Mary Doyle
Aston · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Our government is laser focused on assisting with the cost of living. On this side of the chamber, we understand that many Australians feel as though the economy isn't working for them. We know that right around the country Australians are looking for solutions, and that's why Labor is delivering real change.”
“We've passed new laws to give first home buyers a fair go because, if you work hard and save, you should be able to buy a home of your own. Lower taxes, higher pay and a fair go for families and first home buyers—that's real change, and that matters to people in my community. It's real change that we'll keep delivering.”
“We all know the type—the people from local organisations that put on a feed for people who are having a hard time feeding themselves; those in a community group that support women and children fleeing family and domestic violence; the club presidents and coaches who give up their evenings and weekends to ensure local sporting clubs run sm…”
“We back workers on the minimum wage and those on modern awards. We welcome the decision by the Fair Work Commission to increase the minimum wage by 5.97 per cent to $26.44 per hour, alongside a 4.75 per cent increase to award wages from 1 July this year.”
“They don't ask for recognition and they don't seek the spotlight, but, without them, our communities simply would not function the way they do. These people and organisations are the very reason why the Tilly Aston Community Awards were created a couple of years ago.”
“These awards honour a legacy of service and community spirit that continues to inspire today. Nominations are now open to anyone living or working in the electorate of Aston, and I especially encourage self-nominations. Sometimes the people doing the most meaningful work do not realise just how much of a difference they are making.”
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“We've passed new laws to give first home buyers a fair go because, if you work hard and save, you should be able to buy a home of your own. Lower taxes, higher pay and a fair go for families and first home buyers—that's real change, and that matters to people in my community. It's real change that we'll keep delivering. This would all be at risk under the right-wing trio opposite. They would like to take this country backwards. It's only Labor that will lead this country forward. With your indulgence, Deputy Speaker Claydon, I'll say happy birthday to my end-of-financial-year baby, Clancy, who turns 25 today.”
“Our government is laser focused on assisting with the cost of living. On this side of the chamber, we understand that many Australians feel as though the economy isn't working for them. We know that right around the country Australians are looking for solutions, and that's why Labor is delivering real change. From tomorrow, every worker is getting another tax cut, and about three million workers are getting a pay rise. We're banning supermarket price gouging to give Australians a fair go at the checkout. We're extending paid parental leave to a full six months, which gives families more time with their little ones and more support. We're making urgent care clinics a permanent part of Medicare so anyone can see a GP for free, and we're tackling the big challenges that have been thrown in the too-hard basket for way too long.”
“Whether it is recognising volunteers through the Tilly Aston Community Awards or delivering fair wage increases for millions of workers, our government is focused on what matters to people in my community. We are building stronger communities, we are supporting working people and we are ensuring that no-one is left behind, because at the end of the day, when we back workers and we support volunteers, we strengthen the very fabric of our society, and that is something worth standing up for.”
“The Albanese government is investing a further $3.6 billion over the next two years to lock in this historic 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators. This investment will be tied to a commitment from childcare centres to limit fee increases. We want to make sure workers can be paid fairly without the costs being passed on to families. When combined with our support for minimum wage rises, this will mean $255 more per week for a typical full-time educator and $410 more per week for early childhood educators, compared to December 2024, when the government first implemented the pay rise. Our government understands that strong communities rely on volunteers who give their time and heart and on workers who give their skill and effort.”
“At Little Stars, I spoke with Mark and Annette about the incredible work they are doing for local families, and I even had the chance to meet their cute little chook called Bingo and their adorable and highly excitable turtle called Dougie. These visits are always a joy, but they are also a powerful reminder: early childhood educators play a vital role in shaping the next generation. They help children learn, grow and develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Being an early childhood educator is one of the most important jobs in the country, and they should be paid fairly for that work. That's why the Albanese government funded a 15 per cent pay rise for early education and care workers.”
