Milton Dick
Oxley · SPK · Australia
“The period from when the 44th Parliament was prorogued on 9 May 2016 to the commencement of the 45th Parliament on 30 August 2016 is not included in the response period. The period from when the 45th Parliament was prorogued on 11 April 2019 to the commencement of the 46th Parliament on 2 July 2019 is not included in the response period.”
“Government responses received during the period are included in the schedule and the report it relates to is then removed from subsequent schedules. The timeframe for government responses to committee reports in this schedule is determined by the resolution adopted by the House on 29 September 2010.”
“However, the current intent of this schedule is to provide an update to the House solely on the status of government responses to committee reports containing recommendations to government.”
“I'm pleased to inform the House that present in the gallery today are students from Barker College who are visiting as part of a work experience trip, as guests of the member for Berowra.”
“For the information of honourable members, I present a schedule of the status of government responses to committee reports as of 30 June 2026. The schedule will be incorporated in Hansard .”
“In the case of joint committees, the date shown is the date of first presentation to either the House or the Senate or to the President or Speaker (if presented earlier out of session). Reports published when the House (or Houses) are not sitting are tabled at a later date.”
The complete record
Every one of 719 lines we hold for Milton Dick, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 12 of 15.
“( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted 20 minutes. Speech time limits All Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm) PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS Orders of the day CHILD CARE POLICY: Resumption of debate on the motion of Ms Bell—That this House: (1) notes that: (a) it has been almost three years since the Government was elected and the cost of child care has increased by a whopping 22.3 per cent; (b) since the Government introduced its cheaper childcare policy, out of pocket costs for families have sky rocketed by 12.7 per cent; (c) almost 30 per cent of child care services are charging over the hourly rate cap under the current Government, compared to 21 per cent under the previous Government; and (d) this is just another broken promise from the Government, that continues to leave Australian families behind; and (2) calls on the Government to deliver: (a) more access to early childhood education and care places to support Australians to return to the workforce; and (b) real cost of living relief to families.”
“( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm. Speech time limits Mr Hogan 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“5 MR HOGAN: To move—That this House: (1) acknowledges the Order of Australia is the highest national honour awarded to Australian citizens for outstanding contributions to our country or humanity at large; (2) recognises that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Australia's honours system; (3) notes that since being established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, there have been 47,869 recipients of awards in the Order of Australia; (4) further recognises and celebrates the 732 Australia Day 2025 award recipients, including 457 awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia for meritorious, distinguished and conspicuous service; (5) further acknowledges community members recognised through Australia Day 2025 Local Citizen of the Year awards; and (6) congratulates all the recipients of awards on Australia Day 2025.”
“( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted 40 minutes. Speech time limits Mr Repacholi 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“4 MR REPACHOLI: To move—That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to supporting apprentices and addressing the skills shortage which was left unaddressed by the previous Government; (2) notes the failure of the previous Government to adequately support trade apprentices, instead diverting taxpayer funds to big business, including: (a) $72 million to McDonald's, which posted record profits of $360 million in 2022-23; (b) $28.3 million to Grill'd, despite its profits surging by 700 per cent, hitting $15.8 million in 2020-21; and (c) $1.6 million to a Domino's franchisee in South Australia, which was later banned from employing apprentices due to a failure to meet training obligations; (3) commends the Government for prioritising trade apprentices through new initiatives, including: (a) introducing the Housing Construction Apprenticeship Program, providing $10,000 incentive payments for apprentices in key residential construction trades; and (b) increasing the allowance for apprentices living away from home, the first increase in more than 20 years; and (4) supports these measures as vital steps towards building a skilled, sustainable workforce.”
“Speech time limits Mr Gee 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.”
“( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted 30 minutes. Speech time limits Ms Mascarenhas 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. 3 MR GEE: To move—That this House: (1) acknowledges the: (a) disgraceful rural doctor shortage crisis unfolding across rural Australia; and (b) devastating impacts this crisis is having on the health of country Australians; and (2) resolves to: (a) take urgent action to end the crisis and get more doctors practising in rural, regional and remote communities; and (b) deliver equality in access to doctors and medical services to country residents and country communities. ( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted 20 minutes.”
“( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted 30 minutes. Speech time limits Mr Pasin 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. 2 MS MASCARENHAS: To move—That this House: (1) acknowledges that the Government has created more than a million jobs; (2) commends the Government for standing up for Western Australia and for recognising that Western Australia is the engine room of the economy; (3) recognises that production tax credits for critical minerals will encourage critical mineral processing in Western Australia and create secure jobs in the resources sector; and (4) calls on the Opposition to support the production tax credits instead of blocking jobs and investment in Western Australia.”
“Speech time limits Ms Watson-Brown 5 minutes. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour. Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm) PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS Notices 1 MR PASIN: To move—That this House: (1) notes that 1,300 lives were lost on Australian roads in 2024; (2) recognises that: (a) this is the highest road toll since 2012; and (b) the national road toll has risen each of the past four years, a situation not seen since 1966, or before the introduction of compulsory seat belts; (3) acknowledges that the annual fatality rate per 100,000 head of population is now 4.8, well over double the National Road Safety target of 2.0; and (4) calls on the Government to take action on the road safety crisis that is now killing more than 100 Australians every month and hospitalising 100 Australians every day.”
“( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted 30 minutes. Speech time limits Dr Reid 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. 7 MS WATSON-BROWN: To move—That this House: (1) notes that billionaires and big corporations have too much power over our democracy; and (2) calls on the Government to tax billionaires and big corporations to fund the cost of living relief that Australians need, including: (a) covering dental and mental health under Medicare; (b) making sure everyone can see the GP for free; (c) building housing people can actually afford; and (d) wiping student debt. ( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.”
“6 DR REID: To move—That this House: (1) acknowledges that the Government is building Australia's future by building a stronger Medicare with: (a) free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, so that you and your family have access to bulk billed health care when you need it; (b) cheaper medicines, cutting the cost of prescriptions; and (c) the largest investment in bulk billing in Medicare history, which is restoring bulk billing after ten years of cuts and neglect; (2) expresses its concern at the Leader of the Opposition's record as Health Minister when he: (a) tried to end bulk billing by making patients pay a tax every time they see a General Practitioner; (b) cut $50 billion from public hospitals; and (c) was voted worst Health Minister in the history of Medicare by Australian doctors; and (3) acknowledges only the Government can be trusted to protect and strengthen Medicare.”
“( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Time allotted 30 minutes. Speech time limits Ms Bell 5 minutes. Other Members 5 minutes each. [Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins] The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.”
“) Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142. 5 MS BELL: To move—That this House: (1) notes that: (a) it has been almost three years since the Government was elected and the cost of child care has increased by a whopping 22.3 per cent; (b) since the Government introduced its cheaper child care policy, out of pocket costs for families have sky rocketed by 12.7 per cent; (c) almost 30 per cent of child care services are charging over the hourly rate cap under the current Government, compared to 21 per cent under the previous Government; and (d) this is just another broken promise from the Government, that continues to leave Australian families behind; and (2) calls on the Government to deliver: (a) more access to early childhood education and care places to support Australians to return to the workforce; and (b) real cost of living relief to families.”
“Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142. 3 DR SCAMPS: To present a Bill for an Act to ensure that public bodies act in pursuit of the wellbeing of current and future generations of Australia, to establish a Commissioner for Future Generations, and for related purposes. ( Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill 2025 ) ( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142. 4 MS SHARKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 , and for related purposes. ( Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025 ) ( Notice given 4 February 2025.”
“[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 5 mins] PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS Notices 1 MR WILKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to establish the Whistleblower Protection Authority, and for related purposes. ( Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 ) ( Notice given 26 November 2024. ) Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142. 2 MS SPENDER: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the National Land Transport Act 2014 , and for related purposes. ( National Land Transport Act Amendment (Better Value for Taxpayers) Bill 2025 ) ( Notice given 4 February 2025. ) Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41.”
