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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“We're investing in the next generation of foresters, engineers and researchers through the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation, ensuring Australia remains at the forefront of sustainable timber science. This includes a landmark investment of $300 million to improve capacity, drive innovation and secure the jobs of the future in the forestry industry. We are building a workforce for the future through the Forestry Workforce Training Program, because the people working in our forests are the backbone of regional economies and the custodians of these landscapes. We're partnering with industry through programs that modernise processing, improve efficiency and create low-carbon materials that will help Australia build the homes and infrastructure for the future.”
“Our government is steadfast in its support for a sustainable and innovative Australian forestry industry, which includes both native forestry and plantations. Our approach is about balance: protecting the forests while managing the industry responsibly so they continue to provide the essential renewable materials Australians rely on every day. Because, when forestry is managed with care, when it is guided by evidence and long-term vision, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in regional prosperity and in environmental protection. This government has a clear, forward-looking plan for the future of forestry. We are backing the industry with record investment, supporting innovation, new skills and modern manufacturing that adds value right here at home.”
“Australia's forests are part of who we are. They tell a story of our continent—ancient, resilient, and rich in life. They sustain our wildlife, our soils and our water. They sustain communities right across regional Australia. A healthy forest means a healthy nation. That's why the Albanese Labor government stands unequivocally for a sustainable and innovative Australian forestry industry—one that protects our environment, strengthens our economy and provides secure, skilled jobs for regional Australians. We don't see forestry as a choice between jobs and the environment; we see it as a partnership between people, science and the land itself. Australia's forestry sector is a pillar of the regional economy, supporting over 51,000 direct jobs and contributing billions to the economy every single year.”
“We also know that real, lasting change comes from government stepping up and not stepping away. In the end, that's what good government is about—helping people to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
“Just last week, I opened 82 new social and affordable homes right in Redcliffe. This was a collaboration between all three levels of government. We must continue to work together to build the homes that our community needs. These beautiful apartments will be the home for older locals who are downsizing or struggling with housing. The downsizing is freeing up larger homes for vulnerable families at risk of or facing homelessness. I met some of the new residents, who are very excited to be moving into their new accommodation—their new home, I should say. This is what it means to govern for the many and not just the few, to look out for Australians who need a fair go and to make sure the next generation has the same opportunities as the last. We know housing is a big challenge. We know it won't be solved overnight.”
“Almost 300 construction trade workers in my community are now in training, supported by the increased incentive payments to upskill the next generation of tradies. We're cutting the red tape, training more tradies and investing in the infrastructure needed to unlock more housing. We're also directly delivering 55,000 new social and affordable homes so that the people who need it most—our essential workers, older women and people doing it tough—have a safe, secure place to call home. The Housing Australia Future Fund is delivering those homes right now—housing for teachers, nurses, cleaners and carers who do the vital work to keep our communities going. In my electorate, 250 new social and affordable homes are opening up in Carseldine, Margate and Deception Bay thanks to our Housing Australia Future Fund.”
“I'm grateful that everyday working people in my community now have a fair go. This challenge didn't appear overnight. For too long, the government has simply tapped out of housing. For most of their nine years in power, the coalition didn't even have a housing minister. They let the problem grow, and now, when Labor is finally taking real action, they're opposing it every step of the way. Australians know they can't trust the coalition on housing. They had nine years to act, and they didn't. In contrast, Labor has already delivered the most ambitious housing agenda in generations. Our $43 billion housing agenda is tackling this challenge from every angle. We're building more homes because more supply means more affordable housing for everyone, whether you're renting or buying. We're also backing the workforce that makes housing possible.”