“On this side of the chamber, we will always back workers, we will always support fair pay and we will always put the interests of everyday Australians ahead of the interests of billionaires and vested interests. Supporting workers also means recognising the value of some of the most important jobs in our communities. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting two outstanding early learning centres in my electorate, Goodstart Early Learning Wantirna South on Cathies Lane and Little Stars Early Learning and Kindergarten in Ferntree Gully. At Goodstart, I met with dedicated educators and enthusiastic children who reminded me just how important those early years are.”
“In my electorate of Aston, this decision will make a real difference to households. It means more money in the pockets of working people at the end of the week and a little less pressure when it comes to paying the bills. Labor has always been the party of working people. It is part of our history, part of our identity and part of our ongoing commitment to fairness. The contrast right now could not be clearer. While we support higher wages and better conditions for workers, there are some who have consistently opposed measures that would lift the incomes of low-paid Australians. Time after time, members of the three-ring circus, the 'Liberal One National party', have voted against workers rights and supporting those who need it the most.”
“We back workers on the minimum wage and those on modern awards. We welcome the decision by the Fair Work Commission to increase the minimum wage by 5.97 per cent to $26.44 per hour, alongside a 4.75 per cent increase to award wages from 1 July this year. This is a positive outcome for around three million low-paid workers across Australia. These are the workers who keep our economy moving and our communities functioning: cleaners, retail workers, fast-food workers, hospitality staff and so many others. They work hard, often in challenging conditions, and they deserve to be paid fairly for the contributions they make. The Albanese Labor government has consistently advocated for fair wage increases because we believe in one simple principle: if you work hard, you should be able to get ahead.”
“These awards honour a legacy of service and community spirit that continues to inspire today. Nominations are now open to anyone living or working in the electorate of Aston, and I especially encourage self-nominations. Sometimes the people doing the most meaningful work do not realise just how much of a difference they are making. In Aston, volunteers are the backbone of our community. They give their time freely, driven not by profit but by a genuine desire to help others. As the representative for the electorate of Aston, I recognise that contribution, I respect it and I will always support it. Supporting our communities also means backing the workers who keep those communities running every single day. On this side of the chamber we stand firmly with workers and their families.”
“They don't ask for recognition and they don't seek the spotlight, but, without them, our communities simply would not function the way they do. These people and organisations are the very reason why the Tilly Aston Community Awards were created a couple of years ago. These awards recognise and celebrate the individuals and groups in the Aston electorate who go above and beyond: those who show exceptional dedication, leadership, selflessness and care for others. The awards commemorate a truly remarkable woman, Matilda Aston, who was known as Tilly. Tilly was a blind writer, a teacher, a poet and a very fierce disability activist—arguably one of this country's first. The federal electorate of Aston is named after this incredible woman, who was born in December 1873, nearly 153 years ago.”
“We all know the type—the people from local organisations that put on a feed for people who are having a hard time feeding themselves; those in a community group that support women and children fleeing family and domestic violence; the club presidents and coaches who give up their evenings and weekends to ensure local sporting clubs run smoothly, the team members' skills are sharply honed and their spirits inspired; the teacher who goes above and beyond to support their students' learning; the volunteer at the barbecue who makes the best snags and keeps the community connected; and the parents and carers in their kids' community theatre group, who don't just direct and inspire young talent but build their confidence, sew costumes and create incredible sets. These are the quiet achievers in our communities.”
“In contrast, this government is focused on delivering real outcomes. We understand that Australians are under pressure and we are doing something about it. We are providing immediate relief where it is needed, while building a stronger and more resilient economy for the future. This year's budget is about helping Australians get ahead, earn more, keep more, access essential services and achieve the dream of home ownership. It is about fairness, opportunity and security. At a time of global uncertainty, Australians deserve a government that acts to protect their living standards, and that is exactly what the Albanese Labor government is delivering.”
