrights, the performers and the producers because we know that, when Australian art thrives, Australia thrives. We do it not for applause or accolades but because storytelling in every form is how we strengthen the social fabric that binds us together. This bill also protects innovation. By ensuring a steady flow of investment into local production, it encourages creative risk taking—the kind that leads to new voices, new genres and new success stories. We know from experience that, when Australians tell their stories, the world listens. The Dry brought the Mallee to the big screen. Lion told of a story that spanned continents.”
“This bill ensures that that kind of storytelling has a sustainable future too. Importantly, the legislation has a built-in flexibility. It includes a three-year carry-over period for investment, giving streaming services the time to plan major projects. It also mandates a statutory review for four years after commencement, ensuring it continues to meet its goals effectively. There are sensible exemptions, too. This isn't about hobbyists uploading to YouTube or niche services streaming wedding videos; it applies to the big players—the ones with serious market presence and serious profits. That's why it is fair, proportionate and enforceable. Civil penalties apply for breaches because we're serious about this. That's what we do as the Labor Party; we protect and solidify the arts.”
“If we lose those frameworks, we lose the foundation for the next generation of Australian success stories. And, as any parent will you, if we lose B luey , bedtime negotiations across the country will collapse overnight. Yes, this bill is partly about national security—the security of parents' sanity—but it's also about identity, belonging and opportunity. It says to every kid watching TV in Gawler, Salisbury or Elizabeth: 'Your world matters. Your story matters. You belong here.' That's powerful. The bill also supports documentary production—a genre where Australia punches well above its weight. Our documentaries tackle big issues, from T he Australian Dream to Working Class Boy , Back Roads and Australia in Colour . These are stories that educate, challenge and inspire. They capture who we are, where we've been and where we're going.”
“Sometimes you just want to see someone in the suburbs and landmarks you know, like Kath Knight telling off Kel for wearing a Sydney Swans scarf or Ray Shoesmith trying to balance a life of crime with trying to be a good dad. This bill generates that balance, ensuring that, no matter how global the content landscapes become, there will always be room for stories grounded in the Australian experience. It ensures that, when the next Underbelly , Offspring or SeaChange comes along, there's space and funding for it to be made. It also helps ensure that shows like Bluey , which is now our most iconic export since Vegemite or the Tim Tam, have a future. Bluey didn't come out of nowhere; it was born from years of sustained investment in children's content.”
“It's a jobs and justice policy for the creative sector, ensuring that, when global giants profit here, Australian workers share in the dividends. It's fair, because the same principle applies across our economy—if you make money in Australia, you invest it back into Australia. That's the foundation of the Future Made in Australia agenda, and it's just as relevant to culture as it is to critical minerals or clean energy. We've all had that experience of opening a streaming app, ready to relax after a long day, and being flooded with options that are anything but local—endless lists of shows about New York lawyers or London detectives or maybe even a Nordic noir crime thriller.”
“It makes sure that Australian stories don't just survive; they thrive. Frankly, if we can binge-watch three seasons of The Office in a weekend, we can certainly make room for Utopia or Rose h aven . This legislation doesn't just talk about culture; it delivers for the economy. The Australian screen industry already supports more than 50,000 jobs. Every film, every series and every documentary made here creates work for actors, sound engineers, set builders, caterers, drivers and designers. The benefits ripple through local economies, and that's true for Adelaide's north too. Our communities and our TAFE campuses provide the pathways for the next generation of storytelling. This bill helps solidify that pathway.”
“When it comes to the north, we have our fair share of creatives leading the way, like award-winning director Justin Kurzel, who brought the haunting story of Snowtown to the world and, just a few years later, reimagined Macbeth as a striking historical epic. His success reminds us that talent from our suburbs can capture the world's attention and that the next generation of filmmakers in Australia can turn local stories into international cinema. That's what this bill delivers—guaranteed access for Australian audiences to Australian content and guaranteed investment into the local industry. Revive , the national cultural policy, was built around the one simple belief that our people and their stories are our greatest cultural asset. This bill turns that belief into law.”
