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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“Trust is the foundation of any strong economy. Without it, our markets, institutions and investors are weakened and left exposed. When transparency fails, hidden ownership and undisclosed positions thrive and quiet power falls into the hands of those who operate in the shadows. It allows tax avoidance, corruption and manipulation to take root, threatening jobs, savings and public confidence. But, as the saying goes, sunlight is the best disinfectant. If we want Australians to have confidence in our markets, if we want everyday investors, superannuation funds, journalists and academics to trust the system, we must know who really controls our companies. We must lift the veil on complex corporate structures and ensure that accountability is embedded into our economic framework. This is precisely what Labor governments do. We shine a light.”
“It covers corporate transparency, charity oversight, financial regulator reviews, energy market protections and support for small businesses through the extension of the instant asset write-off. On the surface these may appear as separate policy threads, but at its heart this legislation is bound by three principles: investment, transparency and accountability. These are not abstract concepts. They are the foundations that drive productivity, build public trust and will create a fairer, stronger Australia. They are the pillars upon which our economy rests and upon which communities thrive. After a wasted decade under the previous government, a decade of drift, instability and economic neglect, it is refreshing to debate a bill that actually builds, rather than breaks down. Let's begin with corporate transparency.”
“I rise to support and speak to this important piece of legislation, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Financial Systems and Other Measures) Bill 2025. The work of good government often isn't about grabbing headlines. In fact, the most important work our government undertakes is quiet, practical and steady but nonetheless nation shaping. The work of good government is about delivering real results for Australians. It's the work of building a stronger, fairer Australia. The bill we are debating today embodies just that. It's legislation that strengthens confidence in our markets, improves the way our regulators operate and supports the long-term growth of our economy. It is wide ranging, ambitious and forward looking.”
“Australians want action not obstruction. They want cheaper, cleaner energy. They want the jobs in industries of the future. This is more than just cutting emissions. It's about opportunity. It's about security. It's about building a stronger, cleaner and more prosperous Australia. This is our moment to lead; to protect the places that we love; to cut energy bills; to create good, sustainable jobs; and to hand to our kids a future that is safer and fairer. Our 2035 target is ambitious, it is achievable and it's absolutely necessary. My colleagues and I on this side of the chamber are here and determined to deliver it. House adjourned at 20 : 00”
“Importantly, it's been delivered by a practical plan. Our net zero plan sets out a clear pathway to 2035 on the way to net zero by 2050. It identifies five decarbonisation priorities: clean electricity across the economy, lowering emissions by electrification and efficiency, expanding clean fuel use, accelerating new technologies and scaling up carbon removals. This target is in Australia's national interest. It will protect our way of life. It will keep our exporters, farmers and industries competitive in a decarbonising world. It will drive investment, create good jobs and ensure that we can take up the opportunity of the biggest global economic, technological and energy transformation that we have seen since the industrial revolution. We are already seeing the benefits. The last two elections proved it.”
“It's achievable because we already have the foundations in place: the safeguard mechanism, our Future Made in Australia agenda, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and cheaper home batteries—programs that are already working for Australians like Rhonda and Mark in Travancore in my electorate. They welcomed Minister Bowen and me into their home to show us how their home battery powers their household, cuts their bills and lets them invest in more renewables. Australians are ready for this transition. They want to be a part of it. That's why we're investing $40 million into EV charging to accelerate the rollout of our kerbside and fast EV charging across the suburbs and $50 million for local sporting clubs that are doing their bit to decarbonise and drive climate action. Our ambition is backed by science and expert advice.”
“Last month, for the first time in our nation's history, renewables delivered more to our electricity grid than coal. After a decade of delay, we know we need to accelerate. That's why we have accepted the most ambitious but achievable target as advised by the independent Climate Change Authority: 62 to 70 per cent cuts to emissions by 2035. This sets out our ambition to halve our emissions, doubling the pace of decarbonisation, and is exactly what the science demands. Those climate deniers opposite say it is too much, and others may say it's not enough. The reality is that it is ambitious but, most importantly, achievable. It is ambitious because it is a clear step up from our 2030 target. It sends a strong investment signal and demonstrates Australia's credibility as a partner in the global fight against climate change.”