“We are building a tax system that is fairer, simpler and fit for the future. The contrast could not be clearer. In opposition, three right-wing parties—the Liberal One National Party, if you will—have consistently opposed measures designed to ease pressure on households and working families. Their approach leaves Australians to fend for themselves and without the support they need to get through challenging times. Following the One Nation leader's speech at the National Press Club last week, it is clear that her party offers no credible economic plan. The only thing One Nation offer Australians is cuts, division and wacky concepts dressed up as policies that would leave Australians worse off. Their approach risks undermining wages, weakening essential services and abandoning the very people who need support the most.”
“We are making medicines cheaper for millions of Australians and locking in bulk-billed urgent care clinics as a permanent part of Medicare so families can access free walk-in care when they need it most. At the heart of our approach is fairness. Since coming to government, we have backed higher wages for nearly three million of Australia's lowest-paid workers every single year. As a result, the national minimum wage has risen significantly, helping workers keep up with the cost of living, and we are looking to the future. Our tax reforms are pro worker, pro aspiration and pro investment. They will reduce the tax burden for more than 13 million Australians, help 75,000 more people into home ownership and drive productivity through innovation and business investment.”
“Yesterday our government announced that we will extend fuel excise relief for another month, making petrol and diesel 16c per litre cheaper versus normal prices for July, saving Australians around $11 per tank. This is more temporary support that will help take the sting out of petrol prices and help Australians with the cost of living. At the same time, we are empowering the ACCC to crack down on price-gouging and unfair practices, doubling maximum penalties to $100 million and investing nearly $68 million in enforcement. Australians deserve a fair go at the checkout, and this government is making sure they get it. We are also strengthening essential services.”
“Our government is helping Australians earn more and keep more of what they earn through another round of permanent tax cuts, including the $250 working Australians' tax offset and a $1,000 instant tax deduction. These tax cuts are putting money directly back into the pockets of working Australians. Combined with previous tax reforms, we are cutting income taxes five times in five different ways. By 2028, a worker on average earnings will be nearly $3,000 a year better off. This is meaningful relief and demonstrates a government on the side of working Australians. But we know tax relief alone is not enough. That is why we are also tackling everyday costs.”
“There is no doubt right now that right across the country there are many Australians who are doing it tough. Families are feeling the pressure of higher bills, global uncertainty and the ongoing consequences of conflict in the Middle East. In the face of these challenges, the Albanese Labor government has acted decisively and responsibly to ease the burden on households and to lift living standards, not just for today but for the future. On 12 May, the Treasurer handed down a budget that is about practical help now and lasting reform for tomorrow. This budget delivers real cost-of-living relief through tax cuts, cheaper medicines, stronger wages and targeted support for those who need it most.”
“Now, instead of providing credible solutions, the opposition leader continues to blame migrants and vulnerable communities rather than addressing the real causes of housing affordability challenges. Australians deserve better than division. The coalition is all bark and no bite when it comes to housing. They say they're all about a better future for Australians but have failed to present any serious plan that delivers them one. The Albanese Labor government is on the side of first home buyers, renters and their families. We are investing in housing supply, supporting renters, helping Australians into homeownership and building a fairer housing system for future generations. That is what responsible government looks like and that is what we are delivering for my constituents in Aston.”
“These homes will be spread out across the suburbs of Bayswater, Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Knoxfield, Rowville, Scoresby, The Basin and also Wantirna. We also recognise the pressures facing renters since coming to government in 2022, Labor has delivered a 50 per cent increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance. In Aston, 6,250 people received this support, helping ease cost-of-living pressures and providing much needed relief. While the Albanese Labor government is focused on delivering practical solutions, the opposition continues to offer no practical alternative. The coalition spent years in government overseeing a worsening housing challenge and, remarkably, did not even have a dedicated housing minister for much of that time.”
