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.”
The complete record
Every one of 347 lines we hold for Emma Comer, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 7 of 7.
“If you had a mobile phone, it probably flipped open, and you had to press the number 7 once, the number 2 twice and the number 7 again four times just to type out PBS. The year 2004 feels like a lifetime ago. That's also how long Australians have been waiting for medicines to be this affordable again. Thanks to Labor's reforms, from January 2026, we will be winding back the clock, not on technology, thankfully, but on the price of PBS medicines. They will be back to the cheapest they've been in more than 20 years. This time you won't need dial-up internet to access this benefit. It is very rare that you see prices go backwards. Year after year, costs usually go up, not down. That's true for most things in life, whether it's rent, groceries or petrol. For decades, the cost of filling a script has crept higher and higher.”
“This is what good policy looks like—real, tangible savings, millions of times over for people who need it the most. In Petrie, we are hardworking families and pensioners. Modest income households make up a large part of the community. This policy will put health care within reach. Whether you rely on one medication or several, the new cap ensures that you are not going without to afford the medication you need. PBS medications have not cost $25 since 2004. I don't know about you, but I was ten years old back then, and life looked a little different. In 2004, my mum would yell at me: 'Get off the internet. I need to make a phone call.' We were still burning our favourite songs onto CDs, and most of us were still on MSN Messenger poking our friends with nudges.”
“Collectively, over the next four years, the cut will put $689 million back into the pockets of patients. The money being saved isn't going to the check-out counter at the chemist. Instead, it's helping people pay their bills and cover their mortgages. These savings will quickly make a difference, especially for patients with multiple regular prescriptions for essential medicines. These are the people who need it the most. For every script filled under this policy is a small act of relief. When you add it up—millions of scripts and millions of dollars saved—it paints a clear picture. This is a government that is delivering meaningful, practical change, not slogans nor empty promises but real relief for millions of Australians right when they need it the most.”
“It's moments like this, in meeting local heroes like Chris and seeing the human side of health care, that make policies like the $25 PBS cap feel even more powerful. It's not just numbers on a page; it's about people being able to afford the medications they need and local pharmacies continuing to provide exceptional service without compromise. I left feeling inspired and excited to work further with them, to hear more of the stories about the difference affordable medicines are making to their patients and to keep advocating for initiatives that support both our local healthcare providers and the families they serve. This is this is community in action, and the savings are remarkable. Australians will save up to $6.60 on each prescription.”
“They know the medications their patients rely on, and they go above and beyond to make sure everyone receives the care and guidance they need. I had the pleasure of visiting Chris and the team recently, and I was truly impressed. They walked me through their pharmacy, showing me not just the prescriptions but the personal connections they have built with their patients. Community pharmacists have tough conversations with their patients every single day—patients who are having to choose between filling their scripts or paying for groceries. I saw firsthand the care and compassion that Margate Terry White show to their patients when explaining dosages, offering advice and supporting families in ways that go far beyond filling a script. Their dedication is incredible, and their passion for helping the community is clear in every interaction.”
“These stories show how policy translates into genuine relief and how savings that might look small in isolation can add up to real freedom, peace of mind and financial stability. I am proud to champion this reform in parliament. It reinforces what I've always believed—that health care should be not a privilege for the well-off but a guarantee for all, regardless of income. Starting from 1 January, the people of Petrie will be able to fill their PBS prescriptions for less, a change that will make a real difference for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, mental health conditions and so much more. Imagine walking into your local pharmacy, like TerryWhite in Margate, where Chris Campbell and his incredible team have been serving the community for years. They know their customers by name.”
“I want to begin with a story about Mary, a single mother of two living in Kippa-Ring. Mary manages a chronic condition and fills four PBS prescriptions a month—one for herself and the others for her children. Under the current system, that's over $1,500 a year just for essential medications. With the new $25 cap she will save $300 annually. That is the difference between covering the medicines her children need and stretching her already tight budget even further. I met a veteran in Bracken Ridge named Joseph who had a concession card and had been paying just $7.70 per script. That rate has been frozen until 2030, protecting him from rising costs and allowing him to plan his finances without the fear of unexpected rises.”
“It comes from a wild population, not factory farming, and prevents the waste of animal products. It's an industry that supports over 3,000 jobs, many of those in the regions. Kangaroo leather is the world's strongest for its weight, and it is being replaced by synthetics, contributing to the growing problem of plastics in the environment. Kangaroo overpopulation is a real issue facing our biodiversity, and it's undeniably better to cull a population in a regulated way that minimises suffering for the animal. Packer Leather deserves our support. I had the pleasure of visiting their facility and seeing up close the operations of a local family business that deserves to continue to excel on the global stage. Packer Leather has been part of our story for generations. Let's make sure it continues to be part of our future.”