“The Committee deliberated on items of committee and delegation business that had been notified, private Members' business items listed on the Notice Paper and notices lodged on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 10 February 2025, as follows: Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon) COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS Presentation and statements 1 Joint Standing Committee on Migration Joint Standing Committee on Migration Delegation: New Zealand and Vanuatu, 26 to 31 August 2024 The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made all statements to conclude by 10.15. Speech time limits Ms Vamvakinou 5 minutes.”
“I present the report of the determinations made pursuant to the resolution of the House on 23 July 2025, relating to committee and delegation business and private members' business today, Monday 28 July 2025. Copies of the report have been placed on the table. The report read as follows— Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business 1. The Committee met in private session on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. 2.”
“I have received a letter from the honourable member for Moncrieff proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The Government's environmental failures harming the environment and the economy. I call upon those honourable members who approve of the proposed discussion to rise in their places. More than the number of members required by the standing orders having risen in their places—”
“I thank the member for Wannon. For the benefit of new members in particular, on page 36—we will get to his question, but I just want to remind members that, whilst I'm happy to take questions of administration of this House, I obviously have no jurisdiction over the other place. I will read out this, from page 36, for the benefit of all members: Each House functions as a distinct and independent unit within the framework of the Parliament. The right inherent in each House to exclusive cognisance of matters arising within it has evolved through centuries of parliamentary history and is made clear in the provisions of the Constitution. In light of that and as has been reported, I understand that the Senate has taken action against that individual and that that has been reported in the media.”
“Pursuant to standing order 17, I lay on the table my warrant nominating the honourable members for Flynn, Chisholm, Indi, Hasluck, Swan and Paterson to be members of the Speaker's panel to assist the chair when requested to do so by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.”
“I have received a letter from the honourable Leader of the Opposition proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: This Government's failure to manage the nation's challenges and priorities. I call upon those honourable members who approve of the proposed discussion to rise in their places. More than the number of members required by the standing orders having risen in their places—”
“I present the following report on the Commonwealth Ombudsman's activities under part V of the Australian Federal Police Act 1979 for the period 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 and the quarterly report by the Commonwealth Ombudsman under section 712F(6) of the Fair Work Act 2009 for the period 1 October to 31 December 2024. Details of the reports will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings . Documents made parliamentary papers.”
“I inform the House of the deaths of Petro Georgiou AO and Elizabeth Robyn Truman, formerly Harvey, former members of the House. Petro Georgiou died on 4 April 2025, and he represented the division of Kooyong from 1994 to 2010. Elizabeth Truman died on 24 May 2025. She represented the division of Hawker from 1987 to 1990. As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, I invite all present to rise in their places. Honourable members having stood in their places— I thank the House.”
“In accordance with the resolution of the House of Representatives relating to the registration of members' interests, I have appointed Mr Peter Banson, Deputy Clerk of the House of Representatives, as Registrar of Members' Interests.”
“Pursuant to standing order 17, I lay on the table my warrant nominating the honourable members for Bendigo, Macarthur, Adelaide, Canberra, Lingiari, Mayo and Clark to be members of the Speaker's panel to assist the chair when requested to do so by the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker.”
“Our democracy is the golden thread that unites Australians across geography and generations. It is now your time to act as stewards of our proud democratic traditions—and to faithfully carry out the duty with which Australians have entrusted you. As the Prime Minister has observed, democracy is always a work in progress—one that thrives when ideas and propositions are subject to robust, but respectful, interrogation. I wish you all the very best as you build our extraordinary nation's future together. It is now my duty, and my honour, to declare the 48th Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia open.”
