Emma Comer
Petrie · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Today I want to celebrate three examples of what makes Petrie such a special place: creativity, community and confidence in the future. First, Redcliffe is fast making its case as the art capital of the world. Across the Peninsula, creativity is everywhere.”
“I also want to acknowledge the Redcliffe Art Society and its Exhibition of Excellence. For decades, the society has supported local artists, encouraged new talent and helped make Redcliffe a genuine cultural hub. To every artist, organiser, volunteer and supporter involved: thank you for adding so much life and colour to our community.”
“They help young people understand that their voices and ideas count and that democracy is strongest when people are informed and engaged. I thank the staff and students and the school community at Bracken Ridge State School, including the principal, Robyne Harris, deputy principal, Ben Laws, and the head of curriculum, Jess Edwards, for t…”
“Quantum computing has the potential to transform industries like medicine, energy, agriculture, logistics, materials, science and more that we can't even fathom today. For our community, it means new opportunities, new skills and a place at the centre of this exciting technology.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. What has been the impact of the Albanese Labor government's world-leading social media ban for under-16-year-olds, and what is standing in the way of strengthening them so that we can better protect Australian children and back Australian parents?”
“We have delivered Medicare urgent care clinics across the country, we are investing in our public hospitals in partnership with the states, and we are ensuring that general practice remains viable and an attractive profession for future generations of healthcare workers. These are not isolated initiatives.”
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“My question is to the Minister for Communications. What has been the impact of the Albanese Labor government's social media age restrictions so far, and how is this policy helping to protect young Australians from the harm of social media?”
“We honour the victims, support the survivors and continue to commit ourselves to an Australia where everyone belongs and everyone is safe.”
“It is a key ingredient to harmony. It requires conscious efforts to understand and be empathetic to those different from oneself. Love is honourable and love is strength, and we need to share it with those around us as we heal from this tragic moment that's forever etched in our memory. When one group is made to feel unsafe, our shared sense of security is undermined. This tragedy has taken a toll on the safety that all Australians feel. In response, we need to have a moment of national unity and strong, decisive action. In times like this, the choice before us is clear: we can allow hatred and division to fracture us, or we can stand together in national unity. Today we are sending a clear message: we mourn together, we stand together and we will not be intimidated by hate.”
“We crave connection. Hate is often used as a tool for bonding, as an easy way to blame others for perceived wrongdoings in one's life. Hate is tantalisingly easy—dangerously easy. You can just blame someone or some group for most, if not all, of life's problems. There is no accountability—no nuance. It's illogical and hard to cut through. Hatred is suffering for the hated and the hater. Hate begets hate. Violence begets violence. Terrorism preys on this human desire for connection. It's abhorrent and has no place in our society. In some ways, I believe life happens either to you or for you, and every single day you get to decide which one it is. If you are fuelled by hate, life is happening to you. You're a passenger in your own story as hate has the wheel. Love, however, is light. It adds value to life and warmth to the soul.”
“At its core, this motion affirms the fundamental principle that every Jewish Australian has the right to live, work, worship and learn in peace and safety; to participate fully and freely in Australian public life; to gather without fear; to be proud of who they are and be proud of the profound contribution their community has made and continues to make to our nation's success. Everyone—and I mean everyone—should have the right to be safe, to have agency, to worship one God or many, or to choose a different path of belief. Regardless of our beliefs, we all deserve safety and respect. Who does hate serve? Who does resentment serve? What does one hope to find at the end of that dark path? When you feed the engine of hatred, everyone you look at, everything you read and everything you feel looks like fuel. As humans, we need social groups.”
“We also honour the heroes of Bondi, ordinary people who in an extraordinary moment chose courage over fear and compassion over self-preservation. These were not people trained for crisis or prepared for violence. They were everyday Australians who, when confronted with unimaginable danger, acted to protect others. Some ran towards those in need, offering first aid, comfort and shelter. Others placed themselves between the attacker and strangers they had never met. In the chaos and terror of that day, they embodied the very best of our nation's values. We also acknowledge the deep and lasting trauma suffered by those who were injured, both physically and psychologically, by witnessing this atrocity. Trauma does not end when the headlines fade. As a nation, we must ensure that survivors and witnesses are not left to carry this burden alone.”
