Jo Briskey
Maribyrnong · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“This Saturday night, the mighty Melbourne Vixens are back in another grand final, their fifth in seven years, and we're going back to back. Five of these women also put on the green and gold for the Australian Diamonds, arguably the most successful national team our country has produced. But here's what gets me.”
“Yesterday, that ask was again answered in another large step forward—the biggest expansion of paid parental leave since Labor created the scheme. This week, paid parental leave in Australia is now a full six months, 26 weeks, paid at a higher rate at just over $1,000 a week, with income limits lifted so more families qualify.”
“Superannuation now lands with every payday instead of months behind, which protects workers least able to absorb being shortchanged. Every one of those changes helps on its own, but, arriving all at once, they take the real pressure off working families. That is real change delivered.”
“Before I came into this place, I spent about just over five years as the CEO of the Parenthood, Australia's peak advocacy body for parents and carers. Our work focused on how we make Australia the best place in the world to be a parent. I spent many hours in this building helping amplify the voices of parents and the needs that they had.”
“But this government is changing it. We're funding pay rises for female dominated sectors like aged care and early childhood education, and the gender pay gap is the lowest it's ever been. This week, paid parental leave grew to 26 weeks, with super paid on top, so that raising a child no longer costs a woman her career or her retirement.”
“When it began in 2011, it gave families 18 weeks, and I watched it change households. I also watched how quickly it could be put at risk. In 2015, parents who used the scheme exactly as it was designed got branded double dippers by those opposite, as if caring for a newborn were a rort.”
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“October was Mental Health Month—a time to remind ourselves that mental health touches every part of our lives. It's a part of every family, friendship and community. This year's theme, Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey, is such an important reminder that mental health isn't about one big moment. It's about the small steps we take, the conversations we start, the habits we build and the support we reach out for along the way. Those steps look different to different people. For some, it's finally talking to a mate. For others, it's showing up at a men's shed, calling for help from Lifeline or accessing services like headspace. Every step counts and every step forward deserves to be recognised. We all know someone who has struggled—a friend, a colleague, a neighbour or perhaps even ourselves.”
“I brought their concern straight here to Canberra and I made it clear that our community deserved better than a shutdown, and we won. This didn't happen by accident. It happened because the community refused to be silent. Residents organised, healthcare workers and unions stood up, and together we were a voice that could not be ignored by cohealth. As a result of that advocacy, the Albanese Labor government has stepped in with funding to keep the GP services operating until next year. We've also secured an independent review—something that I pushed for from day one—to deliver transparency, accountability and, importantly, the long-term delivery of GP services for this area. The work is not done, but I'll keep standing up with locals, holding cohealth to account and pushing to secure sustainable primary health care in Kensington.”
“Only weeks ago and with almost no notice, community health provider cohealth announced it would close its general practice services, including in Kensington in my community. This decision came with no consultation, with little transparency and with little regard for the impact on patients, staff and the broader community. From that moment, my office, alongside residents, acted quickly and with purpose. My simple focus was unwavering: standing up for the Kensington community and ensuring no-one was left without the health care that they depend on. When cohealth first announced the closures, residents were understandably shocked and distressed. This is a service the community helped build. It is a service they are fiercely protective of, and they made it clear that they would fight for it.”
“There is still a long way to go, but the message to my community is clear. Your voice is being heard, and this government is acting. I will continue to work closely with the residents, agencies and all levels of government to ensure that this next phase achieves meaningful results. (Time expired)”
“That's why I'm pleased to report that, following a strong and sustained advocacy from me and my community, the Albanese Labor government has committed more than $700,000 to progress the lower Maribyrnong flood mitigation study, with matched contributions from the Victorian government and local councils. This is more than a technical exercise. It's the foundation of a transparent, evidence based plan to protect lives, homes and neighbourhoods. This study will assess infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions, setting out the potential long-term protections we may need as severe weather events become more frequent. This progress is also a testament to the persistence of the Kensington community, who have long called for accountability and focus. I've ensured their voices have been heard throughout this process.”