“Our Pacific neighbours are seeing entire communities displaced due to climate change, and countries across the globe are counting lives lost as floods and fires strike in the places they never have before. Climate change is real. It is happening now, and it demanded action years ago. Instead, we had to endure the decades of the climate wars, fuelled and weaponised by those opposite. In 2022, the Australian people voted to end the division. They voted for action, and action is exactly what this Labor government has delivered. Since coming to office, Labor has delivered the biggest lift in climate action this country has seen. We have legislated net zero by 2050 and approved record numbers of renewables projects, and we are on track for 82 per cent renewables by 2030.”
“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. One-in-a-hundred-year floods, record-breaking heat waves, unprecedented bushfires—these are no longer rare events and are becoming our new normal. Our country has always faced natural disasters, but, year after year, they are becoming more destructive, more unpredictable and more extreme. The science is clear. These are the consequences of climate change. In my electorate, communities in Kensington and Flemington were devastated by floods recently. Across Victoria, towns that have faced bushfires or floods once or twice a decade are now dealing with them almost every year. When we switch on the news, we see it everywhere.”
“My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government strengthening Medicare, after a decade of cuts and neglect, to make it easier for Australians to access bulk-billed GP visits?”
“Modernising bulk-billing processes will make it easier for clinics and ensure digital integrity. Improving the Bonded Medical Program will keep more doctors where they're needed most. These are practical, forward-looking reforms, part of Labor's broader agenda to rebuild Medicare after years of neglect. For the people of Maribyrnong, this means seeing a doctor sooner, fast approvals for new providers and strong bulk-billing at the local clinics across Keilor East, Tullamarine and Avondale Heights. It means fewer delays, more certainty and a fairer health system that puts patients first. Medicare isn't just a policy; it's a promise—a promise that, no matter who you are or where you live, you will be able to get health care that you need without going broke doing it. I commend the bill to the House.”
“They see Medicare American style: no bulk-billing, harsh penalties for healthcare workers and Australians paying more for the treatment they need. We are determined to fix their mistakes and keep our promise to strengthen Medicare for all Australians. This bill makes our system fairer, more efficient and more reliable, ensuring Australians can access care when they need it. Australians voted for a Labor government that invests in them, invests in people, solves problems and delivers results. This bill does just that by strengthening the backbone of our health system and ensuring it keeps pace with the world around it. Automation of provider numbers will get doctors working faster. Reform of private health rebate systems will protect taxpayers and patients alike.”
“The Bonded Medical Program is about building a pipeline of skilled and passionate doctors across the country, from our biggest cities to our smallest towns. It incentivises service in areas of need, supports workforce planning and ensures that every Australian, no matter where they live, can see a doctor when they need to. What this bill shows is Labor in action, delivering reforms that build on our promise to strengthen Medicare: faster onboarding of doctors; stronger support for private health insurance and rebates; modern, digital, simplified bulk-billing processes; and fairer rules for bonded medical graduates. For a decade, those opposite were focused more on the culture wars than on keeping our healthcare system running. When it comes to Medicare, they don't see green and gold; they see stars and stripes.”
“These reforms also send a clear message to doctors and healthcare workers: your contribution is valued, and we recognise the hard work you do. By removing punitive barriers and providing fairer conditions, the program encourages more young doctors to enter the workforce and consider service in areas that need it the most. It helps retain skilled practitioners, reduces burnout and ensures our health system is staffed with dedicated professionals who can provide the high-quality care every Australian deserves. Labor understands that the strength of our healthcare system depends on the people who keep it running—our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and the support staff who show up every day for the communities they serve. Strengthening the workforce today means stronger, more reliable health care for communities tomorrow.”