“This motion unequivocally condemns antisemitism, and I am proud to support it, but condemnation alone is not enough. Words must be matched with action. The Jewish community cannot face antisemitism alone. It is a problem every Australian needs to address, and it demands a strong response. In the midst of this despicable tragedy, there were also moments of extraordinary courage. We honour the police officers who ran towards danger, the lifeguards and first responders who acted with composure under unimaginable pressure and the healthcare workers who worked tirelessly to save lives. Their professionalism, skill and dedication embody the very best of public service. Because of them, lives were saved and families were spared even greater suffering.”
“On 14 December 2025, 15 innocent people were murdered at Bondi Beach in an act of unspeakable violence. They were children, daughters, sons, parents, grandparents, friends, neighbours and community leaders. I want to tender my heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones, whose grief is beyond words. This was not a random act of violence. It was an act of terrorism deliberately targeting Jewish Australians as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, the festival of light, and their faith. An occasion meant for joy, reflection and togetherness was shattered by hatred. We must be absolutely clear: antisemitism has no place in Australia. It is an evil that threatens the safety and dignity of our fellow Australians.”
“To every student struggling with debt, to every parent trying to keep their children safe online, and to every Australian who wants their environment protected and our Medicare system strengthened: we see you, we hear you and we are delivering for you.”
“While we focus on the next generation, we are also delivering for every single person who relies on our healthcare system. I'll just let you know that's every single Australian. When Labor came into government, bulk-billing was collapsing. Families were waiting weeks to see a GP only to be hit with fees they could not afford. That is why we tripled the bulk-billing incentive. It is why we have delivered the largest strengthening of Medicare since it was created. The results are speaking for themselves. Bulk-billing rates are rising once again. More families are seeing a GP without reaching into their pockets. This is what Medicare is meant to be—universal, accessible, affordable. It is the foundation of Australian life, and we are proud to be the party that built it, protected it and is now rebuilding it stronger than it ever was.”
“Every parent I speak with tells me the same thing: children are being exposed to content that they should never see. They are being targeted by algorithms no parent can monitor. They are facing bullying, exploitation and social pressures that previous generations never had to endure. The evidence is clear; social media is harming kids. So we are taking action. The government's upcoming social media ban for under-16-year-olds is going to let kids be kids. It ensures that children can grow up safely without being pulled into the online world that is not designed for their wellbeing. This reform supports parents, it empowers families and it strengthens the guardrails for our youngest Australians. We cannot reduce harm by wishing it away. We reduce harm by acting responsibly and decisively.”
“It is about ensuring that progress is sustainable. It is about future generations inheriting the bush, the rivers, the reefs and the wildlife that define our national identity. It is about protecting the places that make Australia home. I want to thank all the environmental groups and community activists, such as ESRAC, the Queensland Conservation Council, Greenpeace and the Redcliffe Environmental Forum, for their ongoing contributions and support of these reforms, as well as the residents who raise their voices on these matters. I want to acknowledge the work of Minister Watt, Minister Plibersek and Special Envoy Kate Thwaites on these important, long-overdue reforms. Another critical issue facing our country is the impact of social media on young people.”
“It means that teachers, nurses, tradies, social workers and community workers will all be able to move forward in their lives without the growing financial burdens holding them back. At the same time, we are strengthening our commitment to protecting the Australian environment. Our country is home to some of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. But we have watched biodiversity decline, native species disappear, habitat destruction accelerate, and the ferocity of storms increase. This is why we are proud to be introducing new, stronger environmental legislation. It creates clearer national standards. It restores accountability to environmental decision-making. And it gives Australians confidence that development, economic growth and environmental protection can be balanced responsibly. This legislation is not about stopping progress.”