“For too long, residents in Kensington Banks and along the lower Maribyrnong River have lived with the stress and uncertainty caused by increasingly severe flooding and the absence of a clear long-term plan for mitigation. Since entering this parliament I've made it my priority to bring my community's voice into this chamber, because locals in Kensington and Ascot Vale deserve action, not excuses, on flood preparedness and public safety. That uncertainty has also affected the value and insurability of homes, leaving Kensington Banks residents carrying the burden of not knowing whether their properties would remain protected or financially secure into the future.”
“Of course, there's The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert , our sparkling, defiant gift to the world. That film rolled out of the desert in a cloud of dust and glitter, waving a feather boa and changing cinema forever. It premiered when being gay was still illegal in parts of this country, and our film industry's answer was not shame but three drag queens, a hot-pink bus and a whole lot of sequins tearing through the red dirt, saying, 'Get used to it, mate.' Then there's The Castle . I couldn't give a speech on Aussie content without mentioning this icon. Filmed in my electorate of Maribyrnong, in the streets of Strathmore and Essendon, it's an ode to working-class Australia: family, fairness and fighting for what's right. The Kerrigans reminded us that home isn't about bricks and mortar; it's where belonging lives.”
“Filmed in Melbourne, it took the humble prison drama and turned it into a global phenomenon. It's fierce, clever storytelling with women at the centre, and it's unapologetic, raw and real. It showed that Australian creatives don't just follow trends; they set them. When we invest in local content, we invest in stories that make the world sit up and pay attention. Heartbreak High what a triumph! It's a vibrant, fearless portrait of young Australia as it really is: diverse, messy, funny, political and proud. It's proof that, when we give new voices the mic, they create stories that reach millions. It's not nostalgia driving its success; it's authenticity. It's young Australians claiming their space and shaping the culture of tomorrow.”
“When we see ourselves on screen, we understand each other better. We see the beauty and chaos of our country reflected back, and that creates connection. Let's be honest. Australian content isn't just about entertainment; it's identity. It's how we see ourselves, how we laugh at ourselves and how we introduce ourselves to the world. Take Bluey it's not just a show for kids; it's a love letter to modern Australian life. Every episode is packed with joy, honesty and imagination. It's backyard cricket, pretend play adventures and the pure chaos of trying to get everyone out the door before the bell rings. It's teaching children across the globe what 'Aussie' really means. Kids in Europe and the US now know exactly what a bin chicken is—that's soft-power diplomacy at its cutest. Then there's Wentworth .”
“It guarantees that, no matter what screen you watch, there will always be a place for Australian stories. Under this bill, streaming services with more than a million Australian subscribers, like the big players of Netflix, Disney, Prime and others, will be required to invest at least 10 per cent of their total program spend, or 7.5 per cent of their revenue, into Australian stories—dramas, children's programs, documentaries, arts and educational content. This is about more homegrown productions that capture our humour, our heart, our contradictions and our community spirit. This is about more jobs for Australian crews, writers, actors, editors, camera operators and designers, and it means audiences everywhere, from Essendon to Alice Springs, can continue to see Australia on screen. Our stories are important.”
“What an exciting day for Australian storytelling. Today, we're talking about something Australians do better than anyone else—telling our own stories in our own voices and on our own screens. The Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025 is about celebrating who we are, what we value and how we see ourselves in the world. In 2025, we're not just watching television anymore; we're streaming on our phones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs. The way we watch has changed, but one thing hasn't: Australians still want to see Australian stories—stories that sound like us, look like us, make us laugh, make us think and make us proud. That's exactly what this bill does.”
“We've now seen the election of the new mayor for Moonee Valley, Rose Iser, and the new deputy mayor for Moonee Valley, Phil Burn. Two fantastic local councillors who I'm really excited to work with over the course of their term. By working across government—local, state and federal—we'll deliver for our wonderful communities across the Moonee Valley.”