“These reforms recognise that our tax system should support aspiration and opportunity, not create barriers for a new generation seeking to purchase their first home. We are also helping Australians to get into the housing market sooner through our government's five per cent deposit scheme. In Aston alone, over 1,119 of my constituents have already used the five per cent deposit scheme to achieve the dream of homeownership. These are real people and real families whose lives have been changed by a government prepared to take action. At the same time we know that increasing housing supply is critical. That is why our government is investing in 25 additional social and affordable homes in Aston, providing greater housing security and helping address growing demand.”
“Housing affordability is one of the most important issues facing families in my electorate of Aston. For too many people in Melbourne's outer east, especially younger people, the dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach. They have done everything that has been asked of them. They have worked hard, saved carefully and made sacrifices. Yet year after year they watch house prices rise faster than their ability to get their foot in the market. And that is why the Albanese Labor government is taking responsible action to address Australia's housing challenges and ensure that first homebuyers in Aston have a fair chance to own a home. Labor is delivering sensible reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions to help level the playing field for first home buyers and restore fairness to our housing market.”
“On this side of the chamber, we stand firmly with workers and their families. We back workers on the minimum wage and the modern award and welcome the decision by the Fair Work Commission to approve an increase to the minimum wage of 5.97 per cent to $26.44 an hour and a 4.75 per cent increase to the modern award from 1 July this year.”
“The maximum cost of a PBS script is now just $25, while concession card holders pay only $7.70. In Aston alone, there have been more than 2.7 million cheaper scripts delivered under Labor's cheaper medicine changes, with 99 million cheaper scripts across Victoria. Labor is also delivering record funding for public hospitals, expanding Medicare mental health clinics across Australia and taking women's health seriously through endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics and contraceptives now listed on the PBS. On this side of the chamber, we know that Australians deserve quality healthcare without worrying about the cost, and under the Albanese Labor government, that's exactly what they're receiving.”
“The Albanese Labor government is strengthening Medicare like no government has done before. In my electorate of Aston in Melbourne's outer east, we are delivering more bulk-billing so more of my constituents can see a GP for free. Since Labor's reforms, a number of bulk-billing practices in my community has grown from 10 to now 27 bulk billing practices. There's also been the opening of the Maroondah Medicare urgent care clinic in Bayswater. Since it opened a few years back, the clinic has seen more than 22,500 visits, including one from my own daughter. People in Aston and the surrounding suburbs have been able to walk in, see a doctor or a nurse, receive the care they need and not pay a cent. And that is why Labor is making urgent care clinics a permanent part of Medicare. Under Labor, medicines are cheaper.”
“Our reforms are about fairness, opportunity and the future of this country. Young Australians deserve a fair chance to buy a home of their own, not to have to struggle with a system that's pitted against them. Yet instead of showing leadership, the opposition leader has once again chosen to burrow further down the One Nation rabbit hole, blaming migrants and punching down on vulnerable communities rather than addressing the real causes of Australia's housing challenges. My message to the opposition leader is simple. If he genuinely supports young Australians achieving homeownership, then he should back these reforms instead of cynically and shamefully exploiting division for his own political gain.”
“Right now, in my electorate of Aston and across the country, first home buyers are being locked out of the housing market by property investors that benefit from a tax system that no longer serves the needs of a new generation of Australians. This is why the Albanese Labor government is taking responsible action to change that. Labor is delivering sensible reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions to level the playing field for first home buyers and to restore fairness to our housing market. The reality is this: too many young Australians have given up on the dream of home ownership. They've worked hard and saved carefully, only to watch the dream of owning their own home slip further away year after year. That is not the kind of place we want Australia to be.”
“My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. How are the Albanese Labor government's housing reforms helping first homebuyers trying to buy a home? Is the minister aware of any risks to this work?”
“It's ambitious, it's comprehensive and it's already delivering real results for communities like mine in Melbourne's outer east. We know this challenge won't be solved overnight, but we are making real progress building more homes, helping more Australians buy their own home and delivering a fairer housing system for the future. I'm proud to stand here today as a member of a government that is finally taking this challenge seriously and delivering on housing for all Australians.”