“Very soon more than 22,000 locals in Petrie will be getting 20 per cent taken off of their student debt—no applications, no forms. You don't need to do anything. This is a one-off reduction that will be applied automatically by the Australian Taxation Office, and when the deduction is applied you'll get a text from the ATO letting you know. Labor promised to cut student debt, and now the Albanese Labor government is delivering. This is a game changer for more than three million Australians with a student debt. Labor believes in education. We believe it builds opportunity, equality and prosperity. Our 20 per cent reduction means that thousands of Australians will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
“The Labor government is delivering real change for Australians—not abstract promises, not slogans but concrete action that is actually directly improving the lives of locals in my community. For too long, young Australians have felt that the system has been stacked against them. They study hard, they do everything that's asked of them, yet they finish their degrees and walk straight into a lifetime of debt. That is why the Albanese Labor government introduced a major change that will make a significant difference. We are reducing student debt by 20 per cent. This is one of the most meaningful investments in young Australians in a generation. It is practical cost-of-living relief. It is acknowledgement that education should open doors, not close them.”
“Queenslanders have always stood together through tough times and we will do so again. Stay safe everyone and merry Christmas.”
“I know many families are scared, frustrated and unsure when things will return to normal. Please take care around the damaged power lines, bridges, buildings and trees. My electorate office in the Deception Bay community hall is open for anyone who needs to charge their devices and access information. Assessments are being undertaken by the Queensland government to determine what payments locals who have been effected can apply for. We are supporting the Queensland government with the cost of providing relief and recovery assistance to communities through the jointly funded disaster recovery funding. Crews are working around the clock to restore power, reconnect communications services and clear debris. We will continue to back every affected household and business for as long as it takes.”
“I welcome the press gallery for joining me to hear about the Queensland storms. South East Queensland has once again been battered by severe storms, with destructive winds, heavy rain, hail the size of cricket balls and widespread damage across our communities. In my electorate, families in Brisbane and Moreton Bay endured another intense night of wild weather. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, with some facing days of delays due to the scale of the damage. Local businesses have suffered enormous losses. Families are throwing out entire fridges and freezers of food, and schools and small businesses are being forced to close their doors. Disabled residents have been stuck in multistorey buildings without power. I know how stressful and exhausting this can be.”
“It ensures that the reforms we have already delivered through the VETS Act will be implemented smoothly, clearly and efficiently. It builds on the government's ongoing response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, and it reflects that unwavering commitment to ensure veterans and their families receive the support they need when they need it, because, when Australians serve, they do so with honour. When they come home, they deserve a system that serves them with that same honour. This bill is another step towards that goal.”
“They will have faster access to treatment, simpler review processes and greater consistency in decision-making. They will have the confidence that the system is built around them, not the other way around. This is about more than administrative reform; it's about fairness, compassion and respect for those who have worn the nation's uniform. Every veteran deserves to know that, when they ask for help, they won't be told to wait. Every family deserves to know that their loved ones' service will be honoured, not just in words but in the care they receive. Every Australian should be proud that their government is delivering on that promise. This bill makes the small but vital adjustments needed to support the largest overhaul of veterans' entitlements in a century.”
“We're improving housing support, addressing homelessness and increasing funding for veterans' counselling and family programs. We are strengthening oversight and accountability in how support services are delivered. And, through our reforms of DVA, we are rebuilding trust and confidence in a system veterans can rely on, not one they have to fight, because our veterans have already done the hard work. They have already served our nation with courage and commitment, and it's our job to make sure the system serves them in return. When the new single act takes effect in 2026, veterans will no longer need to navigate three different legislative regimes and wait months for answers about which act applies. They will have one clear pathway for compensation and rehabilitation.”