“Many bonded doctors have already spent years working in our rural, regional and outer metropolitan communities, yet, under the old rules, that effort often did not count toward their obligations. This bill changes that. It ensures that the work done in the spirit of the program is properly recognised. We know medical training is demanding and that personal circumstances can change. Extending the grace period gives students more time to decide whether the program is right for them, supporting a smoother transition into the workforce and reducing unnecessary stress during study. This flexibility helps us attract more students into medicine, especially those who want to give back to their communities, without trapping them in unfair or unrealistic conditions.”
“That policy risked depriving regional, rural and outer suburban communities of critical health services. Once again, Labor is fixing their mess. This bill delivers three key changes that make the Bonded Medical Program fairer, more flexible and more effective. Under the old system, if a doctor could not finish their service obligation, they were punished twice: forced to repay their scholarship and then banned from billing Medicare for six years. It was harsh, it was unfair and it made no sense. That ban didn't just hurt the doctor; it hurt Australians as it meant fewer bulk-billing services were available. By removing that blunt penalty, we're keeping fairness and accountability in place without cutting our communities off from the care they need.”
“That is why we're strengthening Medicare and that's why it matters so deeply to communities like mine. Your health is personal, and looking after it can be stressful. The last thing anyone needs is a system that makes it harder to get the help that they need. Whether it's at the Moonee Ponds Super Clinic or your local GP practices, across Kensington through to Gladstone Park, this is about making Medicare work for everyone—faster claims, fairer systems and less time on paperwork. Schedule 4 reforms the Bonded Medical Program, ensuring fairness while keeping communities covered. The coalition imposed a six-year Medicare ban for doctors who failed to meet their obligations. Not only was this harsh and unfair, but it was also counterproductive.”
“They told us how the government's new bulk-billing incentives will help them see more patients, keep their doors open for longer and make sure that cost is never a barrier to care. They confirmed they will be moving to become a fully bulk-billing service because of our initiative. You can feel the difference this investment will make, not just for the clinics but for families right across my electorate. In Maribyrnong, around 27 per cent of people live with a long-term health condition that requires regular care and support. That's more than one in four people who rely on strong, accessible primary health care—people managing diabetes, heart conditions, asthma and other chronic illnesses and who can't avoid delays or pay high out-of-pocket costs.”
“But, before we flip the switch, we need to make sure Medicare practices, software providers and Services Australia are ready. That's why this bill delays the start of the new rules until 1 July 2026. This is a responsible move, giving everyone time to prepare, avoiding disruption, protecting patients' ability to bulk-bill and making sure bulk-billing software works smoothly. While we get ready for the digital future, Labor is investing today. Our $7.9 billion bulk-billing initiative, kicking off in November, will mean local GPs can see more patients, help more families and keep costs down. Just last week, I welcomed the Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, to Maribyrnong to visit the Moonee Ponds Super Clinic, on Hall Street. We spoke with the practice manager and local doctors about what these new changes will mean on the ground.”
“It identifies problems, consults experts and implements smart legislative fixes, rather than ignoring problems for years and leaving billions of dollars in rebate payments vulnerable to error or inconsistency. Another key part of this bill is how Medicare benefits are assigned under bulk-billing and simplified billing. Right now, patients assign their Medicare benefit to their doctor, who then receives the rebate from the government. It's a system that has worked for decades, but it still relies on old paper-based processes that can slow things down. Earlier this year, the Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Assignment of Medicare Benefits) Act 2024 laid the groundwork for digital assignment, making it faster and easier for doctors and patients alike.”
“This legislation provides reassurance for local families in Maribyrnong, from young couples taking out their first policy to older residents managing chronic conditions. It's about ensuring that private health insurance remains affordable, reliable and accessible, giving people peace of mind that they can access the services they need. By streamlining the rebate process and improving efficiency of claims, the bill ensures that all insurers can pass on these benefits directly to their policyholders, reducing out-of-pocket costs and making coverage more predictable. These reforms go beyond the technical fixes. They're about delivering real benefits for working people, reducing stress and ensuring Australians can get what they are entitled to under the law. That is what good government does.”