“I'd also like to acknowledge their parents, guardians and families whose support has been essential in helping students reach this point. Your guidance, encouragement and care have made all the difference. As students prepare for their final exams, I wish them every success. These exams are an important step, but they are not the final destination. They are the starting gun for the next chapter of life. Whether it's further study, vocational training, apprenticeships or entering the workforce, there are many paths ahead. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise and congratulate our outgoing Moonee Valley mayor, Ava Adams, who has finished her first term. I also acknowledge the outgoing deputy mayor, Fran Cosgriff, who also concluded her term.”
“Together, these efforts have raised $155,000 for the Stroke Foundation. Looking ahead, the upcoming ride, Howlong to Canberra, aims to coincide with Childhood Stroke Awareness Week, connecting directly with politicians and stakeholders to advocate for the 85 per cent of childhood stroke survivors living with lifelong impacts. Stories like Tommy's are a reminder of the resilience and determination that exists in our community, qualities that are equally evident in our young people. And in that spirit, I want to congratulate all our year 12 students across Maribyrnong, who are fast approaching the end of their 13 years of hard work and dedication. Finishing school is a major achievement, reflecting the perseverance, commitment and effort that these students have shown over the years.”
“I'd like to begin by recognising two fantastic constituents of mine, Tommy and his neighbour Mark, who are making a real difference for stroke in childhood. Tommy's stroke journey began at just 12 years old, when he experienced a stroke. From that experience, he set himself an ambitious target, an ambitious goal, looking to reach the four points of Australia to raise funds and awareness for childhood stroke survivors and to support research into stroke onset, an area that has long been understudied. Completing the journey in stages, and finishing in 2023, Tommy overcame enormous challenges along the way, including pandemic disruptions and a serious accident when he was hit by a car, breaking his pelvis. With running now limited, cycling has become the focus of his future endeavours, including a smaller ride—'3 Points/Taking on Tassie'.”
“This is a Labor government acting with purpose. We're delivering stronger safeguards for nature, we're delivering faster and fairer decisions for communities, and we're delivering the accountability and transparency that rebuild trust. Our environment can't wait, and neither can our children's' future. That's why I'm proud to stand here today on behalf of the people of Maribyrnong to back in this reform—to back progress over protest, action over rhetoric and hope over cynicism. Labor is once again leading the nation, protecting what we love, building what we need and delivering for the generations to come. I commend the bill to the House.”
“Australians know this: real progress doesn't come from shouting from the sidelines; it comes from doing the hard work, making the tough calls and delivering real outcomes. That's what Labor is doing, right here. This bill is Labor at its best: bold, practical and driven by a belief that the government can and should make life better. We're not here to talk about what can't be done; we're here to get it done. We're here to protect our rivers and bushlands, to fast-track clean energy that will power our homes and industries and to build an environmental system that finally matches the scale of the challenges we face. It's a reform that learns from the past and from the years of denial and delay. It sets Australia on a new path—one where protecting nature goes hand in hand with creating jobs, homes and opportunities.”
“These reforms deliver real protection: an independent EPA to hold polluters accountable; national environmental standards with legal force; net gain offsets to restore the environment; and faster approvals for housing, clean energy and critical minerals. Yet the Greens threaten to block them because they're not perfect enough and because they prefer protest over progress. The people of my state and of Australia have had enough of it. At the last election, they rejected the Greens' policy of protest and purity. They voted for progress, not posturing. In my neighbouring electorate, they ousted the leader of the Greens and replaced him with a progressive Labor woman focused on getting things done.”
“Let's remember that the Samuel review that underpins these reforms was commissioned and received by the now opposition leader when she was environment minister. She had the report in her hands five years ago and did nothing—absolutely nothing. It sums up those opposite perfectly. When it comes to the environment, they just don't care. Then there are the Greens, whose purity politics too often have let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Let's not forget that it was the Greens who teamed up with the climate deniers opposite in 2009 to block Labor's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, setting Australia's climate action back decades. They talk about urgency but vote for delay. They preach progress while standing in the way of it.”
“Not everyone in this place shares that commitment or real desire for action. The coalition, true to form, still treat environmental policy as a burden, not a responsibility, and now we see just how far they've fallen. They are on the cusp of abandoning their net zero commitment because of the climate-denying extremists who now dominate their party room. The modern Liberal Party is no longer a party for government. It has been hijacked by denial, captured by conspiracy and paralysed by cowardice. Even their leader is choosing political survival over Australia's future. They continue to show their true colours on environment: divided, inconsistent and driven by ideology rather than science.”