“For a typical first home buyer, it can take up to eight years off the time needed to save for a deposit on a medium-price home, and that saves around $34,000 in mortgage insurance along the way. That's eight years less paying rent and watching prices increase. That's eight years sooner you can start paying off your own mortgage instead of someone else's. And the results are already showing. More than 185,000 Australians have achieved their dream of homeownership through Labor's housing policies, including over 800 people right across my electorate. That's 185,000 families who no longer have to worry about the next rent hike or the next lease ending. As a renter myself, I look forward to the day where I put down a deposit on my own first home, and I'm so glad that the dream has become a reality for so many across my community.”
“That means that every Australian first home buyer will be able to buy their first home with just a deposit of five per cent. We're also expanding that scheme. There are no income limits or limits on places, because your chance of owning a home shouldn't depend on being lucky enough to grab a limited number of spots. And, for single parents, we're continuing the Family Home Guarantee, which helps you buy a home with only a two per cent deposit. We're also increasing the property price caps to better reflect the reality of the housing costs in every part of Australia. This is about supporting an entire generation of people who feel locked out of the market. Our five per cent deposits are already cutting years off the time it takes to save for a home.”
“Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing Australians today. People are doing everything right, working hard and saving what they can, and yet they still feel that the dream of owning a home is slipping further out of reach. That's why the Albanese Labor government is taking real action that brings that dream back within grasp. Today's motion reaffirms Labor's commitment to help first home buyers. Through our five per cent home deposit scheme, we are helping Australians across the country get into their own home sooner. Under Labor, if you worked hard and have saved up, the government should have your back, not hold you back. We brought forward the launch of the five per cent home deposit scheme for all first home buyers to 1 October 2025, months ahead of schedule.”
“The Albanese government is putting runs on the board in education, from cheaper child care to cutting student debt, paid placements and free TAFE. The coalition and their state colleagues dropped the ball on education, undervaluing public education and undercutting Labor's TAFE reforms. As for the environment, just as with so many Queensland teams, Labor is the reigning premier. Our recently announced emissions reduction target is a touchdown for the future of Australia. Just today, we've announced a $600 million boost in renewable energy generation and storage, creating thousands of jobs. That is nothing but net. It is clear that Labor leads in every quarter, while those opposite struggle to even stay in the league. We lead on the track, and we field off the legacy of the culture wars led by those opposite.”
“On the back of so many historic wins for Queensland in sport, I've been doing some thinking about the scorecards in politics and which party has the most consistent track record of delivering for Australians. Let's start with health. Under Labor, we're hitting home run after home run. We're delivering reforms to get 90 per cent of bulk-billing by 2030, rolling out urgent care clinics across the country and capping PBS medicines at $25. Next week, we're opening the Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre, and we've committed $1 million of extra funding to the local headspace. Labor is on the field, while the opposition is stuck in the locker room arguing about who's coaching. They spent their time in government making cuts and weakening Medicare.”
“My question is for the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government tackling the environmental challenge of climate change while seizing the economic opportunities of renewable energy, and are there any risks?”
“Parliament should fund multicultural events, include diverse voices in policymaking, and create spaces for people to share their experiences and stories. This change matters, not just for me, but for the future of our country. Imagine a world where everyone is valued equally? Judged by character, not colour. United. Because as the song says: "I am, you are, we are Australian" At only 13, Grace and Siyona have proven already they have strong ideas on how the government can build a better future for everyday Australians. The Raise Our Voice campaign is a powerful reminder that young Australians deserve to be heard.”
“once said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Racism still exists, and it's up to us to stop it. Recently, during the anti-immigration protest, I was advised not to go outside. Although I was born and raised here, my Indian heritage and skin colour made me a target. That's not the Australia I believe in. Racism divides, fuels injustice and denies basic rights. People from diverse backgrounds help carry Australia's economy, building the systems we all rely on. Racism weakens what they help strengthen. Silence fuels it- action fights it. We must remove barriers, create equal opportunities, and promote genuine connection. Migrants and First Nations peoples must be heard.”