“It means no more lining up for rentals and no more uncertainty at the end of every lease. It means a place to call your own, somewhere you can raise a family, plant a garden, have a cat and a dog or a budgie, hang pictures on the wall and plan your future. Across Australia, more than 230,000 people have already been helped into homeownership through this program. That's 230,000 lives changed, yet the opposition call it a gimmick. They vote against it and now they want to rip it away. The truth is the coalition have given up on homeownership. They stand in this place and claim they support homeownership, but the question is simple: How can they? How can they claim to support Australians getting into homes when they oppose every single measure that makes it possible? Labor has a plan.”
“Compare that to the coalition, where just 373 social and affordable homes were delivered nationwide when they were in office. Even now, with three different leaders since they were in government, they're still standing in the way. They delayed the Housing Australia Future Fund, then they promised to scrap it. They tried to tear down the build-to-rent scheme, putting 80,000 rental homes at risk. They opposed Help to Buy, which is helping 40,000 low-income Australians into homeownership. And they even opposed one of the most practical, life-changing policies we've delivered: the five per cent deposit scheme. In Aston, this important scheme matters. Right now, families and young people in our community are getting into their first homes with just a five per cent deposit, cutting years off the time it takes to save. It is life changing.”
“We've set a national target of 1.2 million new homes because we know the simple truth: the best way to make housing more affordable is to build more houses. Since we came to government, more than 570,000 homes have already been built across the country. New-homes starts are up, construction times are improving and construction cost inflation, once at a half-century high of 17 per cent under the coalition, has been brought down dramatically. We're cutting red tape, investing in infrastructure, training more tradies and working with states and territories to unlock supply in our cities, suburbs and regions. Through our social and affordable housing agenda, including the Housing Australia Future Fund, we've already completed more than 6,000 homes for Australians who need them most, with 55,000 more in the pipeline.”
“It started under the Howard government, quite frankly, and for far too long it was left to the states, while the Commonwealth stepped back. Under the coalition for nearly a decade, from 2013 to 2022, the federal government was a negligent bystander. They tapped out of housing and didn't even have a housing minister until their very last term. They had no national target, no serious plan and, above all, no leadership. Under the Albanese Labor government, that has changed. Under our government, the Commonwealth is back at the table, with an ambitious $45 billion housing plan focused on three things: building more homes, making it easier to buy and making life better for renters. And we are delivering. Firstly, we are building more homes.”
“I thank the member for Fadden for the opportunity to speak on this very important matter. Housing is a life-defining challenge for so many Australians, and nowhere is that clearer than in my community of Aston. People are working hard and doing everything right, and they're still finding it hard to afford a place to call home. Young people are standing in long queues just to inspect rental properties. Families who a generation ago would have owned their own home now feel as if they're locked out of the market, and parents worry they can't give their kids the same stability they once had. I'm one of those parents, in fact. Renters are being hit with increases that are too high and too frequent. But this isn't a new problem—oh, no. It's a challenge that stretches back decades.”
“While these events may seem modest in scale, their impact is anything but small. They strengthen social bonds, support mental wellbeing and provide inclusive spaces where people can share skills, experience and support. This past week has been a powerful reminder that, when we invest in our community, we are investing in people. Our government remains committed to backing communities like Boronia and Rowville, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities and support they need to thrive—because strong communities don't just happen; they are built through partnership, through investment and through a shared belief in a better future for all.”
“During my visit, I met up with Stephen and Michael, who were kind enough to assist me with fitting anti-theft numberplate screws, a simple yet practical service that reflects the hands-on, community focused nature of the men's shed. The men's shed also do a bit of beekeeping, so I made sure I bought myself a jar of delicious shed honey. The day itself was full of activity, from guided shed tours and tool sales to impressive displays, exhibitions, and even a showcase of nostalgic classic cars. Importantly, the day also offered meaningful opportunities for connection. Initiatives like the Talking Cafe created a welcoming space for conversation, helping to reduce isolation and build friendships—something that is more important than ever in today's fast paced world.”
