Julie-Ann Campbell
Moreton · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“It was Steven Miles who introduced 50c fares, which go to making sure that people can have relief when they tap their card at the bus or to get on the train. And it was many energy workers who came together to make sure that publicly owned renewables could be back in state government hands.”
“We just heard during the MPI in this parliament every excuse that they could think of—every obfuscation that came to mind, every reason—to not back reform that protects our children. The news I want to give to those opposite is this: we will not lie down when it comes to ensuring that Australian children are safe.”
“It is important to remember that yesterday marked a tax cut, the fifth from this government, for every Australian taxpaying worker. It is important to remember that this government, unlike those opposite, backed in minimum and award wage increases which came into effect yesterday.”
“Yesterday didn't just mark the beginning of a new financial year, it marked the next step in the Albanese Labor government's crusade to ensure that cost-of-living relief is delivered to everyday Australians, and it sits in stark contrast to what we've seen from those opposite this week.”
“If you've ever sat in your car at the Coopers Plains crossing on Boundary Road, you would know that it can feel like an absolute eternity. It's been consistently named by the RACQ as one of the worst crossings in our entire state. Locals in my community have been waiting decades for the promised overpass to that rail level crossing.”
“But if you'd cracked open the LNP's budget last Tuesday, what you would have found as you sorted through the papers is that there was no commitment and no timeline to this important project being delivered, despite the state previously having committed $179.5 million to the project as well.”
The complete record
Every one of 972 lines we hold for Julie-Ann Campbell, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 12 of 20.
“Universal Education and Multicultural Exchange Association in Sunnybank, Rotary Archerfield, Macgregor Lions, the Indian Council of Australia and many more in places like Yeronga with the local Lions honoured our newest Australians, welcoming them to our country and celebrating the community that brings them together. We've heard about many, many different journeys to Australian citizenship, and our communities are stronger, more vibrant and more connected because of those new Australians. We see this every single day in Moreton with cultural and faith celebrations. Recently there was a celebration of India's Republic Day. We have Lunar New Year coming up very shortly. All of them play an incredibly vital role in bringing people together and fostering cohesion.”
“Can I tell you, on that day and on every day, those leaders, our community and the volunteers involved at Somali House and so many other community organisations showed great patriotism. They're proud to be Australian. They were proud of their heritage. They were proud of our community, and they wanted to share that with everyone. Recently, I've been incredibly fortunate to attend citizenship ceremonies across the southside held by some of Moreton's wonderful community organisations who also show that same commitment to our communities and to our nation.”
“When I was in attendance at the event, I got to try a few really special things. Firstly, I got to try bun, a type of traditional coffee which I am reliably informed is best served with popcorn. I got to learn about traditional Somali houses and how they're built, and I got to go inside a traditional house myself. Most importantly, I got to see and look at a very large community space that's on that site in Acacia Ridge. Can I say, when I spoke to the volunteers and to the leaders at Somali House, they said what they were most excited about, what they were really pumped about, was inviting members from across our southside community into that space to enjoy, to share, to celebrate and to dance. The member for Hinkler talked earlier in his adjournment speech about patriotism.”
“I want to pay tribute to the President of the Somali Community Association, Aweys Hassen, and the President of the Queensland African Communities Council, Faysel, for all their work in ensuring that this continues to be a community hub for learning, that it continues to be a community hub for connection and empowerment, that it continues to be a space for sharing culture, community programs, youth activities and support services. We know that the SCAQ courses and workshops include accounting for local businesses, Australian business structures, tax and compliance. We know that they work on English language classes, and we know that they hold important cultural events and sporting events such as junior soccer and the much anticipated annual Ramadan Cup. They promote cultural identity and belonging.”
“Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. This weekend past, you and I had the very great privilege of being able to attend the opening of Somali House, a brand new headquarters in Acacia Ridge, having moved from its previous location in Inala, where I know you have been a great supporter for many years. What I said on that day and what I say again today is that I apologise but the loss of Somali House from Inala is absolutely a gain for Acacia Ridge. Notwithstanding that, Somali House houses such an important community organisation for both our southside communities.”
“It is more than a celebration of colour and movement and vibrancy, although that's fantastic too. It is a celebration of something so very inherently Australian—of bringing people together, of sharing between community and of standing up when it counts, which is what we need now more than ever. Whether you're celebrating on the Sunnybank rooftop at the landmark restaurant or in your home, happy Year of the Horse.”
“'Xinnian kuaile', 'kung hei fat choy', 'happy new year'; that is what people from across the Brisbane southside electorate of Moreton are already saying to each other in the lead-up to Lunar New Year—and not just in Moreton but across this country and across the globe. For Australians of Chinese heritage, Vietnamese heritage and Korean heritage, and, indeed, all Australians, we are about to have a very special celebration. I have such incredibly fond memories of celebrating Lunar New Year: hearing the clinking and vibration on the table of mahjong tiles as I crouched underneath; saying 'happy new year' to every single adult so I could collect my well-earned red packet. Mostly, I remember being around family and friends and that everyone was invited. Lunar New Year is more than a celebration of food, although the food is fantastic.”
“The Australian Labor Party believes that everyone deserves access to health care, regardless of your income, regardless of your employment and regardless of where you live.”
“I note the member for Griffith is in the chamber tonight. We have one right on our border which also helps so many people in Annerley. In the 2025 budget the government committed nearly $645 million over three years to expand the number of urgent care clinics from 87 to 137, and as a result four out five Australians live within a 20-minute drive of free, high quality, urgent medical care, something that could only be achieved under this Labor government. And from 1 January, as I said before, the maximum co-payment for a standard PBS subscription fell from $31.60 to $25. Labor's commitment to health care is underpinned by our fundamental values. It's part of who we are. It's part of what runs through our blood. It's part of our DNA. We haven't held these values for a minute; we've held them for a very long time.”
“This is a 50 per cent increase, and it means that people on the south side of Brisbane have more access than ever before to bulk-billed GP clinics. With these reforms, projections show that by 2030 around 90 per cent of GP visits nationwide will be bulk-billed, and it also means that the number of fully bulk-billing practices is set to grow to roughly 4,800 clinics. That's more than three times the current figure, which is a significant improvement for communities across Australia. Urgent care clinics are also easing demand on hospital emergency departments. In Oxley in my own electorate of Moreton the local clinic is already making a difference. It's the health professionals there who are treating over 12,200 patients as of mid-January, and it's the same with expanding networks across the country.”
“The Albanese Labor government increased that bulk-billing incentive for pensioners, for concession card holders and for families with children, and this change reversed the decline in bulk-billing and resulted in an extra 6.5 million bulk-billed GP appointments across the country. A major milestone for Medicare then took effect on 1 November last year. From that date, for the first time, GPs received the bulk-billing incentive for every patient they bulk-billed, not just the groups I just mentioned. This is the largest single investment ever made in Medicare and is expected to support around 18 million additional bulk-billed visits every single year. In my electorate of Moreton, there are now 20 bulk-billed GP clinics, with 10 clinics moving from a mixed model to a full bulk-billing model.”
“The registration standard was developed after comprehensive consultation with numerous peak bodies, including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the AMA, the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives and the Australian Primary Healthcare Nurses Association. The reforms in this bill are part of a bigger picture for the Albanese government. It is a picture of the Albanese Labor government's investment in public health. In 2023 Labor increased the bulk-billing incentive threefold for groups who rely on their GP the most.”
“They will also be able to prescribe schedule 4 prescription only medicines such as antibiotics and medicines for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The reform in this bill aligns with the intent of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce and the October 2024 Unleashing the potential of our health workforce scope of practice review . The aim of that review was to, 'reform our primary care workforce to deliver high quality, equitable, integrated and sustainable healthcare for Australian communities'. This built on the extensive work of and consultations by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and Australian Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer since 2017 around the potential for RNs to increase their scope of practice.”
