Ash Ambihaipahar
Barton · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“They enable earlier, more effective information-sharing to support continuity of care, proactive outreach and smoother transition arrangements, including the earlier transfer of relevant information from Defence to DVA so that claims are processed faster, compensation reaches people sooner and individuals identified as being at increased…”
“Care is not yielding; care is valued work, and we are building a system that treats it that way. He speaks of the social conditions for hope. For too many Australians, homeownership has become a source of despair, rather than aspiration. First home buyers can access a five per cent deposit.”
“It is part of the Albanese Labor government's ongoing, deliberate work to implement the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide—a royal commission this government called for while it was in opposition, because we understood that the scale of veteran suicide in this country demanded more than sympathy.”
“When Pope Leo warns against systems that reduce the person to an algorithm, this Labor government answers, 'Not here—not on our watch.' This letter speaks of the value of work not merely as economic activity but as an expression of human dignity. Catholic social teaching has always held that a fair day's work demands a fair day's pay.”
“Pope Leo also wrote that technology must serve human people, not shape them. Labor's reform, Australia's social media ban for under-16-year-olds, says the same thing in the language of legislation—that no algorithm should be permitted to interrupt a child's becoming.”
“But I want to highlight to this House that progress is not the same as completion, and the work does not end with the passage of this legislation. The health and wellbeing of our defence personnel, our veterans and their families must remain a standing priority of this parliament, not fleeting.”
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“It reflects what many Australians experience every day—multiple traditions, shared values and a sense of belonging that transcends any one background. In recent weeks, I had the privilege of witnessing these celebrations. I attended mayor of Canterbury Bankstown council Councillor Bilal El-Hayek's iftar and the Lakemba Nights market, where members of the Muslim and broader community gathered to break fast during Ramadan. My office also attended the Lebanese Community Council of New South Wales iftar. At each event and in the spirit of Ramadan, people from different backgrounds came together, shared a meal and reflected on the importance of compassion and service. This week, I will be attending the Good Friday service at St Charbel's Maronite church, which is just outside of my electorate of Barton.”
“I'm proudly a Sri Lankan and Papua New Guinean Australian. My heritage reflects two rich cultures and traditions. I was also raised by a Maltese and Italian family who helped shape the person I am today. Growing up, I experienced multiple faith traditions. I also learnt about Catholicism through these families, attending church, observing Lent and celebrating Easter. I also grew up understanding Hinduism and Buddhism through my cultural heritage and family. Multiculturalism was simply my life. It is normal to celebrate different traditions, to learn from different cultures and to understand that faith and identity can take many forms. That is why this rare convergence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Lent feels especially significant.”
“This year we have witnessed a rare convergence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Lent, and this alignment has not been seen since the 19th century. It is rare and deeply meaningful, and it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the rich diversity that defines modern Australia and the shared values that unite us. At the same time, communities across Australia are also observing other significant celebrations, including Holi and Passover. Despite their different traditions, they share common themes of reflection, charity, renewal and hope, and these are values that resonate across cultures, faiths and communities. They are also values that help shape the Australian story. This motion is particularly meaningful to me because my own life has been shaped by diversity in its truest sense.”
“I move: That this House: (1) notes: (a) the rare convergence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan and Lent, which all commenced within 24 hours of 17 February 2026; (b) this alignment has not been seen since the 19th century; and (c) that other significant celebrations, including Holi and Passover, are also being observed by communities at this time; (2) acknowledges and thanks the volunteers, faith leaders and community organisations who work tirelessly to mark these occasions and bring our communities together; (3) recognises that these celebrations, across cultures and faith traditions, share common themes of reflection, generosity, renewal and hope; and (4) affirms that Australia's diversity is one of our great national strengths, and that moments like this remind us that our many traditions together form part of the shared Australian story.”
“Not a single shipment of fuel has been delayed. In fact, we have acted. We've released 20 per cent of our minimum fuel reserves; we've amended fuel standards to increase supply; we've empowered the ACCC to improve distribution, especially into the regional areas; and we're working with international partners to maintain supply. We are using every lever available to keep fuel flowing and ease pressure on prices, and we introduced our Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026 to back in our truckies and crack down on price gouging. That's what leadership looks like.”