“She told me how she sews beautiful aprons, and she's got such an eye for detail—footy aprons; I bought a St Kilda one, because, you know: go Saints! She was a delight to speak to. I was also pleased to be joined by our new state Labor candidate for the seat of Bayswater, Julie Buxton, for this year's upcoming Victorian state election. It was clear to me and Julie that locals deeply value opportunities to connect and engage with representatives like us and with one another. I also had the opportunity to attend the Rowville Men's Shed open day, an equally fantastic event that highlighted the vital role men's sheds play in fostering wellbeing, connection, lifeline learning and also lifelong friendships.”
“Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending two fantastic local events in my electorate of Aston, each of them such a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so special. The first one I attended on Saturday was the St Joseph's & St Bernadette's Community Fete. It was an excellent celebration of community, connection and local pride. Events like this bring together people of all ages and backgrounds. They create a vibrant space where local families feel welcome. It was truly heartening to see so many members of the community come out in the bright autumn sunshine and participate and contribute to such a positive atmosphere. What stood out most were the conversations, the laughter, the sense of belonging and the strong community spirit that flowed throughout the day. I had such a wonderful conversation with 90-year-old Maureen.”
“It will reduce congestion, shorten travel times and create safer conditions for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. But, beyond those practical outcomes, it represents something larger. It reflects a commitment to planning and responding to the evolving needs of our community, because, ultimately, whether we are investing in schools or in roads, the goal is the same: to build communities where people can live, learn and play. These are the investments that matter. These are the decisions that shape not just infrastructure but lives. I am proud to be part of a Labor government that is delivering them.”
“These changes will reduce bottlenecks and improve travel time reliability, the value of which every commuter understands. Equally important are the safety enhancements. The project includes upgraded pedestrian and bicycle crossings, as well as bicycle priority crossings and lanterns, ensuring that all road users, not just drivers, can move safely and confidently. A new traffic splitter island and improvements to kerb and channel infrastructure will further strengthen the functionality and safety of this intersection. A particularly significant improvement will be the removal of a redundant U-turn at Carrington Park. While seemingly small, changes like this play a crucial role in reducing conflict points and enhancing overall road safety. The benefits of this project are clear and far reaching.”
“This upgrade, supported by $14.3 million in Australian government funding, is being delivered in two stages. Stage 1, completed in November 2023, focused on improvements to the Henderson Road and Kelletts Road intersection in Rowville. It's already delivering meaningful benefits to local traffic flow and safety. Now, at the other end, stage 2 is underway in Knoxfield, targeting the busy intersection of Henderson Road and Ferntree Gully Road. This is a critical junction in a rapidly growing area, and the works being undertaken will significantly improve how people move through it each day. Once completed, the upgraded intersection will feature new and extended turning lanes to ease congestion, as well as a dedicated left-turn slip lane from Henderson Road into Ferntree Gully Road.”
“Facilities like this are only as powerful as the people who bring them to life. It is their passion, expertise and unwavering commitment to their students that truly define the strength of this school community. Our government firmly believes that every student, no matter their postcode, deserves access to high-quality education and the resources necessary to reach their full potential. Investing in our future is not limited to classrooms alone. It also means building the infrastructure that supports thriving connected communities. This brings me to another important matter from my electorate and to why I would like to update the House on the progress of the Henderson Road and Ferntree Gully Road intersection upgrade, an essential project for our local road network and a clear example of infrastructure keeping pace with community growth.”
“These are spaces that encourage collaboration, adaptability and the creative skills that are essential in a rapidly changing world. Here learning is not confined to rows of desks. It can be indoors, but can also adapt to include the outdoors. It is dynamic, interactive and student centred. Importantly, the impact of this investment extends well beyond the students who will walk through its doors this year. It will benefit generations of learners to come—young people who will carry forward the knowledge, skills and confidence nurtured within these walls. In that sense, this project is not just about today; it is about shaping the future. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of the principal, Ms Maureen Theobald, and the teachers, staff and leadership at Heritage College Knox.”