“He fought to legislate the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 and set the standard for bold, science driven environmental leadership. His reforms laid the groundwork that protected the Great Barrier Reef, saved Fraser Island from sand mining and curtailed uranium mining in Kakadu. It was Moss's belief that power only matters if you do something bold with it. This legislation before the House today is bold. It will deliver stronger safeguards for local waterways and ecosystems; faster, clearer approvals for renewable energy and housing projects that create jobs; and a more transparent system that people can trust. My community voted for action that protects the environment and builds Australia's future, and that's exactly what this Labor government is doing.”
“From the banks of the Maribyrnong River to the creeks that stretch across our suburbs, our green spaces aren't just beautiful; they're the lungs of our community. They're where families walk, kids play and volunteers roll up their sleeves to care for country. Groups like Moonee Valley Sustainability, Friends of Steele Creek and Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley have spent decades restoring native habitats and protecting local waterways. Their work reminds us that caring for nature is about more than trees and species; it's about health, connection and the kind of community we want to build for the future. It's a legacy we're proud of in Maribyrnong. One of my predecessors—the late, great Moss Cass—served as Australia's first environment and conservation minister.”
“Australians deserve a system that's fair, fast and honest, and that's what these reforms deliver. While this government is getting on with delivering the biggest environmental reform in a generation, others in this place are playing the same old games. The coalition, who sat on the Samuel review for years, are now pretending to care about process, and the Greens, once again, are threatening to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Well, my community in Maribyrnong has no time for political posturing or empty protest. We want progress—real, tangible change that protects our environment and builds our future. The people of Maribyrnong know how much our environment shapes our lives.”
“The third pillar, perhaps the most important pillar, is accountability because people have lost trust. They've seen governments look the other way, approvals be waved through and big polluters treat fines as a rounding error. That ends here. We're establishing the National Environmental Protection Agency, an independent, tough, transparent regulator with real teeth. It will enforce the law, investigate breaches and hold corporations to account. The national EPA will make sure no-one—no company, no project, no government—is above the rules. Alongside it, we're creating Environment Information Australia to make environmental data open, accurate and accessible. Australians will finally be able to see in plain sight the state of our environment updated regularly and backed by science, because sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
“Right now, the approval system is slow, confusing and full of duplication between governments. That helps no-one—not communities, not business and certainly not the environment—so we're fixing it. We'll introduce streamlined pathways for projects that provide strong, transparent information upfront—cutting red tape, not corners. We'll modernise bilateral agreements with states and territories so assessments can be done once, properly and to national standards. We'll invest in bioregional planning, mapping out areas for development and areas for conservation. Communities will know what's protected, and businesses will know where they can invest with certainty. When you set clear rules and enforce them properly, you get faster, fairer, better outcomes, and that's what these reforms deliver.”
“We're creating a restoration fund so companies can contribute to genuine landscape-scale restoration—planting trees, protecting habitat, restoring wetlands, strengthening ecosystems—because protecting the environment isn't just about stopping harm; it's about healing country. We're backing this up with tougher enforcement, stronger penalties and new powers to stop environmental damage before it happens—no more treating fines as a cost of doing business. For the first time, big projects will have to disclose their emissions and abatement plans, because Australians deserve honesty and transparency from those profiting off our environment. This is what Labor does best: turn big principles into practical outcomes. The second pillar is about getting things moving responsibly.”
“For the first time, this law will make it clear that the projects with unacceptable impacts on our most precious places and species cannot be approved, unless they pass a strict national interest test. We're finally enshrining national environmental standards, something Labor has been fighting for for years. These will set clear, enforceable rules for biodiversity, offsets, First Nations engagement and environmental data. We're also overhauling the offset system so that every project must deliver a net gain for nature, not just less damage. Every project must give back more than it takes.”