“One million households are benefiting from back-to-back increases to rent assistance, 1.1 million Australians are benefiting from higher social security payments, and we're delivering tax relief to every single taxpayer, with round 2 coming this year and round 3 coming the year after. They want to talk about leadership? The Liberal Party's on its second leader this term, has had mass resignations, is yet to produce actual clear policy positions and actually stick to them, and is being dragged around by another party whose only ideas are to divide the people of this country based on where they come from or ban Australians who happen to have my colour of skin. All constituents expect better. Instead of calming the situation, those opposite have made it worse by claiming there is a supply shortage. There is not.”
“Act with care, act with restraint—because we are a kind and united country at its core. That is who we are, and we can choose to act that way when it matters most. This whole parliament should be demonstrating that kind of behaviour. That is leadership, and this government has done that consistently through the cost-of-living relief—$25 medicines on the PBS; paid parental leave expanded to 24 weeks; another pay rise for 2.7 million Aussie workers backed in today; paid pracs for nursing, teaching, social work and midwifery students; 30 per cent off home batteries to permanently cut down power bills; expanded bulk-billing; and another pay rise to aged-care nurses following the first instalment in March.”
“It is companies exploiting anxiety to boost their profits with no thought to how it will make this crisis worse for families getting ready for Easter. But we also have to be honest about what we are seeing in the community. We've not learnt from the 'toilet paper gate' during the pandemic. People are filling up when they don't need to, bringing jerry cans and buying more than what they need, not thinking about the person next to them. That behaviour drives demand higher and pushes prices up even further. At moments like this, we have a choice in how we behave. We can panic, we can treat it like it's every other person for themselves or we can choose something better. The kindest thing you can do right now is to look out for your neighbour. Make sure there is enough for everyone.”
“Because when it came to dealing with those measures, they did not want to engage with the Fair Work amendments. These are practical changes that would support our trucking industries right now. Instead, we saw the member for Goldstein turn to another story about the union conspiracies. Now, that does not help a single family fill up their car, it does not help a single truckie keep their business going and it does not bring prices down. If the coalition is serious about helping Australians, then this is the work in front of us. On the very day of this conflict, when it began, fuel retailers put their prices up. They saw the news cycle. They saw the fear building. They knew Australians would be worried and they took advantage of it. This is predatory.”
“They want to talk about leadership. It's leadership time! This Labor government is a team—the Prime Minister, our ministers, we backbenchers. We work together as one because we know unity delivers the best outcomes for our electorates and our country. My role in the team is to be on the ground. I doorknock, I phonebank and I meet with local constituents. I make myself quite available, and I can say the same for all of us on this side of the chamber. Because of this, we know about the pressure on families right now, and the pressure is real. Families are stretched. Costs are up. People are worried, and they expect us to act quickly and together. We recognise that and we take it very seriously. I welcome the coalition's words earlier today about working together. But do they actually mean it?”
“I also want to acknowledge Aunty Barbara Simms-Keeley, a Bidjigal, Gweagal and Wandi Wandi elder who has generously shared her life story with many people in my electorate of Barton. Aunty Barb spoke of not only the challenges that many Aboriginal women face in dealing with domestic and family violence but also the strength and the resilience from within the community, those in advocacy and community organisations and on the frontlines who have driven this work forward. Their voices are reflected in this plan. Our responsibility is to ensure that this is not just a plan on paper; it must translate into real outcomes, with funding reaching the ground, services being strengthened and communities being supported over the long term. Debate adjourned.”
“That is what this plan seeks to do—from mobile outreach services and emergency accommodation to programs that support women to leave violence safely and rebuild their lives. These initiatives are practical and necessary. Equally important are the preventive measures—programs that support families early, strengthen connections to culture and engage men and boys in addressing the root causes of violence. Prevention is key to long-term change. This plan also aligns with our commitments under Closing the Gap, particularly in reducing family violence and supporting the wellbeing of children and families. But, beyond frameworks and targets, this is about people. It is about ensuring that every woman feels safe, that every child grows up free from fear and that communities are empowered to lead their own healing.”