“We funded digital modernisation so that DVA's system was fit for purpose for the 21st century, and we are working hand in hand with ex-service organisations and advocates to ensure veterans voices continue to shape the reforms as they roll out. This bill continues that work and is another step in turning the royal commission's recommendations into real lasting change. The Albanese Labor government has a proud record of standing up for veterans and their families. We are investing in the Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and action plan, ensuring support for those transitioning out of service. We've expanded the Veteran Employment Program, helping more former Defence personnel find meaningful civilian work.”
“The royal commission made clear many veterans have faced unacceptable delays and barriers when seeking support. It found that administrative complexity, unclear eligibility rules and long processing times have contributed to mental distress and, tragically, suicide. Our government took those findings seriously. That's why we've acted quickly to simplify the laws through the VETS Act to streamline claims and make the system easier to navigate. We also invested in improving mental health services, expanding open access to treatment for veterans with mental health conditions and strengthening early intervention supports. We increased staffing within the Department of Veterans' Affairs to cut through the backlogs and ensure veterans receive timely decisions.”
“Taken together, these four technical amendments may appear minor, but they are foundational to delivering the government's broader reform agenda for veteran entitlements. They are about removing ambiguity, strengthening procedural fairness and ensuring that the new system, when it commences in 2026, works as intended—efficiently, reliably and compassionately. These amendments will ensure a smooth transition from the old complicated tri-act model to a single ongoing act so veterans and their families can continue to access the support they need without disruption or confusion. This bill is not an isolated measure; it forms part of a coordinated long-term response to the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.”
“This amendment ensures that their entitlements are determined quickly, clearly and in accordance with the law. The fourth amendment addresses the review pathway for DRCA determinations made before 21 April 2025. As of that date, a new review pathway for the Veterans' Review Board commenced but the rights of appeal for determinations made before that date were ambiguous and potentially open to jurisdictional dispute. This amendment makes clear that veterans who had their claims determined before the date will retain their former review rights and that the new simplified single review pathway applies going forward. It ensures fairness and clarity for all claimants, protecting veterans rights while reinforcing the principle of a single straightforward review process.”
“It means critical treatment arrangements covering things like medical referrals, rehabilitation programs and health cards will continue uninterrupted as we move to the simplified framework. This approach avoids unnecessary administrative duplication and, most importantly, ensures that no veteran experiences a gap in care during this transition. The third amendment confirms that all claims for funeral compensation shall be determined according to the act under which they are lodged. This ensures consistency with the date-of-claim approach established under the VETS Act and avoids any confusion and delay for grieving families. When a veteran passes away, the family should not have to worry about legal technicalities or administrative errors delaying funeral assistance.”
“These instruments will include things like presumptive liability rules, which enable the government and the department to respond quickly to emerging medical evidence about conditions linked to military service. This is about being responsive to veterans needs, not rigid bureaucracy. It ensures that, if new conditions are recognised as service related, we can act fast to provide support without waiting for lengthy legislative processes. The second amendment allows certain treatment related instruments made under the VEA by the Reparation Commission to carry over and continue to have effect under the new MRCA. This is another measure to ensure continuity and fairness.”
“The bill makes four technical amendments to ensure the successful implementation of the VETS Act and the continuity of support for veterans. While these amendments are administrative in nature, they are critical to ensuring that the reforms we passed earlier this year can be delivered efficiently and without disruption. The first is about supporting continuity and transition. The first amendment provides the new Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission with the powers it needs to make and preserve instruments before the commencement of the new act. This will ensure a seamless transition from the old framework to the new one. It allows the existing commission to put in place the rules, regulations and administrative instruments needed to make the new system work smoothly from day one.”
“Since passing the VETS Act earlier this year, our government has been working to prepare for this transformation. We've been making veterans aware of the changes coming in 2026, upskilling departmental delegates so that they're ready to implement the new system effectively, providing additional training for advocates and ex-service organisations, and updating computer systems and modernising processes to ensure a smooth transition. We know that change on this scale requires careful management and clear communication. That's why the commencement date of 1 July 2026 gives veterans, their families, advocates and the department the time needed to prepare. We are determined to get this right because veterans deserve nothing less. This bill is about making sure that the transition is a simpler, fairer system and as smooth as possible.”