“As Kath Day-Knight might put it: 'It's noice. It's different. It's unusual.' We're a creative nation. We've given the world The Castle ; Picnic at Hanging Rock ; The Adventures of P riscilla , Queen of the Desert ; Mad Max ; Mur ie l's Wedding ; Crocodile Dundee ; Red Dog ; The Dry ; and Bluey . Each one is a reminder that our stories, when told authentically, have a power that resonates globally. But they also start small, in communities like mine in the north, with local filmmakers and creative graduates taking their first steps. For every Oscar-winning performance by Nicole Kidman or Cate Blanchett, there's a local production assistant working on their first short film at Elizabeth TAFE. As this bill reminds us, if we want our next generation of storytellers to thrive, we have to make space for them to start.”
“But, when you're charging Australians for subscriptions, when you're part of our entertainment diet, when our shows dominate the cultural conversation, you have responsibilities too—responsibilities to invest locally, to tell Australian stories and to hire Australian talent. When Australians turn on their screens, they should see their stories reflected back, whether it's a gritty true crime story, an animated family of dogs teaching us all life lessons or a surf lifesaver in Summer Bay, because those moments of recognition matter. They make us laugh, they make us proud, and, sometimes, they even make us cry. This bill ensures those moments don't vanish into the algorithm. It brings streaming platforms into the same fair framework that already applies to broadcasters. If you ask me, that's just common sense.”
“The communications legislation amendment bill makes one simple promise—if you're making money from Australian audiences, you should be investing in Australian stories. It's pretty simple. Under this legislation, major streaming platforms with over a million Australian subscribers, like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and others, will need invest a minimum of 10 per cent of their total Australian program expenditure on new local drama, documentary, children's, arts or educational content. Alternatively, they can contribute 7½ per cent of their Australian revenue to meet the same goal. It's simple, it's fair, and it's long overdue. For too long, we've been told that streaming services are different, that they exist outside of the rules that apply to free-to-air and pay television.”
“It's about making sure our voices, our humour, our landscapes and the real Australian accents don't get lost in the noise of global content. We're not just a country that consumes stories; we are creators of them. This bill delivers on a core commitment in our national cultural policy, Revive , ensuring that streaming services invest in Australian content so that our screen industry, our creatives and our communities all share in the benefits. As someone from Adelaide's north, I know what opportunity looks like when it's backed by government and action. The same way we've supported manufacturing, defence and apprenticeships, this bill supports the next generation of storytellers, filmmakers, editors and animators.”
“Before I start, I would like to acknowledge the previous speaker, the member for Macquarie, for that very fine contribution to the House. As a special envoy, I know she carries out her duty with great passion and care. She should be commended for the work that she does. Thank you. I stand today to speak in strong support of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025—a bill that ensures that, no matter where they live, where they stream or what device they watch it on, Australians will always be able to see a bit of themselves on screen. Whether you're 'home and away' or just popping in to see your 'neighbours', this bill guarantees that Australian stories remain on Australian screens.”
“It reminded us why our national sport matters so much in communities like mine: because kids in Salisbury, in Elizabeth, in Gawler and in Craigmore see one of their own stepping up on the bigger stage. It tells them that talent from the north can go anywhere. Travis Head is more than a world-class batter; he's an example of what hard work, resilience and local pride can achieve. And, because of Travis's work, we're already one step closer to another Ashes victory in Australia.”
“Over the weekend Australians were treated to something truly special on the cricket field. In Adelaide's north, we felt just a little bit prouder than most, because Travis Head, a proud product of Craig Moore, walked out in the first Ashes test and delivered one of the great modern innings—a century off just 69 balls, the second-fastest in Ashes history, made under pressure against a full-strength England attack on a pitch. And he did not just survive; he dominated. He took the game on in a way only he can, with a mix of intent, fearlessness and pure striking ability. His 123 off 83 balls didn't just win a test; it lit up a series. It made jaws drop in lounge rooms across the country and heads drop in the Barmy Army.”
“Don't forget to check in on your friends and family, but, most importantly, don't forget to check in on yourself and give yourself the care you might need to feel okay.”
“In the north, we're showing what it means to put these words into action. We've opened new doors in Elizabeth, Gawler and Edinburgh North, where we're creating new pathways for young people, for parents and for those who just need someone to talk to. We're investing in new futures, where care is accessible, recovery is possible and support is never out of reach. That's the difference good government makes. That's what it means to strengthen Medicare and restore integrity to our mental health system and that's what we will continue to deliver, not just during Mental Health Month but every day. I commend our government's work and reaffirm our shared commitment to the mental health of every Australian in every corner of the country.”