“By learning how to innovate with clean energy and digital technologies, we can create jobs that protect our planet while strengthening our economy. The government can help by funding modern classrooms, supporting teacher training in emerging industries, and providing hands-on opportunities for students to explore technology and sustainability. In summary, investing in future-focused education is essential for giving young Australians the skills and opportunities we need. We should encourage our leaders to prioritise education that prepares us for the jobs of tomorrow, builds a sustainable future, and empowers our generation to succeed. Together, we can create a brighter, smarter, and greener Australia. Thirteen-year-old Siyona wants the government to promote multiculturalism. She says: As Martin Luther King Jr.”
“What steps should the government take today to build a better tomorrow for young Australians? This was the question posed to young people across the country as part of the Raise Our Voice Australia campaign. Today I have the pleasure of reading the visions for the future from bright young people in Petrie. Thirteen-year-old Grace is passionate about reforming education. She says: Right now, many schools teach subjects that don't always match the jobs that will be needed in the future. If we invest in education that focuses on technology, renewable energy, and sustainable industries, we can give young Australians the skills to thrive in tomorrow's workforce. This change is important not just for me, but for my friends, our families, and our environment.”
“It may sound small, but for small pubs and breweries across the country, in cities and regional areas such as Taree, freezing beer tax has been a big win. It helps keep local businesses strong and keeps a cold beer at the end of the day—after a long day, actually—affordable. In just four months, the Albanese Labor government has done more to ease the cost of living, strengthen Medicare and invest in our future than the coalition did in nearly a decade. This is what delivering for all Australians looks like, and this is only the beginning.”
“We stand with every Australian who has built a life here and calls this country home. While Labor proudly stands with all Australians under our national flag and the flags of our First Nations peoples, the former opposition leader couldn't even bring himself to stand in front of them. That is a failure of leadership. That is a rejection of the very values of unity and belonging that our nation was built on, and that is something Australia firmly rejected on 3 May. Labor will never walk away from our flags, from our democracy or from the communities who have built this country brick by brick and generation by generation. I want to end on a lighter note and express my pride in how Labor is delivering for people like me—the beer drinkers of Australia.”
“Young Australians deserve opportunity, not a lifetime of debt. That's why we're cutting student debts by 20 per cent. This will make a world of difference for students and graduates right across the country, from regional TAFEs to city universities. Less debt means more opportunity to get ahead in life, go after your dream career and buy a home. Speaking of homeownership, every Australian deserves the security of owning a home. We're allowing first home buyers, especially young families and single parents, to enter the housing market with just a five per cent deposit, so they can pay off their own mortgage rather than continuing to pay off someone else's. Labor is also investing in multicultural communities, funding language services, supporting festivals and backing community centres that bring people together.”
“Australians know only Labor will keep Medicare strong, and we are working hard to prove them right every single day. We're also supporting Australian workers. As of 1 July, we delivered a 3.5 per cent pay rise for minimum and award-wage workers. We are finally seeing pay packets move in the right direction after almost a decade of wages falling behind under the coalition. From retail staff and hospitality workers to cleaners and carers—this boost means families can get ahead, pay bills and plan for the future. We're also strengthening penalty rates. Penalty rates are not a luxury; they are the difference between paying rent and falling behind. We legislated to protect penalty rates, supporting the retail and hospitality workers who keep our economy going. Labor is also supporting young people.”
“From 1 January all medicines on the PBS will be capped at $25. This will save millions of dollars for millions of Australians. For women, we are delivering more choice, lower costs and better access to health care. We're boosting the number of health practitioners qualified to provide birth-control implant services, particularly in regional, rural and remote locations, including Taree. For men, we're investing $32 million in initiatives that support men's mental health and wellbeing and break the stigma around seeking support. We believe that all you should have to take with you to seek medical support is your Medicare card, and we are taking decisive steps to make this a reality. We're building a healthcare system that works for every Australian. I challenge anyone on the other side to prove it and show they don't have a Medicare card.”
