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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“The now minister for health and ageing, Mark Butler, said at the time that it was the biggest public policy failure in living memory. Australia's response to the pandemic was delayed, unresponsive and uncoordinated. It left many of us on the couch disappointed in the government of the day and frustrated that successive governments had not had the foresight to plan for such a public health crisis. They say if you want something done you've got to do it yourself or you've got to be the change you want to see in the world. I'm proud to have swapped the couch for these plush benches and the PJs for a suit. The Albanese government has committed to ensuring that the Morrison government's failures will not happen again.”
“I rise to speak on the Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025. This bill responds directly to the recommendations from the COVID-19 response inquiry report released in October last year. It reflects on a health crisis that quickly became a crisis of information, trust and certainty. We are still dealing with the effects of a loss of trust in government and public health now. Let me take you back to when I was seated on a couch in my pyjamas, a rapid antigen test on the counter beside me and the daily press conference on the TV—a time that no-one remembers very fondly. We tuned in to listen to the latest bungle of the Morrison government, be it vaccine rollout delays, the procurement failures, the crisis in aged-care facilities or the breakdown in quarantine arrangements.”
“We have placed gender equality at the heart of the economic management approach by passing legislation to enable that principle in the Fair Work Commission's decision-making process. We on this side of the chamber understand that this policy reform is what Australians and the people of Barton voted for. When we talk about wages, workplace laws and fairness, we are really talking about people—the nurse finishing her multiple night shifts in a row; the hospitality worker spending every Saturday night behind the bar, instead of with their family; and the construction worker who just wants to get home safely after a long day on the site. These are the Australians who trust us to get it right—to deliver a system that values their contribution and rewards their hard work. That is exactly what this Labor government is doing.”
“We also understand that workers who tend to be award reliant are more likely to be women. This is an important reform to protect not only young workers but also women. Furthermore, this Albanese Labor government has focused on reform to remove barriers from bargaining that have been especially significant for workers in low-paid female dominated sectors like childhood education and aged care. That's because, unlike those on the other side of the chamber, we recognise the historical gender based undervaluation of workers in these industries. Because of the Albanese Labor government, the gender pay gap is now at its equal lowest level on record of 11.5 per cent.”
“This Labor government has consistently advocated sustainable rises for the minimum and award wages at the Fair Work Commission to ensure we protect our low-paid workers from the pressures of the cost of living. I know how important penalty rates are both to my community of Barton and across the country, especially for young workers. The recent legislative changes guarantee that approximately 2.6 million people who are award reliant, who slog it hard on public holidays and weekends at the cost of not being with their family and friends, have their penalty rates protected. Penalty and overtime rates are crucial to ensuring people who rely on these entitlements have them protected by law. These are generally the young workers who work in retail and hospitality and in the caring industry.”
“This government has delivered the strongest annual real wage growth in five years. We can see that the reforms for enterprise bargaining are having a practical impact, where there are a record 2.8 million Aussies covered by an enterprise agreement. One thing I learnt during my time in the union movement is that people covered by an enterprise agreement tend to have much higher wage growth than those who are on the award. Under this government, enterprise bargaining agreements are delivering average annual wage increases of 4.2 per cent. This is above inflation and average wage increases in the broader economy. Furthermore, as of 1 July this year, all minimum and award wage employees got a 3.5 per cent wage rise.”
“I come into this chamber having a wealth of experience and a good grasp of what good employment and industrial relations reform can do to help workers. I come into this chamber having a good understanding that good policy that supports workers can also support employers, what good wages growth means to workers and how that plays a role in the retention of workers but also in providing stability for employers. The Albanese government is committed to workers keeping more of what they earn and supporting Australians with the cost of living. When I was campaigning in my electorate of Barton, I know people voted for higher wages, and that is exactly what this Labor government is doing. Real wage growth is pertinent to helping workers with the cost of living and making sure that they can get ahead.”