“The people of Maribyrnong expect better. My community cares deeply about the natural world—about our rivers and parks, our threatened species and the world we'll leave our kids. They want environmental laws that actually work—laws that protect nature and cut through red tape; laws that get results. That's exactly what these reforms will deliver. These reforms stand on three clear pillars: stronger protection and restoration; faster and fairer decisions; and greater accountability and transparency. Let me speak briefly on each. First, we're putting environmental protection back at the heart of the law, where it belongs. For too long, the system has been full of grey areas and loopholes—decisions made behind closed doors and projects approved that clearly shouldn't have been. This reform says 'no more'.”
“We're the party that acted on climate when others said it could wait. And we're doing it again—rebuilding Australia's environmental laws to deliver real protection, real jobs and real accountability, not for hashtags or headlines but because it's the right thing to do—because our country deserves better. The truth is our existing environmental laws are broken. The independent Samuel review, commissioned in 2020, found what communities, conservationists and industry have known for years: that our current EPBC Act is failing. It's not protecting our environment, it's not giving business certainty and it's not supporting the projects that our country needs to build homes, renewable energy and a strong future made in Australia. We can't afford to keep doing things the same way. Australians expect better.”
“The Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 is our chance to get it right—to build a system that protects nature, supports jobs and drives the clean energy future we owe to the next generation. Together with the National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, the Environment Information Australia Bill 2025 and the restoration and charges bills, this is the most ambitious environmental reform in decades—a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset, which puts protection and progress on the same page, because that's what Labor does. We don't sit on the sidelines, we don't wait for perfection and we don't just talk about change; we make it happen. We're the party that saved the Franklin, protected the Daintree, expanded Kakadu and created the world's largest network of marine parks.”
“That may very well be in my speech, Deputy Speaker. Every day in Maribyrnong, you can see what's worth fighting for: the river, winding through our suburbs; the creeks, alive with birdlife; and the volunteers who spend their weekends planting trees and restoring country. That's what this reform is about—protecting the places we love while building a stronger, cleaner, fairer future. This legislation is a turning point for our environment, for our economy and for the kind of Australia we want to build. This reform is about more than paperwork and process; it's about whether our kids will still hear the birdsong in our suburbs, still swim in the clean rivers and still walk through forests that haven't been lost to short-term thinking.”
“They stood up, organised and never gave up, because they believe in the work they do, which deserves respect and recognition. This win belongs to them. In recent months I've had the privilege of visiting Goodstart Early Learning centres in Moonee Ponds and Brunswick West. I've seen firsthand the dedication of educators helping children to learn and grow and build confidence every day. These are the people shaping our next generation. They deserve a government on their side, and that's exactly what they have. Through Labor's reforms, including our landmark three-day guarantee, we're making early childhood education and care more affordable, accessible and fair. When we invest in our educators, we invest in our children, our families and our future.”
“In December the second instalment of Labor's historic 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators will land, with the final five per cent boost arriving just in time for Christmas. This is a proud moment for the Albanese Labor government and an even prouder moment for the thousands of educators, overwhelmingly women, who have given so much for their sector. We know that a properly paid and respected workforce is the foundation for safe, high-quality early education and care. When we value educators properly, with fair pay and secure work, we keep skilled, passionate professionals in the sector, and that stability means better outcomes for children and families right across Australia. I want to pay tribute to the incredible delegates and members of the United Workers Union, who have fought hard for this.”
“Fixing the damage of a decade under those opposite doesn't happen overnight, but we are determined to keep working for all Australians. Six months in, the Albanese Labor government has delivered student debt relief, cost-of-living support, stronger health care, mental health services, women's health funding, first-home-buyer assistance and local projects that make a difference to people in my community. The contrast has never been so clear. Labor is working hard together while the coalition is marred with hate and division. We are proud of what we have achieved, honest about the work still to be done and committed to building a better, fairer, stronger future for us all.”