“But they also spoke about strength—the strength of women who are seeking safety for themselves and their children, the strength of the communities coming together to support one another and the strength of Aboriginal led organisations working tirelessly, often with limited resources, to meet these needs. This plan backs that work, because the statistics we are dealing with are deeply confronting. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience significantly higher rates of violence, hospitalisation and, tragically, loss of life due to family violence. These are not just figures; they represent real people, real families and real communities. Addressing this requires more than a one-size-fits-all response. It requires solutions that are designed with community, delivered by community and grounded in cultural understanding.”
“Recently I had the opportunity to meet with Shaylee Matthews and Charlene Mckenzie from Alawa Aboriginal Corporation. We spoke at length about the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing domestic and family violence. What stood out in that conversation was just how complex these challenges are. It's not just about leaving a violent situation; it is about access to safe housing and about staying connected to culture and community, about trust in the system and about ensuring that support services are culturally appropriate and accessible. They spoke about the barriers women face: fear, isolation and the difficulty of navigating systems that are not always designed with their needs in mind.”
“We are here because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have led the way. They have spoken out, shared their experiences and called for action, and this plan answers that call. The government's investment into Aboriginal community-controlled organisations recognises that communities themselves are best placed to lead. These organisations are trusted, culturally grounded and deeply connected to the people they serve. In my electorate of Barton, we see this leadership in action. Organisations such as Alawa Aboriginal Corporation, along with other First Nations services across the electorate and neighbouring electorates, play a vital role in supporting women and families. They deliver not just services but culturally safe spaces where people feel understood and supported.”
“I rise to support this motion and acknowledge the member for Lingiari for bringing this significant matter before the House. At its heart, this motion speaks to something fundamental: the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children to live safely, free from violence. The 'Our Ways—Strong Ways—Our Voices' plan represents a significant step forward. It is the first dedicated national framework focused specifically on ending family, domestic and sexual violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Importantly, it has been developed in genuine partnership with communities. That partnership matters. For too long, responses have been shaped without fully listening to those most affected. This plan reflects a different approach—one that places Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices at the centre.”
“I want to take this chance to thank Kingsgrove High School, to congratulate its students and, most importantly, to give a huge shout-out to the local mentors, like Andrea, who put their hands up to be a mentor. You are making such a difference to these young people's lives.”
“Thank you to Charlotte Mullins, Gemma Palmer, Daniela Wheatley and the whole Hurstville Community Garden's team for making this space come to life. Last year I attended the Raise mentee graduation ceremony at Kingsgrove High School. Raise is a not-for-profit organisation that runs youth mentoring in our local high schools. It partners keen local volunteers with students who need a little bit more support during their high school journey. In doing so, the program provides a trustworthy, empathetic mentor to each student. This creates a safe and welcoming space for the student to chat through the challenges they may be experiencing at school and in their personal life with a champion who will back them 100 per cent. This sees the student grow in confidence and get through the difficult years of high school.”
“A special shout-out to her leader, Rosalie Nunn, too who has supported Jahnava along the way. Congratulations to Hurstville Community Garden. Not only has this fantastic community group pulled off a very successful Clean Up Australia Day; they are also going to open their own permaculture garden. Green spaces are so important to metro communities like Barton. They give us a space to escape the daily grind, connect with nature and, more importantly, meet like-minded neighbours. But they only happen when community members take time out of their busy schedules to chip in. I'm excited to cut the ribbon for this beautiful space which will open this Saturday. I will also get to plant a beautiful native, one of many that will thrive in this beautiful space.”
“Bravo to Jahnava Tevita of Earlwood District Girl Guides, who has been awarded the highly acclaimed Baden-Powell Award. Unfortunately, I could not attend Jahnava's ceremony. Because of that, I want to celebrate her award here with you all in the Australian parliament. The Baden-Powell Award recognises guides who have outstanding commitment to the Girl Guide promise and law, outdoor skills, service to others and leadership within their unit. I'm told that Jahnava has gone above and beyond in demonstrating these values, having been an active member of Earlwood District Girl Guides since she was six. She's a girl after my own heart, completing this award without fuss, all by herself, whilst lifting up her peers. Jahnava, your perseverance, your humility and your leadership are going to take you very far.”