“It has been just four months since the Albanese government was elected for a second term, and we have hit the ground running in delivering for all Australians. Labor is united and focused on a commitment to build Australia's future not just for the privileged few but for all. Australians were in the back seat for almost a decade while the coalition fought over the steering wheel. Now Labor's driving, seatbelt on, fuel tank full. Where are we headed? To a future built for all of us, where support reaches every Australian in every city, every suburb, every town and every region. We're easing cost-of-living pressures, strengthening Medicare, protecting jobs and investing in a stronger, fairer nation. I want to highlight some of our recent achievements that are delivering for health care, workers and the economy.”
“It will be local, and it will be there when you need it most. Whether it's immediate help in a moment of distress, ongoing support for someone managing their mental health, guidance for carers and families, or connecting people to housing, employment and social supports, these centres are designed to make sure no-one falls through the cracks. Every life lost is one too many. By providing a safe, accessible place for people in crisis, these centres give people the support they need when they need it most, and that can save lives. For too long, mental health care has been hard to access, expensive and stigmatised. I'm proud to be part of a government that is changing that for my community and for all Australians.”
“Over the last two decades in this country nine lives have been tragically lost to suicide every single day. Too many people are struggling with wait times, expensive appointments and ongoing stigma that prevents them from reaching out for support. It is critical that we take a decisive approach to preventing suicide. That's why I'm proud to be part of a government that is laser focused on addressing this issue. The Albanese Labor government made a clear commitment at the last election to deliver 31 new and upgraded Medicare mental health centres across the nation. I fought for a centre in my electorate, and, with the tireless support of Assistant Minister Emma McBride, I'm proud to announce that the Redcliffe Medicare Mental Health Centre will be opening very soon. This centre will be free.”
“This project is about more than just reducing congestion; it's about building the infrastructure our growing community deserves. The Beams Road overpass didn't happen by chance. The shadow transport minister and local member, Bart Mellish, advocated tirelessly for this project—as a local who uses the road daily and as a former state transport minister who helped secure the funding. Bart listened to the community, pushed this project up the priority list and fought to make sure the funding was secured. His determination means the north side is finally getting the infrastructure it deserves. This overpass is a vital investment in the future. It's a commitment from the government that we hear you, we value you and we are delivering for you. Together, we're building a safer, faster and more connected community.”
“Like so many locals, I've become an expert at avoiding the Beams Road level crossing. I've tried every back street, every sneaky detour. For so long, for too long, the congestion on Beams Road has been a daily frustration for locals—families stuck in traffic, buses running late and students struggling to get to school on time. This road is one of the busiest roads that connects the northern suburbs of Brisbane, and yet the railway crossing creates bottlenecks and safety concerns. That's why I'm proud to be part of a government that's fixing it. The Beams Road level crossing is being replaced by an overpass, which I am proud to announce will soon be open to the public. This crossing will cut travel times, improve safety and make life easier for my community.”
“Women in caucus push for women in the community. They make sure the government doesn't let these issues slide back into the too-hard basket and keep women's health on the national agenda. It's worth remembering that women's health has always been undervalued not because it isn't important but because the people with the power to set priorities didn't see themselves in it. Changing who sits at the table changes what's on the agenda. Representation matters. It matters because it leads directly to outcomes—outcomes that change lives, outcomes that save lives—and under Labor, with more women in parliament than ever before, we are finally starting to close the gap on decades of neglect in women's health.”
“When women are in the room, women's experiences are heard. This representation matters. It means that, when a woman talks about waiting 10 years for an endometriosis diagnosis, there are MPs and senators who nod, because they've lived it. When women share stories of juggling child care, work and caring for elderly parents while managing their own health, there are ministers who don't just sympathise; they understand from personal experience. That empathy, that lived experience, transforms into policy priorities. It's why Labor has funded specialised endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics across the country. It's why we're expanding Medicare coverage for reproductive and maternal health. It's why women's health is not a side note in our health policy; it's front and centre. Representation also ensures accountability.”