“But our job as a parliament is to ensure that government does its part too, by investing in services before crisis strikes and reducing wait times; eliminating gap fees and making help easier to access; building a system that is community based, culturally safe and evidence-informed; supporting First Nations led mental health services, because the journey to healing must be grounded in voice, culture and self-determination; continuing to listen to young people, parents, clinicians and those with lived experience; treating mental health not as a line item in a budget but as a fundamental component of Australia's social fabric; and embedding mental health care into our health system in the same way we do for physical injuries or chronic disease—because mental health is health and because no Australian should ever feel alone, ashamed or unsupported when they're doing it tough.”
“That word 'hope' is at the heart of everything we're doing: hope for young people who feel like the walls are closing in; hope for parents who don't know how to support their child; hope for workers managing stress, burnout or trauma; hope for men who feel they have no-one to talk to, and for women who carry too much, too silently—hope that if you reach out there'll be someone there to listen to you. This month, many Australians will grow a moustache for Movember, to raise awareness of men's mental health, suicide prevention and early intervention. It's a reminder that behind every face is a story, a struggle and a community. Initiatives like Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Kids Helpline and 13YARN also play a vital role in helping people to stay connected and supported.”
“That includes over 4,000 scholarships, internships and training places for psychology students to build the next generation of clinicians. It includes investing in social workers, occupational therapists, peer workers and GPs, to make sure every professional has the tools and training they need. And it includes valuing lived experience—not as an afterthought, but as a vital part of recovery and care. Next year, we will establish a Peer Workforce Association, to recognise, professionalise and support the peer workforce across Australia. We'll also conduct the first-ever census of the peer workforce, to better understand how to support and expand this vital group, because someone who's been through the system and knows what it feels like to struggle can offer something powerful: empathy, trust, and hope.”
“That's why from early next year we will launch a new national early intervention service. This will provide free phone and online mental health support staffed by trained professionals for people experiencing distress, anxiety or early signs of illness. It is expected to support more than 150,000 Australians a year. It will fill a gap between prevention and crisis, offering care at the first sign of struggle. This model reflects modern life, where people need flexible access to care—after hours, online and without barriers. It's about meeting Australians where they are and making it as easy as possible for them to get help. We also know that more access requires more people. That's why we're investing in the mental health workforce across every level of the system.”
“Many parents experience as anxiety, depression or emotional distress during the perinatal period, and they often feel isolated, guilty or unsure where to turn. Our perinatal mental health centre in Elizabeth will provide that support in a welcoming, nonjudgemental way. All of this reflects a broader commitment to mental health system that is free, local, accessible and compassionate. Across the country we are delivering 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres for walk-in multidisciplinary care, 20 perinatal mental health centres including Elizabeth, 17 mental health kids hubs providing emotional and behavioural support for children, and 203 Headspace services supporting the mental wellbeing of young people aged 12 to 25. But we know the future of mental health also lies in early intervention.”
“On Headspace Day, 9 October, we announced another $275,000 in funding for the Edinburgh North site to upgrade facilities, improve accessibility and enhance IT capacity. That investment will ensure the service remains modern, fit for purpose and able to respond to increasing demand. It sends a clear message that we don't just open centres and walk away; we continue to support and strengthen them over time. Supporting the next generation means supporting new and expectant parents, because the mental health journey begins well before birth. That's why I'm proud that Elizabeth will be home to one of Australia's new perinatal mental health centres. These centres are purpose-built to support new and expectant mums and dads during what can be a beautiful but vulnerable time.”
“The Gawler Headspace centre will open its doors in coming weeks, so stay tuned closely for that announcement. This is a major win for young people across the Gawler region and is something the community has fought for for many years. Young people aged 12 to 25 will now be able to access support for the mental health and wellbeing free of charge and close to home. They won't need to travel to the city or wait in long queues or pay out-of-pocket gap fees for basic support. Most importantly, they will be able to walk into a service that understands them, listens to them and provides tailored help. We also continue to support Headspace Edinburgh North, another vital part of our youth mental health system.”