“I want to take a moment to pay tribute to one of our great local manufacturers, Packer Leather. This is a company with a proud history spanning back to 1891. It manufactures in Narangba and is known around the world for producing some of the highest quality kangaroo leather on the market. Right now, they are under real pressure. They're rapidly losing contracts, not because the product isn't world class but because the Center for a Humane Economy's misinformation campaign, Kangaroos Are Not Shoes, is successfully convincing international brands to abandon kangaroo leather. The global sportswear giants have announced that they plan to phase out or immediately cease to use kangaroo leather in their footwear lines. But here's the truth, kangaroo leather is one of the most sustainable types in the world.”
“We guaranteed Australians costed, targeted and clear cost-of-living relief, not vague, ever-changing promises. Labor governs with transparency and has a plan for future reforms. We're delivering on tax cuts, responsible spending and a stronger fiscal outlook. For Petrie residents, this means better wages, more affordable living and economic stability. (Time expired)”
“Given this, it's hard to understand how the opposition can justify the claim that government is 'addicted' to raising taxes. We delivered an $800 tax cut for every Australian taxpayer—a tax cut designed to support those earning under $150,000. On the other side, the coalition wanted to increase taxes. My seat in Petrie was held by the Liberal Party for 12 years but voted Labor at the last election. This reflects my community's trust in our government's agenda. We are investing in cost-of-living relief, secure jobs, education and health care. These are issues my community care about and want to see safeguarded. I'm committed to continuous improvement in these areas to make sure that locals are supported. This can be achieved only if the economy continues to grow, and I am certain we are on the right track.”
“I recently had the pleasure of speaking to Cameron at my Carseldine shopping centre mobile office. He served as a combat engineer for many years. He now has a young family and decided he needed a career that would allow him to be nearer to his children. Free TAFE made the decision to re-skill an easy one. Paying for a qualification while supporting a family is not easy. My mum raised me while studying for a nursing degree and had to work to afford it. It meant she had little time to spend with her kids. Cameron proudly served his country and now free TAFE has given him the security to reskill closer to home so that he can serve his family. The OECD employment outlook 2025 confirmed that the government is delivering the lowest personal income tax rates in 50 years, and unemployment levels are below the OECD average.”
“It is a fallacy that you must cut essential services in order to maintain productivity. We know what makes Australia great is access to affordable health care, education and child care. These cannot be cut on the road to prosperity. Even though our economic stats are pretty good, we know that people are still struggling. We are laser focused on easing the financial pressures on families to make their lives that little bit easier. We've delivered three rounds of energy-bill relief. We've increased rent assistance, and we are capping the price of medicines on the PBS at $25. We are also attacking the issue from the other side by prioritising wage growth. We recently delivered a pay rise for every minimum- and award-wage worker, and real wages have been growing for 18 months.”
“Now, looking at spending: after nine years of coalition mismanagement, we inherited a deficit crisis and a trillion dollars of debt. The Labor Party delivered two surpluses in a row in our very first term. We've also averaged the lowest unemployment rate of any government in the last half-century. Monthly headline and underlying inflation are in the bottom half of the RBA's target band. I know I'm hoping for an interest rate cut in the future; thousands of people in Petrie are eagerly awaiting the possibility of an interest rate cut on the horizon. This is only possible because of the diligent way that our economy has been managed under the Treasurer. Not only are we keeping the economy on track but we're also doing it without leaving the most vulnerable behind—something those opposite have failed to do again and again.”
“Australians want to know who they can trust to keep taxes low, invest wisely and make every dollar count. For me and the majority of Australians, the answer is clear: it is Labor. While the coalition talks a big game on the economy, Labor delivers. We've cut taxes, kept spending responsible and returned the first budget surplus in 15 years, all without leaving everyday families behind. Let's break it down and look at the facts. Last term, Labor delivered tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer. We've also committed to delivering two more tax cuts in 2026 and 2027. Under Labor, Australians are earning more and keeping more of what they earn. By contrast, the two highest taxing governments of the last 30 years have both been Liberal-National governments.”
“My question is to the Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its commitment to make it easier to buy and better to rent? What stands in the way of delivering more homes?”