“RNs are also trained in pharmacodynamics, which is how medications affect the body, and pharmacokinetics, which focuses on how medicines on how medicines are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated. Registration also requires six months of supervised clinical mentorship with a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner. The level of supervision is similar to nurse practitioner training and evolves from monitoring of the RN's prescribing decisions to a collaborative working relationship. One endorsed, RNs will be able to prescribe specific types of medicines. This includes schedule 3 medicines which usually require pharmacist advice but not a prescription, such as an emergency contraception.”
“Nurse Charlotte Coulson, who has worked there and in Victoria in palliative care, says that RNs being enabled to prescribe medicines in palliative care cases is particularly impactful and prevents suffering, noting that 'GPs have limited time and multiple priorities'. To qualify, RNs are required to hold current general registration, have at least three years of full-time equivalent clinical experience after becoming registered and complete a board approved postgraduate course or equivalent study in registered nurse prescribing. This comprehensive program generally takes four to six months part time and covers topics like conducting physical health assessments and the principles of safe and appropriate medical use.”
“They participate in medical and surgical procedures and they supervise nursing students. Crucially, and perhaps much harder to quantify, patients rely on RNs to provide emotional and psychological support as they are treated. This can include advocating for those patients. With this scope of practice—and the intense patient contact and support—it makes sense for appropriately qualified RNs to be enabled to prescribe certain medications. This will allow safe and timely and efficient prescription for patients, especially in primary-care and aged-care settings. This system has been in place in the UK since the 1990s.”
“Unless you have been a nurse, unless you have walked those halls, whether they be in aged care or in a hospital, you don't know the demands of nursing every single day. But, if you've been to a hospital, you know that they take your vitals and that they administer your medications. You'll also find them working in residential aged-care centres, at GP clinics, in the urgent care clinics that we've been rolling out across the country, at schools and at community health centres, to name just a few locations. If you look at the scope of workplaces, it's no surprise that the job description to plan and oversee the management of people in their care includes performing treatments and complex care, and starting, administering and monitoring medication and intravenous therapy. RNs also interpret test results and reports.”
“Further, it takes pressure off nurse practitioners and medical practitioners and allows them to focus on more complex cases. This legislation is not just about increasing access to healthcare; it's also about freeing up time and giving more efficient healthcare options across the system. The bill amends two acts. It amends the National Health Act 1953 to enable a suitably qualified RN to be an authorised medicines prescriber. Such RNs will be able to prescribe certain medicines that are available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. And it also amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to enable RNs to review their prescribing services under the Professional Services Review Scheme. Most of us might think that we have a fair idea of what registered nurses do. I assure you we don't.”
“This bill is about affordability and accessibility, and it builds on what we, the Albanese Labor government, have already done. We've already put in place urgent care clinics, and, as we heard from ministers earlier today, there are more and more rolling out every single day. We've put in place a $25 cap on PBS medicine prices so that, when you go to the pharmacy, you will never pay more than a $20 and a $5. And we've been investing in women's health, to make sure that women's health is front and centre, with the biggest investment in women's health in the history of this country. As the Australian College of Nursing's chief nursing officer Frances Rice said: This increases access to care, and boosts healthcare efficiency by allowing a registered nurse to work to the top of their scope.”
“In December 2024, state and territory health ministers approved a new registration standard, which enables suitably qualified registered nurses, or RNs, to become designated RN prescribers. The Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines—Designated Registered Nurse Prescriberstandard enables this group of RNs to prescribe medicines. The standard outlines the required qualifications that an RN must have when applying to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to attain and retain the endorsement for prescribing scheduled medicines. This bill is important because reforming the scope of practice for health practitioners means real, tangible benefits for Australians, Australians who would be able to access the affordable medicines they need when they need them. That's what this bill is all about.”