“I rise to speak on the appropriation bill. I have had the opportunity to practice as an employment industrial relations lawyer for about 10 years. I've had the privilege of helping workers with underpayments, unfair dismissals, general protections, enterprise bargaining and much more. This experience has traversed various industries, such as construction and health. I've also been able to support employers in navigating workplace relations law, ensuring that they are compliant whilst providing the advice and representation that balances our operational challenges and the rights of workers. This was primarily in the hospitality sector, working for small-business hotel operators and also for large employers.”
“Bring the community along with the decision-making. It's not hard. Don't do it behind closed doors. Go back and review those closures for Rockdale and Kingsgrove. Were they justified? What has been the impact? Australia Post is operating like it's privatised and can quietly cut and run. It is a public service. It's a community anchor. The people of Barton—the older residents, the core community and small businesses—will not stand by while it's hollowed out. I call on Australia Post leadership to look my community in the eye and answer the simple question: are you here to serve the people or are you here to abandon them? House adjourned at 20:00”
“First let me say that Rockdale has already taken one blow with the closure of its post office. Now, to add insult to injury, Australia Post is removing the post boxes from Rockdale as well. It is slowly dismantling essential services, piece by piece, decision by decision. It leaves residents furious, and rightly so. 'What's next?' they ask. Here is what has to happen. We need to put a stop to any further closures or removals of post offices in Barton until proper community consultation is done. We need to publish the real reasons and criteria for these closures and removals, stop hiding behind 'commercial in confidence' as if the community doesn't deserve an explanation and hold open community meetings with residents, business owners, councils and local organisations, like Kingsgrove Community Centre.”
“I've door-knocked Kingsgrove, Rockdale and precincts around the post offices. I've spoken to senior residents, business owners and mothers doing errands at their local precincts, people who cannot afford extra travel. I have launched a petition, gathering signatures and stories. I want to also acknowledge the tireless advocacy of the Kingsgrove community centre, who have stood shoulder to shoulder with residents in raising their concerns and mobilising the community's voice, and also local resident Liwen Huan, who has also advocated. Their work is a testament to the strength of the local community, who refuse to let their community be ignored. Enough is enough. Australia Post cannot continue to abandon suburbs such as Rockdale and Kingsgrove without warning, without reasons and without respect for the people who rely on them.”
“Those already disadvantaged lose further ground when essential access is taken away. What is most galling, what I cannot tolerate, is the opaque and top-down method that Australia Post is using to make these closures. We are repeatedly told that decisions are made on grounds of 'decline in foot traffic', which is essentially code for 'financial losses', which are shrouded by commercial in confidence. That has to change. We see a pattern—little or no warning, no transparent criteria, no genuine consultation and no accountability once a decision is made. If Australia Post wants licence to modernise, prioritise and evolve, that is understandable, but the public has the right to know. The community must be heard, and the decision-making must be transparent. I've taken this fight to the ground.”
“Older people and those with mobility challenges are being forced to travel farther or, worse, are unable to access postal, bill payment, identity or banking services altogether. In my electorate, many constituents who come from a culturally diverse backgrounds are reliant on face to face. That's very important for trusted services and such. Some have already told me that they are not comfortable with digital alternatives or to travel far. Local small businesses in close proximity to these post offices use the postal services for daily parcel supplies et cetera. Their operations have been disrupted, their costs are increasing, and they're facing inconvenience—for example, having to close their shops longer to go to another post office farther away. For many, it's not just a matter of convenience; it's also about equity.”
“I rise tonight to speak on a matter of deep frustration, serious consequence and pressing urgency to my community—the closure of Australia Post offices in my electorate, particularly in Rockdale and Kingsgrove. As the member for Barton, I feel the weight of every constituent who has lost vital access, and I stand here demanding change in process and accountability by Australia Post. About a year ago, Australia Post shut the Rockdale post office, and today the Kingsgrove post office, very much a fixture of the community, has been officially closed. These are not just buildings being closed; these are community lifelines being severed with little warning, little explanation and no consultation. Let me tell you of the human consequences.”