“All of this speaks to the Government's understanding that multiculturalism is essential to Australia's national success. Arts and culture A thriving arts sector is vital to that sense of belonging. As well as enriching us culturally, it contributes more than $60 billion to our economy each year. In recognition of the sector's vital importance, in 2023 the Government launched Revive Australia's first cultural policy in a decade. Over the coming term, the Government will continue to strengthen the sector through Revive , including allocating $25 million to extend the Revive Live program. This will give more performers the chance to connect with new audiences, and make Australia's live music scene more inclusive and accessible for all. Conclusion I congratulate all members and senators on being called to serve.”
“Fostering a multicultural Australia The Government takes pride in the fact the values Australia projects to the world reflect who we are at home. We are a young nation on an ancient continent. We are also the product of generations of migrants who, coming here in search of a better life, have found a place of courage, kindness, and the fair go. Today, multiculturalism is the foundation of our dynamic, egalitarian nation. And a huge asset for us as we build our links around the world. The makeup of the new Parliament reflects this. Over the coming term, the newly established Office for Multicultural Affairs will more closely align the Government's policies and programs promoting understanding, access, equity, and inclusion across Australia's diverse communities.”
“The Government is committed to ensuring our Defence personnel, veterans and families can access the services and support they need and deserve. In its first term, the Government passed legislation to simplify and harmonise veteran compensation legislation, and worked towards ensuring claims are processed faster. In its second term, the Government will prioritise the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This will be the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the culture, systems and processes across Defence, the ADF and DVA to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans. The Defence and Veterans' Services Commission will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to the Government on these reforms.”
“And will continue to invest in security cooperation and defence links with the countries of our region, including key neighbours like Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The Government also understands a strong domestic security agenda is essential to Australia's economic prosperity and social stability. To that end, it will give our law enforcement and intelligence agencies the tools they need to protect our nation—including from politically motivated violence, cyber crime and foreign interference. And it will work side-by-side with law enforcement and communities to defend every Australian's right to feel safe from violence and bigotry. Veterans' affairs Australians owe a profound debt of gratitude to all who serve our nation.”
“The Government has already committed funding to increase annual defence spending from $59 billion this year to $79.6 billion in 2029-30. The Government is also supporting the Australian defence industry, with almost 80 per cent of Defence's annual budget spent in Australia. Australia will start manufacturing missiles this year. The Government's plan for continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment will be delivered by an Australian workforce, too. The Government is also committed to strengthening Australia's security partnerships. The AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to be progressed to deliver long-term strategic benefits for all three countries. The Government will also negotiate a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union to strengthen cooperation on global security challenges.”
“And it will continue to implement recommendations from Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. Making Australia's economy as resilient as possible by strengthening our trading relationships with existing partners and opening doors to new markets. Defence and national security There is no greater responsibility for government than keeping Australians safe and securing our nation's future. We live in a time of significant geopolitical change and uncertainty, and the Government is positioning Australia to meet the growing global and regional security challenges we face. The Government's National Defence Strategy is a whole-of- nation approach to Australia's defence, and the strengthening of our defence capability.”
“In its first term, the Government expanded and diversified Australia's export markets, and bolstered the rules-based multilateral trading system. This delivered significant benefits for our economy and for Australian farmers, growers and producers in particular. In its second term, the Government will continue advocating for a predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules-based trading system. It will strengthen Australia's anti-dumping regime to safeguard Australian manufacturers against unfair competition. Offer $1 billion in zero-interest loans, through the National Reconstruction Fund, for firms to capitalise on new export opportunities. Provide $50 million to help sectors affected by US tariffs to secure and grow new markets.”
“The Government has also built on our relationships with traditional friends—the United States, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom—as well as our key partners Japan, Republic of Korea, India, and the European Union. And it has taken a calibrated approach towards stabilising relations with China. The Government also supported Ukraine in its fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion. In its second term, the Government will build on its relationships to advance Australia's interests and uphold the international rule of law. Ultimately, the Government's foreign policy is an expression of our national values, national interests, and national identity. And trade is an important part of that equation. Australia is situated in the fastest growing region of the world in human history.”