“The reason for this is simple: the Albanese Labor government are committed to universal health care, and we are committed to Medicare. We are committed to strengthening it. We are committed to making medicines cheaper. We are committed to expanding bulk-billing. And we are committed to making access to timely health care easier for Australians every day. Urgent care clinics—I'm delighted to say I got to visit one just last week in Oxley in my local area—and Medicare mental health centres across the country enable this seven days a week. Today we're acting on our commitment to health with the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill. This bill builds on a strong Labor foundation of healthcare support by providing easier access to medicines.”
“Nurses are absolutely at the core of our health system with the care that they give out every single day to make sure Australians get better. I want to acknowledge the former nurses in this place. I acknowledge the member for Cooper, Ged Kearney, for her extraordinary work not only as a nurse on the ground but also for her work in advocacy for nurses across this nation. I acknowledge the member for Bullwinkle, Trish Cook, and her fantastic work as a nurse. And I acknowledge the member for Indi, Helen Haines. We are lucky to have those nurses here with us in this place. They bring the experience of nursing onto the national stage. In my short time giving speeches in this place, I've had the great opportunity to speak on health legislation and health related issues numerous times.”
“Basically, it means that sometimes she finds it difficult to breathe; she has issues with her respiratory system. On more than a few occasions we have taken Margaret to the hospital. And when you go to the hospital as a parent, a few things become clear: your heart starts pounding, your brow has sweat on it and your mind is racing. And when those things happen, whether you're going in an ambulance to that hospital or whether you're driving in the car up to emergency, those things are constantly on your mind. The thing for me, when I walk into the room and a nurse comes into that room, is the relief that hits me. Nurses are the beacon of care in our community. They are the people who make sure that Australians are okay every day.”
“There is a certain irony in the member for Lindsay's raising the track record of the former coalition on the matter of health. What we know about the coalition, and what we know about those opposite, is that the Liberals, the Nationals—despite the fact that there is no current coalition, they were the coalition at the time—tried to introduce a co-payment for GPs when it came to health care. This co-payment would have destroyed bulk-billing—a system that is the bedrock of ensuring that every Australian has the ability to access affordable health care—in this country. When it comes to this bill, I want to start by talking about my family. My daughter, Margaret, the apple of both her parents' eyes, is 2½ years old now—just a touch over that. Like many babies, toddlers, children across this country, Margaret suffers from reactive airways.”
“It's not one to be politicised; it's one for action and it's one for unity. This bill is about taking that step towards unity and healing after such an appalling antisemitic attack on Australian soil.”
“It's about making sure that people in our community are held responsible and that hate is something that is outlawed, because we cannot afford to go down this road again. In particular, it's about making sure that our young people in this country are not infected by hate and that our most vulnerable people in this society can live and grow up free from hatred that leads to tragedy. This bill is, at its core, about Australian values. It's about who we are as a nation. It's about who we want to continue to be as a nation. It's about taking the step to ensure that what happened in Bondi will never repeat itself there or anywhere else. For so many people's communities, children, families and loved ones, it is a tragedy that we wish will never happen again. For me and everyone in this place, this is a serious issue.”
“It's a bill that will introduce new aggravated offences to ensure that very serious penalties apply to those in positions of influence and authority who commit hate crimes. It's a bill to ensure that we have increased penalties for the offences involving advocating or threatening force or violence against protected groups, members of groups, their close associates and their property. It's a bill that will amend the Crimes Act to introduce a new general sentencing principle that will require a court, when sentencing a person, to consider an offender's hate motivation based on race or national or ethnic origin as an aggravating factor, because in this country it shouldn't matter what the colour of your skin is, what god you pray to or what your religion is; you should never be the victim of hate. We know what hate can lead to.”