“My community has over 20,000 people on the age pension, and this is changing lives. I've spoken to many locals who go without these vital scripts because of costs. These changes mean people in Petrie can prioritise their health without sacrificing the essentials like food, rent or electricity.”
“Home prices are skyrocketing, and renters are struggling. This is not sustainable. It is why I am so glad that we have committed to almost 250 new social and affordable homes, being built in Carseldine, Margate and Deception Bay. Thanks to the Albanese Labor government's Housing Australia Future Fund, we are building Australia's future, where every Australian has a place to call home. Health care is one of my top priorities and is an issue that Petrie locals care deeply about. That's why I'm proud to support the bill to cap medicines on the PBS at $25, beginning 1 January next year. For general patients, medicines haven't been this cheap since 2004. For pension and concession card holders, we've already frozen medicine prices at a maximum of $7.70 until the end of the decade.”
“Together, we're making sure these women are seen not forgotten. I'm proud to be a local in Petrie, a place where thousands of people dedicate their free time to giving back and supporting the community. I recently attended a volunteers thankyou event at the U3A Redcliffe. With over 1,500 members, U3A provides learning and social opportunities to retired or semiretired people over the age of 50. They host over 100 classes, all run by a hardworking team of volunteers committed to connection and ongoing learning. U3A shows us that you're truly never too old to learn. Housing is one of the biggest issues facing families in Petrie. House prices have skyrocketed. In suburbs like Scarborough, Redcliffe and Deception Bay, prices have more than doubled since 2019. In Newport, the median house price has surged past $1.4 million.”
“I recently had the privilege of attending the Quota Club of Redcliffe's fundraiser supporting The Forgotten Women. This initiative is shining a light on a group too often overlooked: older women experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This organisation supports over 40,000 Queensland women aged 55 and over who are facing financial hardship. These women struggle due to difficulty finding employment, limited to no superannuation and a lack of affordable housing options. The number of these 'hidden homeless' are expected to double by 2036. Our community came together not just to raise money but to raise awareness, because the truth is no woman should spend her later years worrying about where she will sleep at night. I want to thank the Quota Club of Redcliffe for putting a spotlight on this important cause.”
“From Medicare to minimum wages, from universal super to climate action, we've taken positions that were not always easy or popular. We've stood up for workers, for fairness, for reconciliation and for the future. The moral high ground gives us the clearest view of what we stand for and who we're fighting for. It gives us the conviction to persevere and the integrity to govern. It is not the easy path. It is the Labor path. It is the Australian path. And as long as we stay on it we will not only win the battle of ideas; we will earn the trust of the people we serve.”
“Without diversity in our workplace we see businesses struggle to remain viable and competitive. Without diversity in our trade we see economic decline. Without diversity in our parliament we see policies leaving people behind. Without diversity we are weak in ideas and less resilient to change. Change is inevitable, and we must be ready to adapt and move forward. I'm so proud to be part of this government that is rich with diversity. Our government is representative of our modern Australia. The Art of War also taught me that those who occupy the high ground will fight to advantage. In politics, high ground isn't literal; it's moral—and it matters. For my party, the great Australian Labor Party, the moral high ground is not a tactic; it is who we are.”
“My family don't own a home.' But, over the course of a couple of decades, a new style of political leadership was becoming more apparent to me—one of compassion, representative leadership and working together. I learnt that someone of my background, upbringing and net worth is exactly the kind of representative we need—a person with lived and shared experience; not just empathy but understanding. When I was in the Army I read The Art of War , by Sun Tzu, and remember learning that to divide is to conquer. The book paints a very clear picture of why some seek division, vilifying anything different, new or old—anything other than themselves. Diversity, however, is strength. Without diversity in our gut bacteria we become unwell. Without the diversity in our environment we see increases in disease and loss of species richness.”
“So that he can't say I never listen, I'll share one of his lines to be forever cemented in the Hansard : 'I might ruffle a few feathers in this room, but I hear feather boas are back in style.' I also want to thank my incredible partner, who joins me here. Whilst I am a volunteer, she is a conscript. I bet you didn't think we would be here when we met in a bar some years ago. This place can swell one's head, but her piercing wit will always keep me grounded. You are my golden hour. Your light brings out the best sides of me and softens the rest. Your unwavering support has made all of the difference. I could not have done this without you, my love. Looking around me, I see a room that represents our nation. I never grew up thinking I would have a place here. When I was younger, I thought: 'Well, I'm not wealthy.”