“It reduces the number of acts the Department of Veterans' Affairs administers from three to one. That means, from 1 July 2026, all veteran claims will be assessed under a single, harmonised piece of legislation. This single act will be simpler to use, easier to understand and faster to process. It will ensure that veterans and families receive consistent, fair decisions, no matter when or where they served. By simplifying and harmonising the system, we remove unnecessary administrative barriers and free up resources to focus on what matters most: supporting the wellbeing and recovery of veterans and their families. But this reform is not just about efficiency; it is about dignity. It's about ensuring that, when a veteran reaches out for help, they are met with a system that says 'yes', not a maze of forms and confusions that say 'wait'.”
“Under the old, outdated system, veterans' entitlements were determined under one or more of three primary compensation acts. Which acts applied depended on when the veteran served and which period of service caused or contributed to the condition they were claiming for. It was a complicated patchwork of laws that left too many veterans waiting, too many families confused and too many claims stuck in bureaucratic limbo. We heard directly from veterans and their advocates that navigating three overlapping acts was exhausting. We heard from multiple stakeholders that the system was inefficient and unnecessarily complex. We heard from the royal commission that the confusion, frustration and sense of being lost in the system were real contributors to the distress that too many veterans experience. The VETS Act fixes this.”
“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide interim report found that this complexity has been a contributing factor to distress and suicidality among our veteran community. That finding is heartbreaking, but it's also a call to action. When a person puts on the uniform of our nation, we make them a promise that their country will stand by them. That includes making the system designed to help them simple to navigate. That's why, in February this year, the Albanese Labor government passed the VETS Act. The VETS Act represents the most significant reform in how Australia supports veterans in more than a century. This act was a response to recommendations from the interim report that the royal commission released in August 2022.”
“We continue this significant reform to how our nation supports veterans, reform that puts veterans and their families back at the centre of the system built for them. The Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025 continues the Albanese Labor government's response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. It demonstrates, once again, our government's deep and enduring commitment to implementing a better and simpler veterans' entitlement system, one that ensures veterans and their families can access the support they need and deserve faster. For too long, the complexity of the veterans' entitlement system has been a source of frustration, confusion and delay for veterans and their loved ones.”
“Every Australian who puts on a uniform of our nation makes a promise—a promise to serve, to protect and to sacrifice. In return, our nation makes a promise to them that their service will be honoured, their family supported and their wellbeing safeguarded for life. This promise is a responsibility this government takes with unwavering commitment. For too long, too many veterans and their families have been left struggling within a system that was meant to support them, a system that was complicated, confusing and slow and that too often added to their distress instead of easing it. We have heard their stories, we have listened to their frustrations and we have acted. Today, we are continuing that work.”
“And, of course, our commitment to the games builds on the $12.4 billion the Albanese government is already investing in Queensland transport projects that will keep people moving during the games and for decades after. That includes $7.2 billion to upgrade the Bruce Highway, faster rail from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, and stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games will be a defining national moment, but, more importantly, the games will shape the Queensland that we pass on to the future generations. Together with the Queensland government, we are working to deliver the venues, the transport links and the community facilities that will serve our state long after these games have gone. When all levels of government work together, we can cross the finish line and deliver.”
“The community must be heard and respected as these decisions are made. In the past couple of months we have also signed a new intergovernmental agreement with the Crisafulli government, setting out how our two governments can work together to deliver the games. This agreement outlines the conditions under which Commonwealth funds can be used—including requirements to maintain stakeholder and community support—to deliver comprehensive engagement for the Victoria Park precinct and to ensure the Commonwealth representation on the Brisbane 2032 Olympics organising committee board. This is what responsible government looks like: partnering with the state, ensuring transparency and making sure that Australians get the greatest possible benefit from this historic opportunity.”