“At the same time, it works hand in hand with Medicare, ensuring that everyone continues to have access to essential care regardless of income. Every year, the Australian government reimburses insurers over $7 billion to ensure the private health insurance rebate is applied fairly and accurately to consumers' premiums. This rebate helps to keep private health insurance affordable for millions of Australians. When we came to government, we inherited a system that was inconsistent, error prone and woefully outdated. That is why we are seeking to modernise it. This bill aligns registration with Services Australia systems, introduces self-assessment for insurers, ensures overpayments can be recovered even if errors occur and allows computer assisted decision-making and the approval of forms by the Chief Executive Medicare.”
“By streamlining approvals and boosting bulk-billing, this bill helps local clinics operate more efficiently and focus on what matters: their patients. It means more appointments, more services and better care for every family across my community and right across Australia. This reform brings Medicare into the digital age and makes the system more efficient. Simpler, faster and more reliable—that is what this legislation seeks to achieve by modernising the way private health insurance rebates are processed. Private health insurance plays an important role in supporting Australia's universal healthcare system. It gives Australians more choice and flexibility, helping people access the elective surgeries, specialist care and hospital services they need while reducing pressure on our public hospitals.”
“We'll also validate all provider numbers previously issued by automated systems so there's legal certainty and no risk to practitioners who've already been approved. In my local community, these changes mean doctors joining busy practices in Essendon, Moonee Ponds and Keilor East can start seeing patients sooner, reducing wait times and keeping care close to home. Just under a quarter of my electorate are aged over 65, a group that naturally requires more frequent access to health care as they age. These reforms will make a real difference for them, as well as for busy young families and students balancing study and part-time work, by giving everyone faster, easier access to the care that they need.”
“These delays result in months of lost care for patients, and in some areas clinics struggle to keep up with demand. This bill fixes that. It implements recommendation 2 of the independent Kruk review into Australia's regulatory settings for overseas health practitioners: to automate and streamline the issuing of provider numbers. Under these changes, the Chief Executive Medicare will be able to approve computer programs to automatically issue Medicare provider numbers for straightforward non-discretionary cases. That means that, when a practitioner meets all the eligibility criteria, their provider number can be issued quickly, efficiently and without unnecessary human delay. Importantly, any refusals or complex cases will still be reviewed by a human officer, ensuring accountability and fairness.”
“After a decade of coalition neglect and frozen rebates that resulted in a rapid decline in bulk-billing and a healthcare workforce stretched to breaking point, Labor is doing the work to fix it, building a stronger, fairer and more modern Medicare. One of the most important parts of this bill tackles one of the biggest barriers that affect our healthcare workforce: the slow processing of Medicare provider numbers. When a new doctor, including an overseas trained practitioner, seeks to practise under Medicare, they have to apply for a Medicare provider number. It's a process that's still partly manual, often slow and frustratingly bureaucratic. The Kruk review found that overseas trained doctors can wait up to three months for a provider number to start work.”
“It's why our government is determined to strengthen Medicare, to make it easier and affordable to see your doctor, to support our healthcare workforce and to keep bulk-billing strong across every part of our community. This legislation makes important, practical changes across the health system to help deliver a stronger Medicare, including more bulk-billing, faster access to provider numbers and better systems that will help doctors spend less time on paperwork and more time with their patients. This bill is a key part of the Albanese Labor government's ongoing commitment to not just strengthen Medicare but safeguard it now and into the future.”
“I am thrilled to again be contributing in this place on our Labor government's commitment to Medicare. Medicare and universal access to health care are core to who we are as a Labor government. This legislation, the Health Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025, is another important step in ensuring Medicare remains strong, accessible and ready for the future. It will help us deliver more bulk-billing, faster access to doctors, simpler billing systems and fairer treatment for medical graduates and overseas trained practitioners so that Australians can get the care that they need when they need it and while only needing their Medicare card. Medicare is who we are as a country. It's one of our nation's greatest achievements, built on our Australian values of fairness, equity and compassion.”