“All in all, it means that bad-faith actors that undermine the reputation of our charity sector will be exposed, whilst the rest of the sector benefits from greater confidence and security. Finally, the bill extends the powers of the ACCC in the energy market so it can continue to address misconduct by retailers and generators, because a fair, transparent economy isn't just good policy; it's who we are as Australians. We believe in a fair go. We believe in doing the right thing, and this bill helps make sure everyone else does too.”
“It sheds a light on the constitution and personnel of big multinational companies whilst also enabling small businesses to get ahead, because backing hardworking regular people whilst holding power to account has always been a part of Labor's agenda. As much as those on the other side would like to claim that we are an enemy of small business, these reforms prove this is not true. At the same time, this bill backs in our charity sector. It does so by giving the ACNC the power to disclose information about its investigations. Such reform will give donors and the public the confidence to donate generously and volunteer their time to trustworthy organisations. Moreover, it will assure those who have made complaints about organisations.”
“When speaking about the application of these compliance powers, ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said: With electricity prices increasing, and many Australians looking for a better deal, it's crucial that the information people receive from their energy company is correct and can be relied upon. Indeed, without these checks and balances, households are beholden to the claims made by these providers and left in the dark. The extension of these powers means that the ACCC can continue to stamp out false and misleading claims. That way, Australians can continue to make informed financial decisions about their energy bills whilst balancing their household budgets. This particular bill upholds the Albanese government's commitment to transparency and accountability.”
“This is about protecting those who give back and ensuring that the good in our community isn't undermined by the few who exploit it. Finally, this bill extends the Treasury Laws Amendment (Prohibiting Energy Market Misconduct) Act provisions until 1 January 2031. This will allow the ACCC to continue to investigate and address misconduct by retailers and generators in the electricity markets. Like much of this bill, this goes to increasing transparency and accountability in the sector. Such an extension comes off the back of an independent review which found these were effective in constraining market misconduct and protecting households and businesses.”
“These reforms protect our sector and punish those who seek to take advantage of it. Specifically, these reforms will allow the ACNC to assure charities and donors that it is acting on issues of public concern. It will now be able to disclose information about ongoing or newly commenced investigations. Of course, however, significant safeguards will apply to these disclosures, including a public harm test, which will balance transparency with risk to charity reputation, due process and confidentiality. Taken as a whole, these reforms will assure donors and charities alike that we have confidence in our sector. In turn, this will contribute to the government's commitment of doubling philanthropic giving by 2030.”
“In 2018, the ACNC review called out the secrecy provisions as being overly restrictive, as they meant that the public or donors may not have known whether the allegations or concerns about a charity were being addressed. Before entering parliament, I worked in the charity sector, and I still make sure to volunteer with local not-for-profit organisations. I hate that there are bad-faith actors that take advantage of the title 'charity'. It's a blight on the sector. It's an insult of the worst kind to the good people working every single day for the benefit of others. The fact that these bad-faith actors would take advantage of the most vulnerable in our community is disappointing. When a charity rorts the system, everyone loses including donors, volunteers and the people who need help most.”
“The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission is the national regulator for charities in Australia. It keeps track of which organisations qualify as charities, makes sure they play by the rules and helps the public see where charitable money goes. Clearly, the ACNC is essential for retaining public trust in our charity sector. That's why the Albanese government is making sure that the ACNC can disclose information about new and ongoing investigations where the disclosure would prevent or minimise the risk of significant harm. Previously, the ACNC could not publicly disclose whether it was conducting an investigation.”