“Continue standing with them during these awful times. Do not give in to the politics of hate and division. And to those in the other parties like the Greens, who say we have not spoken about Lebanon, those claims are simply not true. The Greens have got form on this—they've used misinformation to create fear and division before. Senator Shoebridge should not use this crisis for political point-scoring. The Foreign Minister has spoken about Lebanon multiple times and is urging Australians in Lebanon to register with DFAT crisis portal. We stand with our Lebanese Australian community. We oppose any major ground offensive into Lebanon and we stand united as a diverse, compassionate and proud Australian community with our Lebanese brothers and sisters here.”
“It is an extremely distressing time for Lebanese Australians who are worried about their families and loved ones. Our message to Australians in the Middle East, including Lebanon, is clear: if you want to, leave now while commercial flights are available. We do not want to see Israel conduct a major ground offensive into Lebanon. We condemn the comments by an Israeli minister suggesting that parts of Beirut would look like Gaza. Enough of this needless pain and suffering. At the same time, Hezbollah must disarm. We support Lebanese authorities in their efforts to prohibit any military activity by Hezbollah, and we call on everyone to adhere to international humanitarian law. In Barton so many of us live alongside Lebanese neighbours. We share our faith, schools, coffee shops and our homes.”
“It shows people in very practical terms that health care is an inherent right of Australian citizenship and that you have that right not because you can afford but because you are one of us. Our Medicare cards are green and gold. It is proudly an Australian institution, and by investing in bulk-billing we are ensuring it remains so for decades to come. In this chamber, we often hear the member for Lyne lobbying for an urgent care clinic in Taree—”
“For this reason, my speech today is a celebration of all the initiatives this government is supporting in order to lift up all Australians and celebrate the diversity of electorates like my own of Barton. Firstly, we are investing in our healthcare system because health care should not depend on your bank balance or your postcode. In Barton, that investment has seen a 64 per cent increase in bulk-billing Medicare practices. That is on top of the brand new urgent care clinic in Carlton where you can walk in and see a doctor with just your Medicare card. That is what universal health care looks like in practice. Investing in bulk-billing is first and foremost an investment in frontline services, but it's also an investment in equity.”
“It's cooked in kitchens that smell like every corner of the world. It is told at dinner tables where grandparents speak one language and grandchildren answer in another. Yet the values are always recognisably Australian—fairness, opportunity, respect and community. That is why the politics of division are so corrosive. We are not angry, vindictive or divided people. We must not let imported populist attitudes and rhetoric poison our politics and split us apart. Australians know instinctively that the strength of our country comes from pulling together. That is why this government is focused on the things that actually improve people's lives—real issues, real services, real opportunities.”
“It is patriotism that looks forward, not backward. It is pride without exclusion. It is a love of country that grows stronger the more people are welcomed into the story. Put simply, progressive patriotism says that you can love your country and believe it can always be better because the Australian story has never been static. It has always evolved, expanded and grown. We are one, but we are many, as the song goes. That means we have to foster a deep respect for uniquely Australian institutions, educate one another on our core Australian values and celebrate together. Australia's not defined by sameness. Australia is defined by a shared purpose. Our diversity is not a footnote in our national story. It is the story. The Australian story is written in hundreds of languages.”
“I rise to speak on the appropriation bills before the House and, in doing so, I want to celebrate the priorities of this Albanese government. Now, budgets aren't just about numbers; they are also about values. Every appropriation bill tells a story about the country we are trying to build together. These bills are not simply line items on a spreadsheet; they are investments in the kind of Australia we want to be. They show what we believe matters, and what this government believes is very simple: that Australia works best when no-one is left behind. The Prime Minister has coined a phrase: progressive patriotism. As Assistant Minister Hill explained in a speech earlier this year, progressive patriotism refers to a pride in Australia and an unashamed, overt focus on inclusion and a striving for a shared Australian identity.”