“It brings together a multidisciplinary team—psychologists and social workers, mental health workers and peer workers—all working together to provide wraparound care. People in crisis can walk through the door and know they will be treated with dignity, compassion and professionalism, people like Ruth, who said, 'I'm 55 and I cannot thank Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre enough. I was listened to and supported with no judgement, and talked with a peer worker with lived experience. I finally found a place for me. They get me and they understand me.' That is what community based care looks like and that is what our government is delivering, but we didn't stop there. Mental Health Month is also Youth Mental Health Month, and I'm proud to confirm in this place that Gawler will soon have its own Headspace service.”
“We made a historic commitment of $1.1 billion at the last election to deliver free walk-in mental health services across the country and to build mental health systems that meet people where they are no matter their postcode, age or income. This funding supports new and expanded services across the full lifespan, from early childhood through adolescence into parenthood and beyond. It is a vision backed by action. Nowhere is that clearer than in my electorate. In the northern suburbs we have delivered the Northern Adelaide Medicare Mental Health Centre, located in the heart of Elizabeth. This service offers free walk-in mental health support seven days a week, with extended hours—no appointment, no referral and no gap fees.”
“October was Mental Health Month, which is an opportunity for every one of us to reflect on the importance of mental health care, access, dignity and hope in every Australian community. In the electorate of Spence these words carry meaning, because we are delivering the services that our community has asked for. They are services that are saving lives, supporting families and reaching people earlier—before crisis sets in. This government, this parliament and this community understand that mental health care is not a luxury; it is a core part of our health system, and a foundation of a fair and caring society. That is why the Albanese Labor government is delivering more mental health care in the part of the community where people live, work, study and raise families.”
“When we build trust in our systems, we build confidence in our institutions, and when we build confidence in our institutions, we build a stronger, fairer and more skilled nation. In closing, I have been the very good benefactor of a VET provided course. It gave me a 10-year career at sea that I loved, and I know, Deputy Speaker Small, that you are a man of the sea as well. To all those young people out there who are considering what they do next after their year 12 exams over the coming weeks: there is nothing wrong with taking the pathway towards a trade. It is an honest job. It gives you a great sense of purpose. You'll be able to put a roof over your head and provide for your family. There's nothing shameful about that. There's only honour to be found in pursuing a trade, so get to it, everybody out there.”
“In the electorate of Spence, where access to affordable training means access to local jobs and lifelong security, it means that a young person who starts welding at TAFE SA in Elizabeth can take up work in one of the growing defence and manufacturing facilities across northern Adelaide. It means that mature-age workers can reskill into emerging industries like renewable technologies or advanced manufacturing without being deterred by upfront fees. It means that our regional training providers can continue to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant courses, knowing that the student loan framework supporting them is sound. I commend the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 to the House as a bill that strengthens our education system, protects our students and upholds the integrity of public administration in Australia.”
“It restores confidence that, when you apply for a VET student loan, your data is protected and your loan is administered under clear, lawful authority. It also restores confidence to providers, who can continue to focus on what they do best: deliver quality education and training to the Australian workforce. Vocational education and training is at the heart of the Future Made in Australia agenda. It is how we equip our people with the skills to fill the jobs of the future in the clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence industry and care sectors. Programs like VET Student Loans make that possible by ensuring that cost is not a barrier to opportunity. This is particularly true for communities like those in Adelaide's north.”
“They trust that their data will be handled lawfully, used only for the purpose for which it was given and protected against misuse. They also trust that, if something goes wrong, their government will not hide from it but will act to put it right. That is precisely what this bill does. It acknowledges an administrative gap that should never have existed and closes its transparently, decisively and permanently. It ensures that neither providers nor students are left exposed because of a technical oversight in the original act. This sends a clear message that, when issues arise, the Albanese Labor government deals with them head on, with honesty, integrity and action, and that, importantly, it does so without disruption to students, without cost to providers and without undermining the stability of the system.”
“Each framework has its own data-handling arrangements, and this bill ensures that the VSL framework is now as clear and as comprehensive as its counterpart in higher education. It brings consistency and certainty, both vital to the confidence of students and providers alike. In a broader sense, it also reflects the values of this government that integrity in public administration is non-negotiable and that every student has the right to know that their personal information is safe and their loan is secure. There is nothing more fundamental to good government than accountability and trust. When people hand over their personal information, especially something as sensitive as a tax file number, they are placing their trust in a system that serves them.”