“These women are going to have a remarkable impact on their community, and I wish them, especially those seniors who'll be finishing up very soon, all the very best for the years ahead.”
“I thank Principal Rita Grima, Deputy Principal Brigitte McDonald and the students who took the time to meet with me. Thank you so much for your warm welcome and for sharing your insightful perspectives. You have my full confidence that your leadership will extend well beyond the school gates. Helping young people grow as leaders is one of the best investments we can make, and, at St Columba's, as in so many of the incredible local schools right across Maribyrnong, that investment is already paying off. I can't wait to see where these remarkable young leaders go next. It really was an incredible opportunity to meet with these young women, from the early years of high school right through to the seniors—year 7 to year 12.”
“Last year, they championed a more flexible school uniform policy, taking into consideration the evolving needs and desires of the broader student body. That's proof of what happens when young people are listened to and trusted to lead. We spoke about their goals for the year ahead, the paths that they're looking forward to embarking on, pathways to civic leadership and my own journey into parliament. We also discussed the barriers that still hold women back from public life and why breaking them down matters. It was inspiring to see so many bright, capable young women in the room, ready to lead, to serve and to shape the future. We know that, when young women can see leaders that look like them, they can imagine themselves in those roles too.”
“Recently I had the privilege of visiting St Columba's College in Essendon, where I met with their exceptional student engagement team, an incredibly impressive group of leaders from every year level. In meeting with the student leaders, I was struck immediately by the fact that this team is much more than a formality; they are an active, influential voice in the school's planning and governance. They are already making a tangible difference to the lives of their fellow students. Their current projects are impressive: a homework audit to better balance workloads, the development of a purpose built student leadership program, ongoing reviews of school policy and a refresh of the college's website. These are practical, forward-thinking initiatives that will leave a real legacy.”
“We've delivered the Commonwealth Prac Payments, supporting trainee nurses like those at Kangan Institute in Essendon. We've protected penalty rates while those opposite have tried to take them away. We're strengthening Medicare with more bulk-billing and cheaper medicines, while those opposite have spent the week barely hiding their hatred for bulk-billing. Wages are growing, unemployment and the gender pay gap are low, and interest rates have been cut for a third time this year. As I finish my first full month as the advocate for Maribyrnong in this place, the coalition would rather fight amongst themselves than fight for Australia. Labor is on the side of Maribyrnong. Labor is on the side of Australia. We've started as we mean to continue. We'll keep on delivering.”
“It's been four months since the election, and we have not wasted a single moment in delivering for Australians. We have been steadfastly focused on delivering for all Australians, including in my community of Maribyrnong. And, while we have been focused on delivering cheaper medicines and cutting 20 per cent off student debt, those opposite can't even pull themselves together. Instead, they're focused on some random, fanciful 'tax on your room'—it's insane. Their only apparent agenda seems to be coming from the member for New England and his determination to take Australia backwards by abandoning net zero. It looks like the climate wars are there to stay in the coalition, but my community is taking advantage of 30 per cent cheaper batteries. Those opposite are divided. They're distracted. We're delivering for Australians.”
“They expect accountability, and, with this legislation, the Albanese Labor government is delivering just that. Australians had a choice at the last election between two very different approaches: the Coalition, with weak protections, dodgy operators running riot and corporate lunches, and Labor, with tough enforcement, fair rules and protections that put families, workers and small businesses first. To no-one's surprise, they voted for a fair go. This legislation is doing just that—bringing fairness to the forefront, building trust among consumers and providing much-needed accountability. It is about putting people back at the heart of the telecommunications system. That's what the Albanese Labor government is delivering, and that's why I stand here proudly to commend this bill to the House.”