“Women presenting with heart attack symptoms are more likely to be misdiagnosed. Conditions like menopause and pelvic pain were barely researched, because the system didn't think they were important enough. This is what happens when there are no women at the decision-making table. When half the population hasn't been properly represented in parliament, it's no surprise that issues like endometriosis, pelvic pain, menopause or the cost of contraception were pushed to the bottom of the pile for decades. They were underdiagnosed, and support was not prioritised. These are real issues that affect millions of Australians every single day. For the first time in our nation's history, we have a female majority caucus. We have a cabinet where women hold critical portfolios in finance, in sport and in foreign affairs.”
“After a year of fatigue and stomach pains, she was admitted to the ED with stage 3 bowel cancer. Rachel was having symptoms of fatigue, which were attributed to the fact that she's a busy mother. This is a story that is too common. I also met with Kelly, who had constant medical challenges for four years before being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. We know the facts. On average, it takes seven years for a woman with endometriosis to be properly diagnosed; seven years of being told their period pain was just part of being a woman; seven years of missing school, missing work and missing out on life, while the health system failed to listen. It's not just endometriosis. Studies show that women are less likely than men to be given adequate pain relief in emergency rooms.”
“We've established the National Women's Health Advisory Council, that brings together experts, advocates and women with lived experience, making sure women's voices shape the policies that affect them. We're investing in women's reproductive health. That includes funding to expand access to clinics for endometriosis and pelvic pain, conditions that have been dismissed and underdiagnosed. For the first time, women don't have to suffer in silence. We are also increasing access to contraception and reproductive health services so that women have greater choice and control over their own bodies. Women's pain is too often dismissed and swept under the rug. Today, I met with one of my constituents, Rachel, who was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer at 38. Her GP dismissed her pains.”
“This week is Women's Health Week, and the theme is 'Say yes to you'. It's a powerful reminder that women so often put themselves last. Between work, caring for children, supporting partners and looking after ageing parents, women are the ones who hold families and communities together—but too often that means putting their own health on the back burner. 'Say yes to you' is about encouraging women to take that time to book a check-up, to follow up on that referral and to put their own wellbeing first, because, when women are healthy, whole communities are healthy. When Labor came into government, we made a clear commitment that women's health would no longer be treated as an afterthought. For too long, policies and programs were designed with a one-size-fits-all approach—and that size rarely fits women. Labor is listening to women.”
“It's about whether teachers, nurses, tradies and hospitality workers can afford to live near where they work. It's about making sure that Petrie doesn't lose its character, where generations live side by side and where locals can put down roots without the fear of being priced out. This government is committed to tackling the housing challenge head-on. We're making sure that the dream of owning a home or simply having a secure, affordable place to live is something real for the people of Petrie.”
“Through the Housing Australia Future Fund, we have already begun delivering almost 250 new social and affordable homes in Carseldine, Margate and Deception Bay. On top of that, more than 80 new homes are being built in Redcliffe through housing bond programs, giving more families a safe and affordable place to call home. It doesn't stop there. Through the Housing Support Program, we're opening up more land for new homes across the Moreton Bay council area, investing in the pipes, pavement and powerlines that make housing development possible. These are practical steps that are already making a difference. They're about giving locals more choice, more security and more opportunity to build their lives right here in Petrie. At the end of the day, housing is about community.”
“Through the Housing Australia Future Fund, we're investing $10 billion to build 30,000 new social and affordable homes nationwide. That includes homes in my community so that renters, older Australians and families doing it tough also get the security they deserve. But these changes aren't just numbers on a page; they're making a real difference for the people in Petrie. Already, more than 800 locals have been supported into buying their first home thanks to Labor's expanded home guarantee scheme. We're also backing the workforce that makes housing possible. Almost 300 construction trades workers here in our community are now in training, supported by increased incentive payments to upskill the next generation of tradies.”