“For the Brisbane Stadium in particular we have set strong conditions. The Queensland government and Brisbane City Council must develop a new precinct plan for the Victoria Park area that prioritises access to green space, supports local amenity and includes a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan. They must also produce a transport connectivity plan to ensure the precinct is accessible, sustainable and efficient during the Games and beyond. We know there are a range of views among Brisbane residents about the idea of a stadium in Victoria Park, and that's understandable. Victoria Park is a cherished open space with a long history. That is precisely why our funding conditions emphasise a genuine consultation with local residents, with First Nations communities and with all stakeholders who will be affected.”
“Of course, this builds on the work we've already done, including our investments in the Redland Whitewater Centre, the Brisbane International Shooting Centre and the world-class Anna Meares Velodrome. These aren't just Olympic venues. These are community assets—places where kids can learn to swim, where clubs can train, where families can gather and where future champions will take their first steps. But let me be clear: while we're proud to make this investment, we are not handing over a blank cheque. Every dollar of Commonwealth funding must stack up. This is why we require robust project validation before final funding is confirmed. We're doing our due diligence to ensure that every project is delivered on time, on budget, in a way that represents genuine value to taxpayers.”
“Under our agreement, the Commonwealth and Queensland governments will work together to deliver 17 new or upgraded venues plus the construction for a new stadium. These projects stretch from Cairns in the Far North, through regional Queensland, right down to the Gold Coast. This will be a truly statewide Games with statewide benefits. Our joint funding will deliver the National Aquatic Centre, an expanded Queensland Tennis Centre, a new Toowoomba Equestrian Centre and a dedicated para sport centre in Chandler. We are supporting indoor sports centres in Logan and Moreton Bay, upgrades to the Sunshine Coast Stadium and major improvements to Barlow Park in Cairns. Thanks to our investment, procurement of these projects can now get under way, giving local industry certainty and creating jobs.”
“The countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is well and truly underway. What we do between now and then will shape not only the success of the games themselves but the legacy we leave for generations of Queenslanders. I'm proud to say that the Albanese government is meeting this moment with ambition, partnership and responsibility. We are delivering the largest contribution towards sporting infrastructure in Australian history. This once-in-a-generation investment is designed to ensure the Brisbane 2032 Games are world class, community focused and built to stand the test of time. Just like the Matildas, we're not going to stop 'til it's done. Our capped $3.4 billion commitment to the Games Venue Infrastructure Program has now been formally agreed with the Queensland government.”
“I begin by offering my congratulations to the member for New England because something remarkable has happened. Every single part of the bill he has dumped before this parliament, the Repeal Net Zero Bill, is now official coalition policy. Every line, every sentence and every bold claim have all now been adopted by those opposite, which is truly remarkable, seeing as everyone opposite, except the member for New England, voted against debating on this private member's bill. Even the member for New England's seconder didn't want to have this debate.”
“In my electorate of Petrie, I've met apprentices training to become electricians and nurses, people retraining in the care sector and parents returning to study through free TAFE. Each one of them is building a better life because of the choices the Labor government has made. This bill ensures that their opportunities are backed by integrity and security. It is part of a broader vision: a skills system that gives every Australian the chance to learn, contribute and prosper. When we invest in skills, we invest in people. When we invest in people, we build communities. And when we build communities, we build Australia's future.”
“We're supporting more women in trades through the $60 million Building Women's Careers Program, partnering with business, industry and education institutions to create inclusive higher-paying jobs. We're reforming apprenticeships, strengthening pathways and investing in institutions that deliver quality training: our TAFEs. We know that, when Australians have the chance to learn, they have the power to build their future and our nation's future. This bill is about good governance, ensuring that the VET student loan system remains compliant, fair and effective. But it's also about Labor's bigger story—one of investment, fairness and nation-building through education.”