“Recognising the important role that Australian gas has to play in an orderly global and domestic energy transition, the Government will strengthen Australia's standing as a reliable energy partner for our region and implement the Future Gas Strategy to provide reliable gas for Australians. Foreign affairs and trade Australia is deeply engaged in the world. In these uncertain times, our international relationships are vital for our security and prosperity at home, and our ability to play a positive and stabilising role in regional and international affairs. In its first term, the Government strengthened Australia's relationships with our Pacific and Southeast Asian neighbours.”
“The Government recognises the importance of aligning industry policy, innovation and science to advance our national interest, and to bring jobs and opportunities to our industrial heartlands. And it will continue to invest in world-leading science and research to strengthen our ability to innovate. To leverage our natural resources, and enable Australia to deal with trade and market disruptions, the Government will establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, investing in minerals that are most important for Australia's national security and the security of our key partners. And it will expand the Critical Minerals Facility, to support private and international investors with the upfront costs of new projects, giving them the certainty they need to create Australian jobs.”
“And some of the world's largest deposits of critical minerals and rare earths. Through its Future Made in Australia agenda, the Government is investing in our nation's manufacturing so we can make more things here. And it is supporting Australia to build a stronger, more diversified and resilient economy, powered by clean energy. This term, the Government will continue to lean into our advantage in areas like critical minerals processing, green metals, and renewable energy. It will incentivise producers to process more of the critical minerals needed for solar panels, batteries and other clean tech, here, on our shores. Similar production incentives will support the production of Australian-made metals like aluminium and iron as they transition to low emissions technologies.”
“The Government will continue to improve Australia's disaster preparedness, response and resilience capabilities—as well as deliver targeted support to those impacted by natural disasters. Protecting the environment is our responsibility to future generations. In this term, the Government will build on the initiatives of its first term by reforming our environment laws, including establishing a national environment protection agency, to better protect the natural world and provide certainty for business. And later this year, the Government will set a 2035 emissions reduction target that is in Australia's national interest. Resources and industry The global transition to net zero represents a significant opportunity for our nation. Australia is blessed with abundant solar and wind resources. A skilled and innovative workforce.”
“This is reducing the cost of a typical installed battery by 30 per cent, lowering energy bills, and improving the resilience and performance of our energy system. More than one million new batteries are expected to be installed by 2030. The Government will also continue to accelerate investment in renewable energy generation and storage through its Capacity Investment Scheme. And it will co-fund a $40 million National Training Centre in New Energy Skills in Melbourne to help meet growing demand for workers in renewable energy sectors. The Government understands Australian communities, farmers and businesses are already feeling the impacts of climate change.”
“Climate change, energy and the environment Acting on climate change and managing an orderly transition to clean energy will continue to be a priority for the Government—and a significant economic opportunity for Australia. Decarbonising Australia's electricity grid is vital to achieving net zero targets— and the Government will continue pursuing its goal of 82 per cent renewables by 2030, backed by batteries, hydro and gas. The Government recognises the importance of private sector investment to this transformation. It is investing an additional $2 billion in the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to unlock $6 billion of private sector investment, and incentivise homes and small businesses to switch to renewables. The Government has opened its $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program.”
“The Government will continue to invest in critical road and transport connections into the nation's biggest housing growth areas, like Western Sydney and Southeast Queensland. It will complete the new Western Sydney International Airport. It will work with the Victorian Government to finalise the path to construction for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link. And it will deliver productivity-boosting projects right around Australia. Recognising the importance of digital infrastructure, the Government will invest up to $3 billion for the upgrade of Australia's remaining national fibre-to-the-node network—delivering faster internet for more than 600,000 additional premises.”
“The Government will also build on its commitment to economic empowerment through the development of a First Nations Economic Partnership. While acknowledging the challenges of the past and present, we must all approach the path forward together with determination, humility, and optimism. Australia will be stronger when the gap is closed. Infrastructure Infrastructure investment is central to of the Government's plan to boost productivity, create jobs and reduce the strain on families. In the Government's last budget, it committed more than $17 billion to road and rail upgrades—including the largest-ever federal investment in Bruce Highway safety improvements—as part of its 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline.”