“Our fundamental principles and values as Australians are mateship, caring about one another and the fair go. None of these values are underpinned by the hate that led to those murders. We need to do something about that. It's our collective responsibility as a parliament to do something about that. We know that there is not one solution but there are many to tackle this and to ensure that it never happens again. This bill, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026, is about combating antisemitism. It's about combating hate. It's about making sure that we have legislation that backs in those Australian values that we hold so dear in this country. These reforms are about making sure that another piece of the puzzle is put in place so that this never happens again.”
“On 14 December 2025 I was at home, having friends over for dinner. They were old schoolfriends. When we were around the table, we were breaking bread and talking about our families, our aspirations, our hopes and our dreams and sharing old memories. As were having that dinner, there were people in Bondi being murdered—people who will never again be able to sit around the dinner table talking about their hopes, their aspirations, their dreams and their memories. Those people are no longer with us because they were targeted as Australian Jews. This is an absolutely appalling and horrendous attack not just on the people who were involved that day but on every Australian. In these last few days in this chamber, what we have remembered is who we are and what we stand for as Australians.”
“To ensure both our natural habitats like this are protected and that business has the clarity it needs, we need to change the law. When it comes to change and reform, certainly that which means something and makes a difference is never easy. What it requires is intestinal fortitude, and what it requires is a lot of heart. I am so proud to be part of the Albanese Labor government, which has both in spades.”
“This is a very special moment because today we stand on the precipice of passing incredibly important environmental reforms. They are landmark environmental reforms. This is the moment that we will see a creation of the first of its kind in this nation, which is an independent EPA. This is the moment that we will see increased protections for our environment, which is something so inextricably connected to who we are as Australians. This is the moment that we will see the faster approvals for critical infrastructure in housing and renewables that we so desperately need as a nation. My local community—and indeed your local community, Mr Speaker—on Brisbane's south side houses so many fantastic pieces of natural environment. Toohey Forest, the Archerfield Wetlands and the Oxley Creek are places that deserve protection.”
“Migration brings that diversity, innovation and cultural exchange—all of which make Australia stronger and more vibrant. The Albanese Labor government firmly believes that every migrant has right to live safely and with a sense of security. It is our responsibility to hold up those rights, and this bill helps us to do that. We are that migration success story, but what we have seen of late, in that rich tapestry of migration that makes us stronger as a country, is people pulling at the threads of it, and we must always stand against that. This bill makes sure that migrant workers have protection and that we have their back. (Time expired)”
“I also want to focus on the essential role that migrants have played and continue to play in shaping Australia's success and in shaping our future. This has been the case for generations, like my family, and it will continue to be. You only have to look at the members of the Labor caucus to see the result of migration. You only have to look at people on this side of the chamber and their stories to know that we are a party that is proud of diversity and representation and a caucus that looks like the people in our community. The contributions of migrants extend far beyond economic prosperity. They enrich our communities, strengthen our national identity and deepen our connections with countries across the depth and breadth of the globe.”
“In the first part of my speech, I dwelled on one of the dark episodes from our past. I want to stress, however, the positive experiences many migrants coming to these shores have had—not only the positive experiences that those migrants have had, but the positive impact that they have had on us as a country, the positive impact that they have had on our economy, the positive impact that they have had on our culture, the positive impact that they have had on our communities and the positive impact that they have had on us as a society. As we in this place know, Australia is a multicultural success story. It is built, in so many ways, on the hard work, the labours, efforts and input of people with migrant backgrounds.”
“The number of advertisements required to reduce from three to two, removing the need to advertise on the Workforce Australia website. Any future changes to labour market testing will be considered by the government Similarly, in December 2024, the Department of Home Affairs revised the regulations to establish the income thresholds and their annual indexation for the 'skills in demand' visa. As a result, thresholds are automatically adjusted each year on 1 July and in accordance with changes to the average weekly ordinary time earnings. This bill builds on the Albanese Labor government's commitment to reform and strengthen the temporary skilled migration system. These amendments to the Migration Act will foster trust in the system, protect vulnerable workers and ensure that sponsorship arrangements operate fairly and ethically.”