“Speaking of the coalition, nothing has changed. They remain more divided than ever. They're obsessed with attacking each other and are focused on themselves and pushing extremist policies that punish everyday Australians. Even as women, young people and multicultural communities turn their backs on them, their message of division remains. While they bicker, leak and talk our country down, Labor is getting on with the hard work of delivering for working people and their families. Of course we know there is more work to be done. Life is still hard for many. Families are juggling costs, students still feel pressure and communities need support. But my colleagues and I are listening to our communities and we are prepared to work.”
“This is about creating real opportunities that make a difference for families, workers and young people getting into the housing market. Right here in Maribyrnong, Labor is delivering for our community as well. The Gladstone Park Bowls Club is getting a brand new synthetic green and shelter. Walter Street Reserve will soon have a completely new pavilion, with female change rooms, and the Buckley bowls club redevelopment is transforming the site into a bowls super hub—bringing together Buckley Park, Maribyrnong Park and Essendon bowls clubs. These are the places where families, neighbours and communities come together to play, socialise and celebrate. After a decade in government, the coalition were never serious about investing in Maribyrnong. But Labor is getting on with the job and delivering for our community.”
“Families can take their kids to see a doctor when they need it and they can get the care that they need quickly without having to seek help in an ED. Mental health is also no longer an afterthought. We're opening 31 new and upgraded Medicare mental health centres, expanding Headspace services and training more professionals to meet demand. And, in Maribyrnong, young people will soon have access to a Headspace service in Moonee Valley—a place to be heard, a place to get support and a place to know they're not alone. For younger Australians dreaming of buying their first home, we're turning that dream into a reality with just a five per cent deposit, and we can see more homes being built right across the country.”
“Families are juggling household bills, parents are working long hours, young people are worried about their future. That's why Labor is acting where it matters most. We've made medicines cheaper, boosted the minimum wage, protected penalty rates and expanded paid parental leave. This is about fairness. This is about dignity. This is about giving Australians the security that they deserve. Health care is no different. Every Australian should be able to see their doctor when they need to, without worrying about the cost. That's why we've made the single largest investment into Medicare in its history. We are opening 50 new urgent care clinics on top of the 87 that are already servicing our communities.”
“Today does mark six months since the re-election of the Albanese Labor government—six months of action, six months of delivery, six months of putting Australians first. And let me tell you, we have not wasted a single second. From day one, we promised results, not rhetoric. We said the first law we'd pass in this parliament would be to cut student debt by 20 per cent, and we did. Over three million Australians now save an average of $5,500. That's real money in people's pockets. That's a nurse being able to save for a first home. That's a young professional finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. That's Labor getting on with the job, while the coalition hangs by a thread. We know life is still tough for many Australians.”
“Teachers deserve the right support, the right resources and the right opportunities to do their best work in the classroom every day. That's why the Albanese Labor government is putting every public school in Australia on a path to full and fair funding through our 10-year Better and Fairer Schools Agreement. We're lifting the Commonwealth's contribution to every public school so they have the resources they need not just to keep up but to get ahead and to give every child the opportunity to succeed. This $407.5 million investment over the next four years, and more than $7.2 billion over the next decade, is tied to practical, evidence based reforms that will deliver for our schools and, most importantly, for our wonderful students.”
“Last week we celebrated World Teachers Day, a moment to recognise the people who give so much to our communities. I recognise the teachers of my two daughters, Gwenevieve and Margot, who are in the gallery today. Since being elected in May, I've had the privilege of visiting schools right across Maribyrnong, visiting principals, teachers and support staff, who go above and beyond every day. What stands out in every school is the genuine care that they have for their students. Whether it's finding new ways to engage a class, staying late to plan lessons or supporting a child who's struggling, teachers never stop giving. They do it because they care deeply about their students, their families and their communities. We also know that dedication isn't enough on its own.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. How have the Prime Minister's recent international meetings advanced Australia's national interest? And why is it important for Australian jobs, trade and industry at home?”
“It is with immense pride that I can continue to advocate for them in this role, for the aged-care workers across my electorate and, importantly, of course, for those who rely on them, their care and their work, so that they can age with dignity and respect. Whether it's delivering greater access to bulk-billing GPs, delivering cheaper medicines, our investment in mental health, our world-leading social media reforms, protecting the mental wellbeing of our young people or investing in the incredible people who look after and care for our older Australians, this government is proudly demonstrating our commitment to the care and wellbeing of our nation.”