“The Prime Minister set a very clear and progressive agenda throughout the campaign and throughout the previous term. He was one of the few that believed in a majority government, and that faith carried through. I want to single out two members of this chamber—the Prime Minister and Minister Plibersek—for their continuous support and allyship to people like me, advocating for my rights as an individual since before we'd even met. I want to thank my professors, Traci Sudana, Stefanie Fishel and Shannon Brincat, for their support and guidance in shaping my vision. I want to thank the member for Dobell for joining me on the campaign. As you would know, there's always another Emma in the room, and I'm glad to be that for you. I thank my family who join me here today. My brother Aaron even prepared some lines for this speech.”
“I want to thank Rob Skelton for giving me my first shot in politics. I also want to thank my incredible office team: Avalon, Emily, Alex, Aryan, Archer and Stella. I am the face of the operation, and you are all the operation. I want to thank the union movement, the backbone of our country's progress, particularly the Australian Workers' Union. To Stacey Schinnerl and Joey Kaiser: I am constantly in awe of your fierce devotion to the rights of working Australians to live decent and secure lives. I thank you not only for what you've done for me but what you do to stand up for workers every day. I want to thank our prime minister for his support right from the start. He is unwavering in his values and is a leader I'm proud to follow.”
“Wayne Swan, for his support and mentorship. I also want to thank Kate Flanders, Ben Driscoll, Luke Richmond and Meredith Newman from Queensland Labor. You helped me get here. To my campaign team: you delivered above and beyond what I could have dreamed of. You all jumped on board, even when some people said it was an unwinnable seat. I'll single out two members of my team: Alex Wetzel and Eric Yun. You guys brought the gen Z touch to my social media in a way I could never understand. I also want to thank Senator Corinne Mulholland. Corinne helped pave the way for me, and I congratulate her on being elected to the Senate. I want to thank Senator Anthony Chisholm for his consistent and enthusiastic support from the day we met. He has been my champion, pushing me to pursue my interests and to do more for my community.”
“Her tenacity, conviction and compassion are the qualities that a great local member should emulate. To the branch members across Petrie: you were the engine room of this campaign. Our campaign was grassroots. We didn't have a lot of money, but we had a lot of heart. You were the boots on the ground and the best team I could have hoped for—a collective of true believers of our Labor values and of me. You all heard me say that battles are won on momentum and morale. Our momentum never wavered and our morale was high, because we had a mandate and a belief in a better future for our community. I'm happy that some of you could make it today, and I thank you for your continued support. I want to thank my local Labor state members and councillors for their support. I also want to thank the ALP national president, the Hon.”
“I'm here to be part of long-lasting, positive change. To the residents of Petrie that voted for me: I thank you for your trust. I want to acknowledge the honour you have bestowed upon me in representing you. For those that did not vote for me, I'm looking forward to hearing your concerns, learning what is important to you, working on solutions and continuing to earn your respect. I want to acknowledge my predecessor Mr Luke Howarth for his servitude to Petrie residents and to thank him for the 12 years he gave this House. I want to acknowledge the Hon. Yvette D'Ath, the former member for Petrie and the former state member for Redcliffe, who joins me here today. Yvette's excitement for my campaign and words of encouragement kept morale high, and her continued sage advice, even after I'd asked my 500th question, kept me focused.”
“Sport also plays a major role in our community. It is a place to come together, to share, to laugh, to celebrate and to commiserate. Petrie is home to some of the largest community football and netball clubs in Queensland and one of the oldest croquet clubs in the state. Importantly, Petrie is home to the best NRL team in the country. The Dolphins are a major part of my community, a community of Phinatics. 'Phins up' to those joining me in the gallery and those watching at home. Two of our players made up part of the Queensland Maroons, who recently decimated the Blues and wiped the smile off many members in this room. To those members I say, 'Hammer time,' and may our victory be the beginning of another eight-year sweep. It is said that yesterday's solutions are today's problems, but I am an optimist.”
“There is a unique sense of humour in the stoicism found in Petrie, which was evident during Cyclone Alfred preparations. During the cyclone preparations, residents such as Jess in Redcliffe were calling out for help on community social media groups on behalf of her elderly neighbour who was recovering from a recent surgery. I decided to head out to this woman's house to lend a hand, and what touched my heart was the near dozen of us who rocked up to secure this yard. I also spent a few hours down at the sandbagging station and I was not alone in this endeavour. Dozens of residents were down there making up bags and carrying them to awaiting cars. All of this was done with big smiles and plenty of laughs. The spirit of the Petrie community was alive and well. We came together to help one another in a stressful time.”