“It needs the efforts of everyone, too—and the Government welcomes the continued contributions of men and boys as it pursues this vital progress. First Nations Australians This term, the Government will continue to invest in better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, honouring their profound connection to Country. This commitment is grounded in the principles of self-determination and genuine partnership. Building on the efforts of previous years, the Government recognises that lasting progress depends on policies and programs that draw on the experience and understanding of First Nations people and communities. As such, the Government will continue to work towards closing the gap—in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, including peak organisations.”
“Importantly, gender equality cannot be achieved if women are not safe. The Government will continue delivering the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children , and working with National Cabinet on a broad range of initiatives—from intervening early to target high-risk perpetrators and prevent violence, to better financial and housing support for women escaping violence. The Government will also look at ways to support children and young people exposed to violence, and close loopholes that allow for financial abuse through the tax, superannuation, and social security systems. Also high on the agenda is launching the first standalone First Nations national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children. A gender-equal Australia benefits everyone.”
“Developed during its first term, the Government's Working for Women strategy sets out its vision for gender equality. For an Australia where people are safe, are treated with respect, and can make choices, access resources, and achieve equal outcomes, no matter their gender. Over this term, the Government will continue to drive national action to end gender-based violence and put women's economic equality at the centre of what they do. Already there have been welcome improvements—in the last year, for example, Australia's gender pay gap reached the lowest point on record. More work lies ahead. Whether that is holding employers to account for equality in their workplaces, improving women's access to vital healthcare, or supporting the representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles.”
“And it will continue to prioritise investing in the skills, research and infrastructure to help the economy flourish, while also respecting the vast capability of our private sector and doing what is needed to reduce red tape and encourage private investment. This includes supporting Australia's small businesses by building on more than $2 billion in targeted support the Government committed in its last term. The Government will also continue to engage widely—with the tech sector and local businesses, workers and unions—to ensure Australia can seize the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence and manage its risks. Working for women For the first time in Australia's history, women make up the majority of the federal cabinet. As a Government that places gender equality at the heart of its agenda, this is a source of pride.”
“It has argued for an increase in the National Minimum Wage and award wages, and it will also introduce legislation to protect penalty rates in modern awards. Its ambition is to build an economy where wages, growth and productivity rise together. And one which thrives in a time of global uncertainty. Meeting this ambition requires a unified national effort. Government, business, unions and civil society working together: to boost productivity, and strengthen Australia's budget sustainability and economic resilience. And the Government respects the vital role the Australian Public Service has to play in the development and delivery of these reforms. The Government has taken steps to improve productivity—from introducing a National Productivity Fund to committing to banning non-compete clauses for most workers.”
“The Government will pursue its goal of 80 per cent of the Australian workforce holding a TAFE qualification or a university degree by 2050, and it will continue implementing the Australian Universities Accord. Building a stronger economy The Government is focused on delivering help with cost of living, while building for the future. This means an economy that is more resilient, diversified and productive. One that works for every Australian, in every part of the country. It will do this by advancing equality for women at work, by working to close the gap in economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and by bringing a new generation of manufacturing and renewable energy jobs to our regions and outer suburbs. The Government will improve wages and conditions for Australian workers.”
“The Government will also ensure every Australian school student receives the funding they need to reach their full potential. Fourteen years since the Gonski Review identified the Schooling Resource Standard, the Commonwealth now has an agreement with all states and territories to make that standard a reality. The Government will continue to stand with parents and teachers when it comes to technology, and making clear the social and legal responsibilities social media companies have to young Australians. The Government will also continue investing in Australian skills. This includes making Free TAFE permanent, delivering a 20 per cent cut to student debt, and rolling out the Commonwealth Prac Payment, which helps Australians studying to be a teacher, a nurse, a midwife or a social worker to get the support they need while on prac.”