“And it is lived by older Australians right across our community, who deserve the peace of mind of being able to call their family, their doctor or emergency services without worrying that the line will fail. When telecommunications systems fail, it's not just a technical glitch; it's people in our community being disconnected, losing income and feeling isolated. That is why this bill is so important to my community in Maribyrnong and right across the country. It says to every person in my community, 'You matter.' It says to the cafe owner in Niddrie, 'Your business matters.' It says to the nurse in Essendon juggling shifts, 'Your job matters.' It says the family in Glenroy, 'Your connection to each other and the world matters.' The people of Maribyrnong expect fairness.”
“It's lived by the migrant families in Flemington, who depend on reliable internet so their kids can keep up with their classmates and so they can stay connected to loved ones overseas. It's lived by the factory workers in Airport West, where a reliable phone network keeps production moving and shifts coordinated. It's lived by the small businesses in Avondale Heights and Strathmore, where the EFTPOS transaction matters and where a dropped connection can mean lost sales. It is lived by those parents and young professionals working from home in Moonee Ponds and Aberfeldie, who rely on fast, dependable broadband to reach new markets, engage with their colleagues and attend virtual meetings.”
“Through mobile blackspot programs, on-farm solutions and community pilots, we're making sure small businesses and workers in every corner of this country can compete, succeed and stay connected. What does this mean in practice? It means a small retailer in Kensington can stay connected to suppliers without outages cutting into their margins. It means a shiftworker in Gladstone Park can rely on their phone to organise care for their kids. It means a farmer outside Melbourne can use digital tools to grow their business. These are real protections, real investments and real changes that make life better for working people and small businesses. That's what a Labor government does. We put people first, and we put fairness first. In Maribyrnong fairness is not just an idea; it is lived every single day.”
“We've made it a legal requirement for telcos to provide proper support for customers doing it tough. That means families in Maribyrnong who hit a rough patch are treated with compassion not given more stress. We've protected those experiencing family and domestic violence. Survivors can now safely and quickly manage their phone services without tipping-off an abuser—because everyone deserves safety, dignity and connection. We've cracked down on scams. By working across telecommunications, banking and digital platforms, we've helped stop Australians, including retirees and small businesses, lose their savings to criminal scammers. We've invested in regional and local connectivity.”
“They left penalties so low that the worst offenders could treat them as loose change and just a cost of doing business. They left regulators underpowered. They left families, workers and small businesses exposed. Let's not forget the NBN, a second-rate system built on copper that is still holding back households and businesses today. That was their choice. That is their legacy. The coalition like to talk about standing up for small businesses. But, when push came to shove, they were nowhere. They didn't their back, but we do. We are fixing the mess they left behind. This bill is part of a bigger story—a story of government putting fairness back at the heart of our economy. Since coming to office, Labor has backed people in financial hardship.”
“I think of the cafe owner in Ascot Vale, who can't serve customers if their EFTPOS goes down; the tradie in Keilor East, who relies on their phone to get the next job; and the logistics company in Tullamarine that loses money every time the internet drops out. Under the coalition, these businesses were left to fend for themselves. Under Labor we're making sure the rules work for them, not against them. For workers too, whether it's a transport relying on an app, a nurse swapping shifts or a teacher delivering lessons online, this bill protects their livelihoods by ensuring the services they depend on are reliable and fair. Let's be honest about how we got here. For nearly a decade, the Liberals and the Nationals had the chance to act. Those opposite had the chance to stand up to the big telcos, but they chose not to.”
“This bill fixes it. It brings telecommunications penalties in line with those other sectors. That means, when a company breaks the rules, the Federal Court can look not just a flat fine but at the scale of the misconduct. Penalties can be tied to the benefit a company may have made from breaking those rules or to a percentage of their turnover. Why does this matter? It means that the punishment fits the crime. A giant multinational won't get a way with the same slap on the wrist as a small provider. The court can scale the penalty to the size of the business and the seriousness of the offence. That's fairness. That's consistency. And it means Australians can trust that the rules apply equally, no matter how big the company is.”