“We have also delivered additional energy bill relief for around one million small businesses and delivered two new tax cuts for every taxpayer. These cuts benefit around 1.5 million sole traders. On top of this, we've rolled out cheaper home batteries, so small businesses can slash energy bills for good, and extended unfair trading practice protections to small businesses. Small businesses are the heart of unique and diverse local communities. From Princes Highway in Rockdale to Railway Parade in Kogarah and the hub around Forest Road in Hurstville, small businesses employ local people, cook incredible food and keep us caffeinated, fix our car, cut our hair and help us do our taxes. They help make Barton what it is. I'm proud to be part of a government aiding these small businesses.”
“They look to local tradespeople, suppliers, service firms and fit-out contractors. The benefit is multiplied as those in the local community lift each other up. Furthermore, by claiming the full tax deduction upfront, small businesses are able to reduce their taxable incomes and thus increase their refunds. This means that cash stays in their businesses. This makes all the difference for small businesses operating with very tight margins. I know that the cost of doing business in Sydney is pretty difficult—rents are high, insurance can be expensive, technology is ever evolving. The $20,000 instant asset write-off is just one of the measures that this Albanese government is implementing to address these pressures.”
“In Barton, our high streets depend on small operators. We have buzzing local neighbourhoods because small businesses are able to set up shop. This write-off is about continuing to support these businesses and the locals they employ. With this instant asset write-off, offices might choose to upgrade their computer software, whilst tradies might purchase new tools and machinery. Takeaway shops might improve their point-of-sale systems, while hairdressers might install new signage on their facades. All of these common purchases go a long way to increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the businesses. In turn, they can help bring more money through the front door and support their employees. Moreover, small businesses employ other locals to undertake upgrades and refurbishments.”
“Everyday Australians and small local businesses have to be transparent come tax time. They spend their time and money crossing their t's and dotting their i's. It's time that billion-dollar companies do the same. This new public ownership register makes sure the same rules apply to everyone. This bill also delivers the government's commitment to support small businesses by extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off by 12 months until 30 June 2026. The instant asset write-off is a tax break for small businesses that lets them immediately claim the cost of new equipment or assets rather than spreading the deduction over several years. The threshold applies per asset, which means a small business can claim multiple purchases. To be eligible, the business must have an annual turnover of under $10 million.”
“Of course, ASIC is also given the flexibility to determine what should be disclosed and how, in order to protect the personal information of those people involved. Such flexibility flows from the consultation undertaken by the Treasury on this bill. It ensures that individual privacy is not compromised while still retaining strict enforcement mechanisms. These are reforms with teeth. We are not just introducing a register for the sake of it. We want multinationals to be upfront about their structures, their tax and their activities. What is particularly important is that this information will be accessible to everyone, not just the regulators. Any person will be able to look at this register and understand who controls the big companies that impact their life. Dodgy operators have nowhere to hide.”
“This register is a huge step forward in increasing transparency, and from transparency comes greater fairness for taxpayers. The register will make it harder for multinationals to hide assets in shell companies. It will expose conflicts of interest and shed light on where exactly these businesses are based. All in all, this will crack down on multinational tax avoidance. Australia is not the place for big, powerful, multinational companies to hide. If you don't want to play by the rules, expect consequences. These reforms also enhance ASIC's enforcement powers. It will be able to issue freezing notices when multinationals fail to comply. It can also issue tracing notices to entities to compel respondents to disclose details. The penalties for failing to disclose have also been increased.”
“We're backing family businesses who play by the rules, not the big corporations that bend them. No-one held back, no-one left behind and no-one more equal than others—that's the transparency, fairness and accountability that this bill and this government represent and which I'm proud to detail now. The bill delivers on the first stage of the government's commitment to implement a public beneficial ownership register. A public beneficial ownership register is a database that is accessible to everyday people. On it, you'll be able to see who actually owns, controls or benefits from big multinational companies who operate here in Australia. If you conduct your business in Australia, then Australians should know who you are.”