“This policy is giving hardworking families in places like Petrie a fairer shot at homeownership because the reality is that saving a deposit has become harder and harder, especially when house prices across my community have risen by more than 40 per cent since 2019. In suburbs like North Lakes, the median house price has and has jumped from $485,000 in 2019 to $920,000 today. In Scarborough, homes that sold for around $570,000 are now over $1.2 million. In Newport, the changes are even more staggering: from $709,000 to $1.42 million in just six years. For a young couple in their 20s or 30s, trying to keep up with those costs while paying rent and saving for a deposit is near impossible. That's why the five per cent deposit scheme matters. This government isn't just helping people buy their first home; we're also building more homes.”
“I speak about this not just as a representative but also as someone who understands what it's like to rent. Like so many people in Petrie, I pay rent week after week knowing that every dollar going out the door could be going towards my own home. I feel the frustration of wanting to build something permanent but seeing goalposts move further away as house prices rise. I know I'm not alone. Thousands of renters across Petrie are in the same position: hardworking, doing their best and just wanting the security of a place they can truly call their own. That's why the five per cent deposit scheme, starting on 1 October, means so much to me and my community. It means people like me—people who rent, people who are saving while juggling everyday costs—finally have a real chance to step into the market.”
“As a renter, I can tell you there's nothing quite like that feeling when your lease renewal arrives in your in box. You cross your fingers and you hope the rent hasn't gone up again. That one email means the difference between affording groceries and going without. It means the difference between staying in your home or going through the ordeal of trying to find a cheaper place to live. In Petrie, housing pressures are real. At the last census, 35 per cent of households were renting, and most of those were through real estate agents. In fact, almost three-quarters of local renters are in the private market, often at the mercy of rising rents and limited supply. Meanwhile, only about a quarter of households own their home outright. Stability is hard to find, and my community is feeling that uncertainty.”
“For the first time, owning a home feels within reach, not like some distant dream. I speak about this not just as a representative but also as someone who understands what it's like to rent. Like so many people in Petrie, I've paid rent week after week, knowing that every dollar going out the door could have gone towards my own home. I know I'm not alone. Thousands of renters across Petrie are in the same position: working hard, doing their best, just wanting the security of a place to truly call their own. This policy is about giving us that shot.”
“Millennials like me have been told for years that, if we stopped buying smashed avo on toast and oat iced lattes, we could all afford a house. Well, I've done the maths: it doesn't add up, when considering the dramatic increases in house prices in my community. Even if I skipped breakfast every day, I'd still fall short tens of thousands in the deposit for a home. What will make a difference isn't skipping breakfast and coffees; it's policies like the five per cent deposit scheme, so that people in Petrie, young and old, can finally get their fair go at owning at a house. That's why the five per cent deposit scheme, starting on 1 October, means so much to me personally. It means that people like me—people who rent, people who are saving while juggling everyday costs—finally have a real chance to step into the market.”
“We're the party that built Medicare, we're the party that's protecting Medicare and we're the party that's making sure that it's stronger than ever for the next generation. This isn't just about dollars. It's about fairness, dignity and peace of mind. It's about standing by the principle that health care should never be an extra burden for those who can least afford it. That's why I'll continue working hard for Petrie and for all Australians, to keep health care accessible.”
“Take Rose, a Redcliffe pensioner who wrote to my office. She fills six scripts a month for arthritis and other health issues. Because of the freeze, she won't see her costs creep up year after year. She can plan her budget, pay her bills and still afford the medicines that keep her healthy and independent. This is the kind of practical, compassionate reform that shows Labor's values in action: looking after those who built this country and making sure they can age with dignity, security and health. This is the difference a Labor government makes. We don't just talk about fairness; we deliver it. We don't just promise relief; we put it straight back into people's pockets. Whether it's cheaper medicines, stronger Medicare or better wages for workers, Labor is on your side.”