“I need to highlight that no-one on this side of the chamber is saying that the work is done. I do want to recognise the contributions from the member for Fowler and understand the challenges in the workforce. We have been able to listen to some of the contributions from this side of the chamber about what the Labor Party has been doing in the past couple of years, particularly in this term of government. I want to highlight, particularly for the member of Fowler, that everyone on this side of the chamber absolutely supports the people in your electorate. As a new MP, I see my role as a community service, and I think it's a responsibility of everyone in this parliament to use their platform to promote and inform our community about those services, whether you agree with them or not.”
“We will advocate for the electorate of Fowler. I want to highlight that, in my electorate of Barton, we have 34 Medicare bulk-billing practices across the electorate, and 13 of these practices were previously charging patients an out-of-pocket fee before Labor's record investment into bulk-billing on 1 November last year. Unlike the member for Fowler—she's got 94 per cent—I have 64 per cent of practices in Barton now bulk-billing all their patients all the time. We also have an urgent care clinic in Carlton. It's been there for a while. There have been about 23,000-odd presentations to that particular urgent care clinic, and it has been a success. We have a large medical precinct in Kogarah as well, and we've seen the impact of this urgent care clinic's operations on reducing the workload in the emergency department.”
“I could not find any records of her talking about this. I think it's wonderful that the member for Fowler has an urgent care clinic in Liverpool. I think we spoke about 94 per cent of practices in the electorate of Fowler now bulk-billing every patient, which is one of the highest rates in the country. I think that needs to be highlighted, particularly for my electorate of Barton. I do want to talk about my contributions as a regional director at Vinnies and about how I perceive my role as being not only the member for Barton but someone who takes into consideration everyone's electorate in this country and how they are impacted. I think that is the underpinning principle of the Labor Party. We don't talk about individualism; we talk about collectivism. I think everyone here on this side of the chamber is very proud of that.”
“I understand some of the challenges in the New South Wales health sector, in particular around ratios, staffing and burnout. But I also have to highlight a couple of things that we haven't really discussed here today. I want to remind the member for Fowler that the former coalition froze Medicare rebates for six years. You can't underfund primary care for nearly a decade and then have the hide to bring an MPI here today and say we're not doing enough. No-one's saying we are done and have finished the job. There is absolutely more work to do. But I need to make that very clear to the member for Fowler, particularly when her electorate has been able to benefit from an urgent care clinic. I did have the opportunity to look at the member for Fowler's social media account and her contributions to parliament in the Hansard .”
“First off, I'd like to thank the member for Fowler for her contribution today. I'm a little bit offended by her referring to our wonderful healthcare system and Medicare as a 'postcode lottery', particularly because part of my old role at St Vincent de Paul Society was to look after your electorate. It was a large area I looked after—from Gosford down to Helensburgh and out to the Blue Mountains. I'm very aware of the challenges in your electorate from the perspective of not only health but also the cost-of-living pressures out there. I do want to acknowledge your contribution on the workforce shortage. As a solicitor at the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association, I did a lot of representation for our members out in your area, but mainly up north.”
“So when the member for Goldstein stands here, implying small businesses are somehow being ignored, I say this: small businesses don't need slogans; they need support. And that is exactly what we are delivering. Here's the bold truth: small business owners see through this. They know who's turning up with real solutions. (Time expired)”
“Wholesale electricity prices fell by a third last quarter, and our job is now to get that relief flowing to the retail bills of households and small businesses. We're reforming the default market offer to ensure small businesses pay a fair price. We've rolled out the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, with thousands of installations already helping businesses take control of their energy bills rather than holding them hostage to price increases. We've invested in the Fair Work Ombudsman advisory services, in the Fair Work Commission and in tailored resources so small businesses can understand new laws without needing any in-house legal team, because we recognise that small businesses don't have HR departments; they have owners who do payroll on a dining table after closing shop.”
“We've turned two big Liberal deficits into two Labor surpluses. We more than halved the deficit in the third year. We found 114 billion bucks in savings, including $20 billion in the most recent update, while the coalition failed to deliver a single cent of savings in their last budget. Not a single cent—doughnuts. Yet we have to listen to lectures on economic management. Real spending growth averaged 4.1 per cent under the coalition compared to 1.7 per cent under us. So, when we hear crocodile tears about spending, forgive us if we have to check the receipts. Let's talk about energy, because small business owners don't pay their power bills on ideology. After a decade of delay, dysfunction and denial, we are rebuilding the grid with the lowest-cost form of energy, renewables.”