“The Albanese government is proud to introduce this bill to back small businesses, charities and consumers. In this speech, I want to focus on four measures that this bill introduces or extends. They are the introduction of the public beneficial ownership register, the extension of the small business instant asset write-off, the new powers given to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and the extension of the provisions prohibiting energy market misconduct. Each of these measures stands up for the people who open up their high street shop each morning, staff their shop counters and pay the wages of local workers. In turn, these measures send a message to the multinational corporations who have the power to move their assets and hide their identities.”
“I rise to speak on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Financial Systems and Other Measures) Bill 2025. This bill introduces a suite of measures that enhance transparency and accountability while also supporting our small businesses. These measures are at the core of the Albanese government's commitment to fairness. No matter whether you're a big multinational company or a mum-and-dad corner store, you should be upfront about your business and its structures. That's what the Australian public expects, and that's what this reform delivers. Too often, Labor governments are wrongly labelled as antibusiness or anticompetition. We're smashed as being hostile to hardworking Australian taxpayers who are just trying to get ahead, but this bill proves this wrong.”
“It is a legacy that inspires future generations not only to engage in football but to carry forward the values of community, respect and cultural pride that this association represents. Congratulations, ACSA, and Mr Kim Mok, the chairman of the association. I wish it every success as it continues to grow, compete and inspire for the next 30 years and beyond.”
“From supporting Eastwood Harmony Day, the Lebanese ALFA Cup and Home 789 to hosting international friendlies, ACSA has demonstrated what sport does best—it brings people together across cultures, generations and borders. ACSA's legacy isn't measured in goals and awards but in the friendships, connections and community spirit it has built. ACSA has shown us that, when people come together for the love of the game, they also build stronger and more inclusive communities. Starting an organisation is hard, but sustaining it for 30 years takes vision, dedication and heart, and that's exactly what this association has shown. The Australian Chinese Soccer Association's 30-year journey is a story of dedication and perseverance.”
“For 30 years, ACSA has proven that football is more than just a game; it's a way to unite cultures, generations and communities. From local leagues to international tournaments, ACSA has carried the pride of our community onto the world stage. Even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, when international competitions had to pause, ACSA found ways to keep the spirit very much alive by promoting senior football locally and investing in referee training to secure the future of the game. Now, post pandemic, the association has returned stronger than ever, with six teams in Penang in 2023; five teams in Nanchang in 2024; and excelling at the Taipei Masters Cup in the 65 and 70 age groups this year. These are remarkable achievements. But ACSA's contribution goes beyond tournaments.”
“On 30 August 2025 it was an honour to celebrate 30 years of the Australian Chinese Soccer Association in Hurstville—three decades of passion for football, community spirit and friendship. When the association was first registered in 1995 after several months of hard work and preparation, no-one could have predicted the scale of its growth. What began as a humble initiative has today become a thriving community organisation built on the dedication of presidents, patrons, sponsors and committee members and the relentless commitment of players and supporters. Over the years, ACSA has documented an incredible journey. From local matches to international competition, it has left a powerful imprint not only on the Chinese Australian community but also on Australia's broader sporting and multicultural landscape.”
“Australia and Ukraine continue to stand side-by-side, and we will continue to support Ukraine until a peace is secured that is fair, stable and respectful of their sovereignty and freedom. For the Ukrainian community in Barton, for the people I joined in celebration on their independence day and for all who believe in a rules based international order, our message is very clear: Australia stands with Ukraine. You will always have a home in our community.”
“The role of the United States and our European allies has been crucial in supporting Ukraine's defence of its sovereignty. We welcome President Trump working with President Zelenskyy and European leaders towards a deal that can end this illegal and immoral war and restore stability in Europe. But Putin must show he's serious about peace. Any settlement must be just, lasting and comprehensive. Australia has a proud convention of peacekeeping yielding back more than 80 years. As the Prime Minister has said, the Albanese Labor government remains open to considering any future request to contribute to peacekeeping efforts if it supports a just and enduring peace for Ukraine. This war is more than Ukraine; it's about the world we want to live in, one where, regardless of size or power, no country dominates and no country is dominated.”