“How we look after each other says everything we are as a nation. This weekend marks not only the largest investment in Medicare in its history; 1 November kicks off another key milestone in our government's historic and landmark aged-care reforms. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to those who show up every day to support and care for our older Australians, our aged-care workers. Yesterday I had the great privilege of meeting with some incredible aged-care workers and delegates of their union, United Workers Union. Lobang, Ainura, Maddy, Rosemary and Liz spoke of their dedication to the residents that they care for. To that dedication is their staunch advocacy for their profession, having the time to care and resources they need to do their job well, and I congratulate them for their advocacy.”
“And to Baby Priya: your name will now forever be part of our nation's laws—a legacy of love and compassion that will outlast us all. This is what Labor governments do. We fix what's unfair, we stand for working people and we deliver reforms that make life fairer and futures more secure. I commend the bill.”
“The world seems to stop, but the bills don't. Bodies are still recovering from childbirth even as hearts are breaking and the last thing families should have to worry about is whether their leave entitlements will be honoured. As a mum, I can't even begin to imagine their pain. As a representative, I can do my part to make sure the law doesn't add to it, and that's exactly what this bill seeks to ensure. It ensures that employer funded paid parental leave cannot be cancelled or refused because of tragedy. It ensures that parents can take time to grieve, heal and recover without uncertainty, without confusion and without fear. To Priya's mum and dad: thank you again for your courage. You have turned heartbreak into hope and you have helped build a fairer system for thousands of families.”
“It recognises that workplaces are not just a productivity; they're about people—people who love, who lose, who grieve and who deserved to be treated with dignity and every stage of life. It also reflects the power of advocacy from Priya's parents, from community and advocacy groups and from the union movement, which, for decades, has fought for Paid Parental Leave and compassionate workplace standards. Unions have been at the forefront of this struggle for generations, campaigning for parental leave, for carers' rights, for fair pay and for the right to grieve without fear of losing your job. This bill stands firmly in that tradition and is a continuation of the Labor movement's long fight to make work fairer, kinder and more human. In communities across Australia we know that parents who lose a child face unimaginable grief.”
“It uses existing definitions under the Fair Work Act, such as 'child' and 'stillborn child', to ensure the law operates consistently and clearly. It also extends coverage to adoption and surrogacy arrangements, ensuring that all families, however they are formed, are treated equally, because the grief and pain of losing a child does not discriminate, and it does not diminish because of how you become a parent. To support compliance, penalties for breaches mirror those that already apply for unpaid parental leave. In short, this bill doesn't create a new bureaucracy; it strengthens the fairness where it was missing. This reform embodies Labor values: it's practical, passionate and grounded in fairness.”
“It ensures that, when tragedy strikes, the law doesn't turn away; it has your back. It ensures that compassion is built into our workplace relations system. This bill provides certainty for everyone, as I said—for workers and employers. Managers should never be placed in a position of having to make ad hoc decisions about something as sensitive as the death of a child. This reform that means there's a clear rule, applied fairly and consistent. It also prevents employers from varying terms or policies after the bill comes into force to avoid these obligations. It's about consistency, compassion and confidence—principles that should define every Australian web base. The bill brings employer funded paid parental leave into alignment with the clarity already found in our unpaid parental leave and the government's Paid Parental Leave scheme.”
“It's exhausting, it's beautiful, and it's life changing. For families who lose a child, that time becomes something even more precious—a time to grieve, to recover and to honour the life that was so short but so loved. That's why this bill matters so deeply. Australia is one of the safest countries in the world to give birth in, but tragically stillbirths and infant deaths still happen. On an average day in Australia, six babies are stillborn, and two die within their first year of life. In 2022 alone, that meant 3,000 families lost a child. Behind every one of those numbers is a story, a family, a life, a name and a home left quiet. Behind every one of those stories is a grief that last a lifetime. This bill addresses a small but significant gap that sadly some of those parents have fallen through.”