“And yes, we're fixing franchising laws with a stronger code enforced by the ACCC because small operators deserve transparency and fairness, not fine print set-ups. And let's address the elephant in the room: interest rates. The independent Reserve Bank has increased the cash rate by 25 basis points. That is tough news. It will hurt households and small businesses, and we acknowledge that. Unlike those opposite, we don't pretend these pressures don't exist or come into this House complaining about problems; we actually respond to them. We're delivering responsible cost-of-living relief with further tax cuts this year and next, and we're strengthening the budget while tackling productivity—the real long-term driver of sustainable growth for small business. When it comes to fiscal credibility, let's compare records.”
“We're improving payment times with a $33.4 million investment, including an overhauled Payment Times Reporting Scheme and a fast payers list to shine a spotlight on small businesses that aren't paying on time and small businesses that are, because we know cash flow is very important for small businesses. We've rolled out more than $80 million in digital and cyber supports, from the Digital Solutions program to Cyber Wardens, because we know resilience in the modern economy isn't just about foot traffic; it's also about firewalls. We've backed energy efficiency grants, helping businesses cut bills and emissions, and we're reforming procurement rules through the Buy Australian Plan so small and medium enterprises get a fair crack at government contracts, not just the big end of town with the biggest lobbying budget.”
“Small businesses don't just operate in our communities; they hold them together. And what have we done? We've backed them. We've delivered tax cuts, some already in place and more coming out this year and the next, benefiting 1.5 million sole traders—the very tax cuts those opposite labelled a cruel hoax. Imagine telling Australian sole traders that their relief is imagined. That's not economic policy; that is political theatre, and we've seen it today. We've legislated the instant asset write-off so small businesses can invest in the tools, tech and equipment that they need to grow productivity and jobs.”
“I rise to respond to this motion from the member for Goldstein. Let me say this upfront: if there was an Olympic sport for talking down to small business while claiming to champion it, the member for Goldstein would be on that podium every single time. Here's the truth: while those opposite are busy delivering us lectures, this government is delivering outcomes—real support, real reform, real relief—for the 2.66 million small businesses which are the pillar of our economy and the beating heart of our communities. It's the cafe that opens very early, like The Little Cup and Saucer cafe in Canterbury. It's the tradie in Kingsgrove who backs himself to go out every day. It's the family run chicken shop, Hariri, in Kogarah, sponsoring the Banksia Tigers Football Club.”
“My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. How is the Albanese Labor government working with local councils to support communities, and how does this compare to other approaches?”
“They also propose grounds where the Attorney-General may or must terminate the term of the person serving in that role. This bill reflects the reality of the security environment Australia is now facing. It acknowledges that threats have evolved and extremism is adapting and that our legal framework must do the same. At the same time, it reinforces the principle that strong security powers must sit alongside strong safeguards, oversight and accountability. And it reminds us that laws alone are not enough. As parliamentarians, we must continue to build trust, strengthen social cohesion and ensure people are heard, supported and included. That is how we reduce the conditions in which extremism thrives. That is how we support the work our security agencies do, and that is how we keep Australia safe not just in law but in practice.”
“They play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the law and protecting the rights of the person being questioned. Eligible persons are former judges who have served on a superior court for at least five years, the current president or deputy president of the ART, or a senior counsellor like a barrister who has been enrolled as a legal practitioner for at least 10 years and holds a current practising certificate. These amendments expand the list of persons who are not eligible to be a prescribed authority. It does so to make sure that anyone with a conflict of interest cannot act in this role. They include members of the Defence Force, APS employees or a Public Service agency head, members of parliament, the Director of Public Prosecutions or solicitors-general.”
“I think the power to investigate threats of communal violence is particularly important in the wake of 14 December. Wherever there is an actor spruiking violence against a group of people for simply existing, ASIO should have the power to investigate and question this person before the threat becomes real. There are also amendments to ensure that, for every questioning warrant, the Director-General must give the Attorney-General a written report containing listed details. These details include any non-compliance or contravention of warrants granted. Such enhanced reporting obligations ensure that these laws are not misused whilst maintaining transparency and accountability. A prescribed authority is a person appointed by the Attorney-General under subsection 34AD(1) of the ASIO Act.”