“For industry as a whole, it means a level playing field, because those who do the right thing won't be undercut by dodgy operators who cut corners. And, importantly, the regulator will have the power to shut down providers who pose an unacceptable risk to consumers. That's not a power that will be used lightly, but it will finally give ACMA the power it needs to stop harm before it spreads. We've seen this work in the energy sector, where regulators can exclude retailers who fail customers. Bringing that same power to telecommunications is just common sense. Another vital part of this bill is the modernising of the penalty framework. For too long, the fines in telecommunications lagged behind other sectors, like in energy, banking and consumer law. That left telcos operating under weaker laws than in industries facing similar risks.”
“Let me pause on the carriage service provider, or CSP, register, because this is significant reform. Right now, there is no single comprehensive list of who is operating in the telecommunications market. That means a provider can set up, take people's money and, in some cases, cause real harm, all the while flying under the radar. For such an essential piece of social and economic infrastructure, this is not on. This bill fixes that. It creates a national register, a transparent list of providers who are operating legitimately. For families, this means confidence that the company selling you a phone plan is accountable. For small businesses, it means knowing that your internet provider is properly monitored.”
“It's how kids do their homework, how parents talk to their families overseas, how local small businesses connect with customers and how workers earn their living. This bill gives Australians protections that they should have had a long time ago. It arms the regulator, ACMA, with the teeth it needs to hold dodgy telcos accountable. It lifts penalties for bad behaviour from $250,000 to nearly $10 million or more for the larger companies—no more shrugging off fines as simply a cost of doing business. It creates a register of service providers so dodgy operators can't hide in the shadows and rip people off. It makes compliance with industry codes mandatory so families and small businesses aren't waiting months for regulators to step in. That is fairness in action. That is Labor delivering.”
“For an older Australian, it might mean not being able to call a loved one or a doctor when they need to the most. These are not small inconveniences; they are things that cause real stress in already busy households. They are the moments where working people lose time that they don't have and small businesses lose money that they can't spare. For families already juggling the rising cost of living and small businesses working hard to keep the doors open, these failures cut deep. They cost money. They cost time. They cost trust. And they leave people feeling powerless against the big corporations, who seem untouchable. That's why this bill matters. Telecommunications is the infrastructure of modern life.”
“The Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025 may appear to be about abstract regulation and technical changes, but in reality it is about fairness and keeping us connected. It is about making sure that families, small businesses and workers in communities like mine in Maribyrnong and right across the country get a fair go when it comes to the services we rely on every single day. We all know what it feels like when a phone line goes down, when the internet cuts out or when we're hit with an unfair bill and left on hold for hours. For a parent, losing connection may mean that their child can't finish their school project that's due the next day. For a small business, it might mean losing customers that simply can't wait.”
“This week, during Women's Health Week, it matters even more, because women are so often the ones who delay the health care that they need because they are caring for everyone else. Medicare is who we are. It is a part of who we are. It is the reason why it's green and gold. It is part of our story, and it is a promise that, no matter where you live, no matter what you earn, you can get the health care you need when you need it. This is what Labor delivers.”
“When I'm out doorknocking in Airport West, in Gladstone Park and right across my electorate of Maribyrnong, people don't talk to me about politics; they talk to me about their health. As a proud member of this Labor government, I am very proud to talk to them about what we're doing about it—the biggest investment in Medicare in its history. We're investing $8.5 billion so we can see more families across Airport West and Gladstone Park getting to see their GP for free with their Medicare card. That's exactly right—their gold and green Medicare card. The relief that people feel when I tell them this is real. They know it means less stress. It's better care when they need it, for them and their families. It's much better than what they were getting from those opposite.”
“To all the Labor members of Maribyrnong, many of whom have carried the work for years or even decades: thank you for making sure Labor continues to deliver for our community and for our nation. It is your commitment that keeps the light on the hill burning brightly.”