“That's real relief for apprentices, tradies and students, who keep our economy running. Labor is a party of education, whether it's TAFE or university. We believe in giving Australians every chance to succeed. The VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 might be a small technical bill, but it sits within a much larger Labor mission to rebuild vocational education, restore fairness and ensure that every Australian has access to skills, opportunity and secure employment. We're making sure that the VET system supports our nation's big goals, from building 1.2 million new homes to transforming our energy grid to expanding our care economy.”
“These are real dollars staying in the pockets of local students and families, opening doors that might otherwise have stayed closed. That's what Labor's free TAFE program is about. Under Labor, free TAFE isn't a short-term pilot; it's a permanent pillar of our education system. We've locked in 100,000 free TAFE places every year from 2027, guaranteeing a pipeline of skilled workers for the future. Labor is also delivering fairer loan arrangements for all students, whether they study at TAFE or at university. We're cutting 20 per cent off all student debt and raising the minimum repayment threshold so repayment only starts when graduates are earning more. This one-off reduction applies to over 280,000 VET student loan and Australian apprenticeship support loan accounts, cutting more than $500 million off student balances.”
“Only Labor is the party of free TAFE. We are delivering real cost-of-living relief and valuable skills to Australians through the most significant investment in vocational education in decades. More than 685,000 Australians have already enrolled in free TAFE courses under the Albanese government. There are thousands of opportunities to get skilled and start a career in the sectors our country needs most. And almost 200,000 Australians have already completed their qualifications. That's hundreds of thousands of Australians who can now access better jobs with higher wages without being crushed by student debt. These are the skills Australia needs, and they're being taught in our TAFEs now free of charge. For students in my electorate of Petrie, this means life-changing savings.”
“There are currently 300,000 apprentices in training across Australia, up by 15 per cent compared to pre-COVID levels. Over the last financial year, more than 62,000 employers and 119,000 apprentices received incentive payments. Trade completions are up 8.7 per cent compared to last year and a remarkable 34 per cent compared to before the pandemic. In Queensland, apprenticeship commencements and completions have risen steadily under Labor, particularly in construction, electrical and engineering trades. In my own electorate of Petrie, as of December 2024 there were 1,480 apprentices and trainees in training, young locals and career changes, gaining practical skills that lead to secure, well-paid work. These are people who will build our homes, wire our renewable energy systems and drive the next generation of Queensland industry.”
“These provide up to $5,000 to apprentices and employers in priority occupations. For those who relocate for work, the living away from home allowance has been increased for the first time in more than 20 years, from $77 to $120 a week for first-year apprentices and similar rises for second- and third-year apprentices. For the apprentices with disability, we've increased the disability Australian apprentice wage support payment from $104 to $216 per week, the first increase since 1998, back when I was four years old. It's time for a change. And we have scrapped unnecessary red tape that force annual rechecks. These measures are about more than cost-of-living relief. They're about fairness, opportunity and inclusion. And we can see the results.”
“They're the young people and the career-changers picking up the tools, learning the trades and gaining the skills our country needs. That's why we've implemented targeted measures to ease the cost-of-living pressures for apprentices and support employers with training costs. From 1 July 2025, the government expanded the Key Apprenticeship Program to include a housing construction apprenticeship stream, offering up to $10,000 in financial incentives to new apprentices in construction, and it's already working. In just the first three months of the program we've seen 4,700 new apprentices commenced training as plumbers, electricians and carpenters. We've also extended the Australian apprentice training support payment and the priority hiring incentive by six months to the end of 2025.”
“While this bill is technical in nature, it speaks to something much broader: Labor's unwavering commitment to rebuilding Australia's vocational education and training system. The truth is that the VET sector is crucial for the future of Australian industries. It trains the builders who construct our homes, the electricians who power our cities, the nurses who care for us and the clean-energy workers driving our transition to a net zero future. That's why the Albanese Labor government is building Australia's future and boosting the workforce we need to deliver it. We are investing in priority occupations and creating a modern, adaptable apprenticeship system, one that's critical to our nation's future productivity and prosperity. Labor knows apprentices are essential to Australia's growth.”