“Without programs like VET Student Loans, tens of thousands of Australians would never have had the chance to study a trade, a technical qualification or a diploma that changed their lives. And without those graduates, Australian businesses would be facing even greater skills shortages than they do today. That is why this bill is so important. It protects the integrity of a program that is central to our future. Now, it would be fair to ask why VET student loans require such careful handling of tax file numbers when students in the higher education sector provide theirs routinely. The answer is that the VET Student Loans program and the Higher Education Loan Program are governed by different legislation, the VET Student Loans Act 2016 and the Higher Education Support Act 2003.”
“It means that a student in my electorate can enrol in a Elizabeth or Salisbury TAFE course today, gain a qualification, find a secure job and repay their loans through the tax system once they are earning a good income. That is how a fair society builds its skill base, by removing barriers to education and backing people to succeed. The program also supports national priorities, addressing skills shortages and engineering, construction, health care and occupational licensing trades that are vital to our economic growth. It aligns training supply with industry demand, a practical example of how policy can serve both people and productivity. It ensures opportunities not just those for those who can afford it upfront but for everyone willing to work hard to build a career.”
“Their tax file number will continue to be required because it is the link between their loan and their tax record but they can be assured that is protected by modern IT architecture and clear legislative authority. If any student does have a concern about the use of their tax file number, they can contact the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, but I reiterate: such misuse has never been reported. The VET Student Loans program is a cornerstone of our training system. It enables Australians to undertake vocational education and training without the immediate burden of upfront fees through an income contingent loan that is fair, accessible and sustainable.”
“Since early 2025, the department has rolled out these updates to its IT systems, a modern approach to data security that meets the expectations of students today. This has been backed by a $42.2 million investment over four years to build a modernised VET student loans IT system, one that will be fully operational from 2026 and will strengthen every aspect of the program's administration. That new system will underpin faster assessments, smarter payments and stronger integrity, ensuring that public funds are well spent and students are well served. For students, the impact of this bill is simple—continuity, certainty, confidence. The way students apply for a VET student loan will not change. They will continue to use the electronic Commonwealth assistance form, just as they do now.”
“The review recommended stronger alignment between relevant IT systems and the law, and that is precisely what we are now delivering. It is a measure of good administration that when issues are identified, they are addressed promptly and openly, and that is exactly what this government is doing. The bill also formally authorises the department's past disclosure of TFNs to providers for the same lawful purpose. After 1 October 2025, no VET student loans provider will be authorised to handle a student tax file numbers, because the system will have fully transitioned to automated data transfer between Commonwealth agencies. That is a positive evolution. It protects privacy, simplifies administration and reduces risks for all involved.”
“These are the people training the next generation of workers for the renewable energy sector, for aged care, for construction and manufacturing—industries that define the economy of tomorrow. The bill before us commences the day after it receives royal assent, but its provisions will apply retrospectively from 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2025, a clear and comprehensive window covering the life of the program to date. The department at first learned of this problem through its routine review of how VET student loans were administered. Officials identified that the legislation did not clearly authorise the handling of tax file numbers by providers, despite the fact that the practice was necessary and well-controlled.”
“Behind every technical fix like this are real students, real trainers and real providers trying to get on with the job of building skills and careers. For those listening who might not be familiar with what a VET Student Loans provider is, they are registered training organisations approved by the Australian government to deliver VSL-approved courses. That includes our TAFEs, the bedrock of Australian skills and training, and also private colleges that meet the standards set by the Commonwealth. Together, they make up the network that trained electricians, nurses, childcare workers, fitters, technicians and hundreds of other skilled Australians who keep this country running.”
“It will apply to all current and former VET student loan providers and their officers who handled students' TFNs in good faith to administer loan applications and repayments prior to 1 October 2025. It will also cover the Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Commissioner of Taxation and other Commonwealth officers involved in the process. In other words, this bill draws a clear line under the past and sets a clear standard for the future. The department has communicated with providers throughout this process, keeping them informed about the IT changes, about the policy intent and about this legislation. This has been an example of good-faith collaboration between government and industry, the kind of practical problem-solving that is too often overlooked but which keeps our systems running smoothly.”