“They save lives, they strengthen Ukraine's defence and they send a clear signal: Australia will not sit by while international law is crushed. We have also imposed a thorough and strict suite of more than 1,500 sanctions and trade measures against Russia. These measures make sure that Russia pays a heavy price for its illegal invasion. They deny it access to Australian markets and prevent us from inadvertently funding Putin's war machine. Most recently, the Albanese government has imposed two new waves of targeted sanctions against 44 individuals and entities across Russia's critical industries and on 60 shadow fleet vessels used to move Russian oil. These steps are designed to starve Russia's war economy of oil revenue, the very lifeblood of its aggression. Australia does not act alone.”
“Their resilience lives in our community in Barton. Australia has stood strongly with Ukraine since the earliest days of this conflict. To date, we have provided more than $1.5 billion in support, including $1.3 billion in military assistance, making us the largest non-NATO contributor of military aid to Ukraine. We have also delivered more than $85 million in humanitarian assistance, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive help and hope. In August, our commitment was demonstrated once again when Australia deployed a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe with up to 150 ADF personnel under Operation Kudu. Their mission is to protect a critical international gateway for humanitarian and military assistance into Ukraine. These contributions matter.”
“They are essential to making sure that their transition into the community is smooth, safe and surrounded by support. Just last month, on 23 August, I had the privilege of attending the Ukrainian Council of New South Wales independence day celebration, led by its president, Andrew Mencinsky. It was a powerful event celebrating not only Ukraine's independence and freedom but also its strength, love, art and culture. It included a showcase of traditional Ukrainian costumes, modelled proudly across the stage. They captured the theme of the event perfectly: spirit in colour. We also heard a powerful poem by Illia Kyrychenko, who fled Ukraine with his family in 2022. He mourned all the children lost, many of whom are still missing. Even in the face of war, the Ukrainian people show us their resilience and their pride.”
“I rise today to speak about Russia's ongoing and illegal invasion of Ukraine. For my community in Barton, this war is not a far-off conflict. Many Ukrainians now call Barton home, having fled the violence of war. Their stories remind us that this invasion is not just about geopolitics; it is about people. Key groups like the Migrant Resource Centre and Reverend Steve Bryan, from St John's Anglican Church, have been important in supporting many Ukrainians being displaced by this war—families who want safety, children who deserve peace and communities that long to rebuild. These two groups help these new community members connect with employers, provide them with groceries to help them get on their feet and advocate on their behalf.”
“I see the Anzacs; I see the migrants who built our suburbs; I see the First Nation elders who fought for recognition; and I see Barton, one of the most diverse electorates in Australia, standing together, proud of who we are and what we share. That's what our flags represent, that's what we must defend and that's what we must never forget.”
“The true power of the flag is not in punishing those who abuse it but in how we as a people choose to honour it: by teaching our children its history, by flying it with respect, by carrying forward the values it represents—democracy, equality, fairness and a deep belief in the dignity of every human being who calls this country home. There was a debate during the election campaign about what flags our prime minister should stand in front of. Mr Dutton, then leader of the opposition, thought he should have to stand in front of only one. Again, this was an attempt to sow fear and division, all for the sake of his political career. The flags are above the whims of politics. We stand in front of all three of our Australian flags with pride and deep respect for the nation they represent. When I look at our flags, I do not see fear or division.”
“Our suite of national flags belong to every Australian. They belong to the First Nations people of this land, whose sovereignty was never ceded. They belong to the migrants who arrive here in search of safety, opportunity and a better future for their families. They belong to those who marched yesterday, even if their words and actions dishonoured some of the very values the flag represents. They belong to the electorates like Barton, where Australians of every background live, work and celebrate together. The Australian national flags represent not division but unity, not hate but hope, not exclusion but belonging.”