“It means that they can go to the pharmacy knowing that the price of their medication won't creep year after year. When you add it all up, that's tens of thousands of households in Petrie who will be healthier, more secure and less stressed because Labor is putting people first. Take Rose, a Redcliffe pensioner who wrote to my office. She fills six scripts a month for arthritis and other health issues.”
“That means that, no matter what pressures hit household budgets, the most vulnerable in my community can fill their prescriptions knowing that the costs won't go up. For someone living on a fixed income, that certainty is priceless. I think of a pensioner in Bald Hills living on a fixed income, the carer in Mango Hill balancing household bills or the veteran in North Lakes managing chronic pain. For each of them, this freeze is peace of mind. In Petrie, more than 40,000 people hold a concession card. That's tens of thousands of pensioners, seniors, veterans and people on low incomes who rely on affordable medication. For them the Labor government's decision to freeze the cost of the PBS concession scripts at $7.70 until 2030 isn't just good policy; it is a lifeline. It means security. It means certainty.”
“These aren't just policies; they are practical, lasting changes that mean that, when you and your family need care, you will be able to get it. Affordable, accessible, universal—that's Labor's vision for health care, and it's a vision we are delivering. Accessible health care is who we are. In my electorate, peninsula residents will shortly be able to walk into the Medicare mental health centre and get the mental health support they need without spending a cent. All you need to access this local mental health support is your Medicare card. One of the most important protections we have delivered is for those who need it most: our pensioners, our veterans and our concession card holders. Right now they pay just $7.70 for a script under the PBS. Under Labor, that cost will remain frozen right through until the end of the decade.”
“The PBS supports Australians and has for close to eight decades now. We are proud of our track record of not use just maintaining but strengthening this system, delivering Australians access to the best medicines available from around the world at affordable prices—prices that we're making even more affordable. The PBS isn't the only healthcare initiative we're strengthening. We've tripled the bulk-billing incentive, ensuring that more families can see a GP without worrying about the bill. We're building more Medicare urgent care clinics so Australians can get care closer to home instead of waiting for hours in a hospital emergency department. We're investing in the biggest expansion of our health workforce in history, training the next generations of doctors, nurses and midwives.”
“In so many countries patients often pay hundreds of dollars for a single prescription, and it's not uncommon for people to skip or ration their medicines simply because they cannot afford them. Families are forced to make the impossible choices between medicines and other essentials. The PBS protects Australians from that harsh reality. It guarantees that, whether you live in Narangba, Woody Point or Deception Bay, you can get the medicines you need without breaking the bank. It's not just a safety net; it's a lifeline, a guarantee of fairness and a reason why Australians can stay healthier and live longer. In short, the PBS is more than a scheme. It's a commitment that health care is a right, not a privilege, and that no Australian should ever be left behind when it comes to medicine.”
“It ensures that every Australian can access essential medicines at the price they can afford. Without the PBS, Australians would face the full cost of life-saving medications—costs that could be hundreds or even thousands of dollars year. Why is this so important? It is because medicines aren't a luxury. They're often the difference between a full, long, healthy life and suffering. The PBS is the cornerstone of fairness in our healthcare system. It doesn't just treat symptoms; it protects families, reduces stress and gives Australians peace of mind knowing that help is there when they need it most. Australia is fortunate to have the PBS, because many countries without a system like this struggle to make medicines affordable.”
“That's why this reform is so remarkable. Labor isn't just slowing the rise; we're turning it around and bringing the cost of medicines down. That means that, for the first time in a generation, Australians will walk into their pharmacy and pay less than they usually do. Think about that for a moment. At a time when families are under pressure from the cost of living, the Albanese Labor government is doing something unusual, something that goes against the grain. We're making medicines cheaper, not more expensive. This is one area where the government has delivered concrete relief where it matters most: right in your medicine cabinet. The PBS is deeply important to both our government and Australia. It is one of Australia's most important health programs.”