“The register upholds the privacy of the sponsors by alerting them to the requirement during the process of sponsorship application. The register only provides information that is readily and publicly available, such as their ABN. The register will not include any identifying information relating to the nominated workers. The measures in this bill were previously included in the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024, which lapsed before this year's election. The bill before us today does not include provisions that were included in the 2024 bill—these are the streamlining of labour market testing and the indexation of income thresholds. In December 2023, the government undertook initial work to streamline labour market testing.”
“In addition to promoting openness, the register will serve as a practical tool to help address the exploitation of temporary skilled migrant workers. The addition of the postcode will assist migrant workers who are keen to move to a new location to find reputable employers. It will enable workers to identify and connect with alternative sponsors if needed and provide a reliable resource for verifying that a sponsoring employer is legitimate and compliant with regulatory requirements. Coming from another country to Australia to start work—coming here to deliver work for our economy—is a scary thing to do, and you need tools to make sure that you have a pathway that does not lead to exploitative workplace practices. Disclosure of information on the register will be consistent with the Privacy Act.”
“By making this information publicly accessible, the register aims to strengthen transparency, improve accountability and support effective monitoring and oversight within the sponsorship system. This is about making sure that employers are held accountable and that there are pathways for migrant workers to ensure they are not exploited under a system that allows them to be. This is about closing that gap and making sure that, if you come to this country to work, then you can be entitled to, can expect to and deserve to be treated fairly in your workplace. It doesn't matter what the colour of your skin is, what language you speak or what faith you have, everyone deserves to be treated fairly in their workplace. Stamping out exploitation is part of who we are as a government and who we are as the Labor Party.”
“In Australia it is necessary for an employer to be approved by the Department of Home Affairs before sponsoring the visa of a skilled worker. Under this legislation, these employers will be listed on a public register and the register will be limited to temporary visas where full sponsor obligations apply. The register will sit alongside the public register of approved sponsors which is published by the Australian Border Force. The register will be hosted on the Department of Home Affairs website and will list key details about approved sponsors. These include the sponsor's name, the category or type of approval granted, their ABN and the postcode linked to that ABN. It will also state the number of workers they sponsor and the specific occupations of those workers.”
“As part of this process, the reviewers released a discussion paper and considered 483 written submissions, including many from individual migrants and visa applicants, the people in our community who are affected every day. They also held numerous roundtable consultations with peak bodies, unions and senior officials from state and territory governments. The final report of the Review of the Migration System was delivered in March 2023, and this bill meets a very key commitment of that strategy. It implements measures which will increase protections for temporary skilled migrant workers in Australia. The central provision in this legislation is the creation of a comprehensive public register of approved work sponsors.”
“This strategy is central to the government's pledge to repair the current migration system and ensure that it delivers better outcomes for migrants, the Australian economy and the wider community. The migration strategy was shaped through extensive engagement with business, unions and other stakeholders, drawing on more than 450 submissions received during the review of the migration system. It introduces reforms focused on temporary skilled migration to meet workforce needs and enhance worker mobility. The strategy builds on the findings of a thorough, independent review of Australia's migration system, spearheaded by the former Minister for Home Affairs in September 2022 and led by three independent experts.”
“The United Nations special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery describes the main issue as: … a significant power imbalance between employers and workers, since employees are either tied to a single employer, and mobility is reported to be extremely difficult, and/or dependent on their employer for extension of contracts or nomination for permanent residency. This is why the Albanese Labor government has introduced the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. In December 2023, the Albanese Labor government released a migration strategy, a modern, purpose built framework for managing migration that includes temporary visa skilled pathways.”