“Last Wednesday I had the privilege of officially opening a new middle school teaching and learning centre at Heritage College Knox in Ferntree Gully, a moment that stands as a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when vision, collaboration and investment in education come together with a clear purpose. This new facility represents far more than just bricks and mortar. Backed by $1,765,800 in federal government funding through the Capital Grants Program, it is a tangible commitment to the future of young Australians. The centre itself is a testament to contemporary educational design. With modern general learning areas and flexible breakout spaces, it has been carefully crafted to support the diverse needs of today's learners and teachers.”
“My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government working to support our transport industry through this fuel shock?”
“This bill is about fairness in health, confidence in financial markets, modernisation of international engagement and sensible regulatory reform. This bill means greater confidence for people to pursue genetic testing without fear, stronger access to global investment opportunities, responsible participation in international financial institutions and reduced regulatory burden where it does not serve consumers. Our government is getting on with the job—removing barriers, modernising systems and putting Australians first. I commend this bill to the House.”
“Finally, schedule 4 delivers on the government's commitment not to proceed with stage 2 of the financial adviser registration process. The existing stage 1 system already requires AFS licensees to register advisers with ASIC. The Financial Services and Credit Panel has strong disciplinary powers, including suspension or cancellation. Proceeding with stage 2 would have required new IT infrastructure and imposed annual registration requirements from 1 July 2026, adding cost and regulatory burden without enhancing consumer protection. For many small financial advice practices which serve families and retirees, unnecessary red tape ultimately increases costs for clients. This amendment removes duplication while preserving accountability.”
“These institutions are evolving rapidly, developing innovative financial instruments to meet development and climate financing gaps. The amendments ensure that Australia can continue to participate effectively, including in hybrid capital and guarantee arrangements without requiring repeated legislative change for routine transactions that parliament has already endorsed. In regard to global stability, climate resilience and responsive international engagement, this ensures Australia remains a constructive and influential global partner. At the same time, transparency is strengthened through requirements to notify parliament of new financial obligations via disallowable legislative instruments. This is modernisation without diminishing oversight.”
“Australians work in many fields: banking and financial services, retail, health care, education, advanced manufacturing, small businesses and professional services amongst others. Our superannuation funds, which represent the retirement savings of hardworking Australians, rely on access to international markets to diversify investments and to secure returns. These reforms will help ensure Australian businesses and investors can access specialised global expertise and new sources of capital, while maintaining regulatory oversight and market integrity. It is about getting the balance right—maintaining strong safeguards whilst reducing unnecessary red tape. Schedule 3 futureproofs Australia's legislative framework for multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund.”
“There will be strong enforcement, including civil penalties and criminal offences, of non-compliance, regulated by ASIC. This reform removes a real barrier to preventive health and medical research, it encourages early detection, it encourages participation and, ultimately, it saves lives. Schedule 2 will ensure that Australia remains competitive and globally connected. It introduces three targeted exemptions from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence for certain foreign financial services providers—the comparable regulator exemption, the professional investor exemption and the market maker exemption. It also streamlines the licensing process where firms are already regulated by comparable overseas authorities. Why does this matter? It matters because our local economy is deeply connected to global markets.”
“It means a sense of security, and that should never come at the cost of affording lifesaving medical information. The ban on the use of genetic test results in life insurance will provide a level of certainty. It will reassure people that participating in genetic testing, whether through their doctor or through medical research, will not jeopardise their financial security. Importantly, the reform strikes the right balance. It does not prevent individuals from voluntarily providing genetic test results where it would not adversely affect their policy. It does not prevent insurers from using information about diagnosed conditions, symptoms or family medical history. Risk ratings remain intact. What is removed is discrimination based on predictive genetic information.”