“These grounds are if the adult has engaged in espionage, politically motivated violence or acts of foreign interference. It covers where these acts are directed or committed in Australia or not. We are adding four new grounds on which an adult can be questioned. These are where they engage in sabotage, where they promote communal violence, where they attack Australia's defence system or for the protection of Australia's territorial and border integrity from serious threats. The addition of these grounds gives ASIO the power it needs to investigate any potential threats to Australia's peace and security. Put simply, this ensures ASIO can investigate the full range of modern national security threats, not just the ones we were focused on 20 years ago.”
“The warrants were first introduced by the Howard government in 2003 as temporary measures, and these compulsory questioning powers are a valuable intelligence collection tool to protect Australians from threats to their security. The clauses in question have been used sparingly but continuously over successive governments. Though originally temporary, the sunset clause on these provisions has been extended five times. Each time, it has been subject to multiple parliamentary and independent reviews. These amendments remove the sunset clause and make the regime permanent. By making it permanent, we are formalising an already regular practice and, in turn, providing certainty and clarity to our security organisations. As it stands, there are only three grounds upon which an adult can be questioned.”
“It's a role that I'm very much humbled to be able to have and I'm proud to play a part in it. It is about consistent, genuine engagement. It means speaking with people one on one, explaining decisions early and listening seriously to their concerns. Populism connects with people because it speaks directly and plainly. We can do the same, without the fear, division or extremism that often accompanies it. If we do not, we risk increasing the likelihood that extraordinary powers will be needed more often. We want ASIO to have the powers it needs to keep Australians safe and we want those powers to be used carefully, proportionately and only when necessary. To make that possible, we as MPs must do our part. In a similar vein, let me explain the amendments that are before us. ASIO has a compulsory questioning warrants framework under the act.”
“As parliamentarians we see this evolving context play out in our communities and, yet, I also hear something else from constituents: how lucky they feel to live in this country and how strongly they want it to remain a safe and welcoming country. There are two parts to that task. The first is passing legislation like this bill before us and the anti-hate legislation that was passed a fortnight ago. The second part is less visible but just as important. We must ensure we are playing proactive, constructive roles in our communities. Being an MP does not just mean turning up to presentations or events, while I do enjoy that. It means connecting with all these groups, families and religious groups across the electorates and providing them with effective, efficient connection to government.”
“Rather, they show that claims about imported violence are often themselves a symptom of radicalisation, not a reflection of reality. Our young people are being targeted at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. They're being told that their loneliness, frustration and lack of opportunities are the fault of a neighbour, migrant or minority group. In truth, the threat is often far closer to home. It is the anonymous online forum that rewards outrage. It's the algorithm that promotes the most extreme content because it captures attention. It is the replacement of real human connection with constant exposure to anger and fear. This is why measures like the social media ban matter. They recognise that what happens online has very real consequences offline, especially for developing minds.”
“In the aftermath, many Australians feel that hatred and insecurity all around them. I am particularly concerned by the number of young people being radicalised in online spaces. ASIO has warned that this will only increase. In ASIO's submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security they note that, in 2020, a third of their counterterrorism case load involved minors. This was aggravated by an increased amount of time spent online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Burgess has said that this cohort is overwhelmingly male, largely Australian born and drawn together not by a single ideology but by a fascination with violence. That detail matters because it challenges some easy but incorrect narratives. I'm not repeating these facts to lay blame.”
“I encourage people who don't believe me to just to look at the comment sections of my Facebook posts. It's content that I can't put on the Hansard . It's really difficult that debate our community has resulted in that. That kind of language doesn't appear out of nowhere. It's cultivated, encouraged and amplified, often by people who benefit from that division. Since that day, many Australians have told me they feel a heightened sense of fear and vulnerability. That's not just in the Jewish communities but across the board. When I began writing this speech, before the Bondi massacre on 14 December, we knew that we were living in a dangerous context, but the horror and the evil that unfolded on that day is something that many of us could not have imagined. It was antisemitism, a vile hatred, that motivated such an attack.”