“I also mention it because the exploitation and mistreatment of migrants is unfortunately not something consigned to past centuries. It is happening now. Unlike the coalition, who, in rejecting this bill, choose to put their heads in the sand, we choose to stand up against it. Today, it is sadly not uncommon to hear of migrant workers being subjected to deceptive recruitment strategies—bullying, wage theft, excessive and surprise deductions from pay, and substandard working conditions. It wasn't okay when it happened all those decades ago. It isn't okay when it's happening now. It will not be okay. This legislation is trying to stop it.”
“These people weren't just robbed of their wages; they were robbed of their families, of basic conditions and, in many cases, of their lives. From 1885 to 1901, the Queensland government managed the wages of deceased islanders. Little effort was made to send their wages to their families back home, with the amount misappropriated worth around $40 million today. I raise this appalling part of our history for two reasons. Firstly, it's to remind ourselves that, while migration is foundational to the Australian story and the development of our multicultural identity, it is also important to acknowledge that in that history are policies, legislation, exploitation and mistreatment that are shameful and deeply regrettable. In this place, we must always acknowledge and not forget such things.”
“In the years following the arrival of the English on these shores, migrant groups became synonymous with certain waves of immigration and certain types of work—the Chinese who worked the goldfields; the Afghan cameleers who assisted in the exploration of the outback; the Japanese pearl divers who boosted the development of the pearl industry; and also, shamefully, the South Sea Islanders who were brought to work on sugarcane farms in Queensland. In 1863, the first group of manual labourers arrived. Over the next 40 years, more than 62,000 Pacific island men, women and children were sent to work on those canefields. Some were kidnapped, some were blackbirded and others were misled about the work and conditions. Many were never paid. In fact, nearly 30 per cent of these workers died in Australia due to vulnerability to European illnesses.”
“It is not unique because migrants have been coming to this country for generations. And, when they come, we expect, with our values, to ensure that they are not exploited at work. What we have heard from the member for Mitchell is that the coalition does not want to support legislation whose only purpose is to ensure that migrant workers are not exploited when they go to the workplace. Immigrant stories are Australian stories. There are Australian stories and immigrant stories linked to our core values of a fair go and mateship. People have been migrating to Australia for work for generations.”
“In my first speech in this place, I was honoured to honour some former immigrants to this country—my family. Members of the Moo family arrived in Australia in the late 1800s, settling in Darwin. Moo Yat Fah worked as a labourer on the construction of the Darwin to Pine Creek railroad, like many other people. Deputy Speaker Scrymgour, I know many people in your electorate have this history as well. Many Australians of Chinese heritage worked on that railroad, and they were a key driver of the economy throughout the Northern Territory. Around the same time, my po po's family, the Lau Gooeys, left China for Melbourne. My po po's father found work there as a slaughterman, helping drive local businesses and the economy in Victoria. It's almost 140 years that my family has been in this country. This story of migrants is not unique.”
“My question is to the Minister for Education. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering its commitment to cut student debt by 20 per cent and make tertiary education better and fairer? What has been the response?”
“They've consistently called for relief from automatic excise increases during this period of inflation. The government has responded with a balanced time limited policy that delivers real results without driving up inflation or compromising fiscal discipline. It's about doing this responsibly but also giving people the relief to their hip pocket that they need right here and right now. It's also part of the wider package of support for small business, including extended instant-asset write-offs, help with digital transformation and lower energy costs for small operators.”
“By pausing indexation, the government is giving these producers the time they need to control expenses, to plan their brewing schedules with confidence and to continue contributing to the economic and social strength of the local communities. And the benefits don't stop there. Farmers, transport operators, equipment suppliers and thousands of small businesses linked to the hospitality supply chain will also feel the positive impact. The aftermarket in this space is absolutely enormous. This is a cost-of-living measure, and it strengthens small business resilience and supports regional tourism as well. Labor has listened to industry voices. We've listened to brewers, we've listened to publicans, we've listened to small business groups, and we've listened to the public.”