“Vandalising our flag does not strengthen a cause—it diminishes it. There are far more appropriate, respectful and powerful ways to make one's political views heard, and Australians know this. As a government, we are confident that our community will make its own judgement peacefully and respectfully against those who dishonour the flag. Let me be very clear—while there are no specific penalties for desecration under the Flags Act 1953, the individuals must still comply with other Australian laws. In certain circumstances such conduct may amount to criminal offences under state and territory law—for example, property damage or public order offences—and under the Commonwealth Criminal Code those who promote or associate with terrorist organisations already face some of the strongest penalties in our legal system.”
“In Barton you will see the Australian flag flying alongside the flags of Greece, Lebanon, China and so many others. Migrant families, refugees and First Nations Australians live side-by-side. Together we embody the very values of the flag and what it represents—unity, fairness and respect. For my community the flag is not about exclusion; it is absolutely about belonging. The government believes and I believe that the overwhelming majority of Australians deplore the actions of those who violate our flag. For many it feels like an insult to the sacrifice of generations. Yet we are also a democracy—freedom of expression, even expression that offends us, is a basis of the democracy. That is what sets us apart from authoritarian regimes where symbols are protected with fear and punishment rather than with pride and respect.”
“Yesterday, across our country, we saw disturbing scenes of anti-immigration marches that sought to divide Australians. Today we debate the question of our flag, its protection and its meaning. These two issues are not separate; they go to the heart of who we are as a nation. The Australian flag is more than cloth and colour; it is a living symbol of our history, our sacrifice and our shared future. It flies over schools, town halls and RSLs, and we see it in citizenship ceremonies and above our parliament. It drapes the coffins of those who have served this nation. It is carried proudly at international sporting events. In my own community of Barton the flag is held with particular pride. Barton is one of the most culturally diverse electorates in the nation.”
“Regardless, all of these changes are real and are already helping women across Barton. When I met them during the campaign, these families trusted that Labor would continue to prioritise their health—and that is exactly what we're doing. The cheaper medicines bill implements the Albanese government's 2025 election commitment to reduce the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme general patient co-payment, again, from $31.60 to $25. The last time medicines were this cheap was in 2004! That was my last year of high school at Danebank. I was living in Hurstville and didn't have a licence. Me and my mates were trying to go and watch the film Mean Girls at Hurstville Westfield. Do you remember that?”
“Others had taken their kids to the UCC after a bad fall at soccer, or their local pharmacist had given them a 60-day script for blood pressure tablets or diabetes tablets. Another thing I'm proud of is the advances we've made in treating endometriosis. We added new PBS listings for endometriosis and related reproductive health needs. Again, this slashes the everyday cost for women living with such a common but overlooked illness. We also expanded Medicare supports so that consultations are cheaper and established the first endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics. These clinics create a dedicated space for women to receive a diagnosis, talk to a trusted health professional and receive local support. I would love to see such a clinic in south-west Sydney, should this project expand.”
“For those watching online, don't forget that the urgent care clinic is at 354 Railway Parade, Carlton. It's open seven days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm, and all you need is your Medicare card, not your credit card. Another example is 60-day prescriptions, and another is slashing co-payments. Let me tell you—doorknocking on those policies couldn't have been easier. Locals knew about them, were benefitting from them and were keen to talk about them. Remember the young mother and the pensioner? They're real people. I met one of them on their doorstep and the other one while I was working at St Vincent de Paul. This change will flow through the rest of their lives, not only benefitting their health but freeing up their budgets.”
“Health care should never be about your bank account balance, your postcode, your gender or your ethnicity. You have a right to it because you're Australian, and that right is something our Labor government will always fight to protect. In the last term, the Albanese Labor government took up that fight after years of coalition neglect. We introduced brand new policies that have saved Barton residents a total of $10,957,676. I'm going to say that again—$10,957,676. Those savings were delivered in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, too. The government was able to balance the budget, deliver real relief and begin rebuilding affordable health care. They did this through introducing new and innovative policies. One example in Barton is the Carlton Urgent Care Clinic.”