“In recognising the diversity in our individuality we can come to understand how important it is that our communities reflect that. Petrie is where seaside retirees meet first home buyers, where heritage buildings harmonise with 21st-century development. It is a region that has kept calling me back. I first moved there as a teenager, living on Dolhes Rocks Road, an incredible area surrounded by nature and friendly neighbours. I moved away when I joined the Army, but I kept finding myself coming back. I love where I live, kayaking around the peninsula or up the Pine River near Griffin and chucking a line in. It turns out I am not the best hunter of fish, but I am a well-versed gatherer of fish, namely at Morgans Seafood in Scarborough.”
“As they say, high tides raise all ships. The tides are rising, so let's ensure that everyone is lifted during this moment in our history. Here I stand representing the residents of Petrie. My story is much like Petrie's. Petrie has its rough edges and polished gems. There are people living it tough and those who are comfortable. There is aspiration and there is desperation. There are some of the highest rates of domestic violence but there are also some of the highest rates of volunteerism. Just like my community, I carry those parts within me. My life experiences have been diverse, and the outcome of that is strength, resilience and compassion—just like when a community is socially, environmentally and economically diverse, it is stronger, more resilient and more compassionate.”
“Climate change is the driver for a lot of our issues, such as heatwaves killing more people than all other natural disasters combined and the damage of heat, flooding and coastal storm surges to our roads and railways. I recall seeing images of Melbourne train tracks warping in a heatwave and of bitumen roads melting, which is also impacting our remote regions. Heat also increases violent crime rates, making our communities less safe and police work harder, and places greater strain on our justice system. Drought, increased ferocity of storms, flooding and heat are damaging our crops, leading to increased prices and further exacerbating hardships on our farmers. The ferocity and frequency of storms in my electorate are damaging property and increasing the price of insurance. We must address this. However, we need a pragmatic approach.”
“With the previous government's business-as-usual approach to emissions reduction and climate action, I was sure those glaciers would melt in my lifetime. I hired a four-wheel drive, and in the cold of winter I made my way to the glacier. I stood in awe at one of the most impressive and beautiful natural sites I've been fortunate enough to experience, and I became quite emotional. Standing there, considering the ramifications of our actions as humans on this planet and how those actions may mean the next generation may not get the chance to see what I was seeing, I filled my bottle with glacier water and I guzzled it down, and in that moment I decided to commit myself to being an active participant in positive change making. It was my glacial moment.”
“We dream that our kids, our nieces and our nephews have more opportunities than us. We fear letting down the people around us, and we desire support and camaraderie from our communities. By focusing on our differences, we exclude all that could bring us together, whereas the list of the things we have in common will always be far greater. This common ground is where growth, partnership and progress happen. I was in London at the time of the 2019 bushfires. People would hear my accent and often bring up the catastrophic impact of the fires, and I was floored by the inaction of the Australian government at that time. I decided that, as I was in that region, I would take myself to Iceland, the land of fire and ice, to see a glacier.”
“I am a sister, an aunty, a partner, a friend, a neighbour, an adventurer, an environmentalist, a lover, a fighter, a fierce supporter of social equity, a confidante, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, a voice for the marginalised, a platform for those less privileged and a member of my community. I have been fortunate to be able to travel to various parts of the world, experiencing vastly different cultures, from South Asia to eastern and western Europe, and in our own beautiful backyard here in Australia. One thing I've come to understand is that, no matter where you come from—whether rich or poor, literate or illiterate, regardless of gender, ethnicity and heritage—we all have similar hopes, dreams, fears and desires. We hope that our families live a safe and healthy life.”
“Now, we often define ourselves by considering who we are not, but this way of thinking leads to division, to disunity and to apathy towards others. The 'othering' of cultures may be disguised as patriotism, but really it is nationalism. I am a patriot. I love my country that has provided me so much in my life: my world-class education; free and affordable health care; beautiful and inspiring natural spaces where I'm free to explore, reflect and enjoy; and the opportunity to represent my community here in this room. I prefer to define myself by my attitudes, by my beliefs and by the way in which I engage with the world around me.”
“I learnt the feeling of living to work, with nothing left after the first round of bills, dreading unexpected car expenses and rent rises. I'm not alone in feeling that there must be more to life than living to work. Life should be about working to live. Life should be about the ability to enjoy the world around us, building and developing connections and relationships and doing what you can to ensure others, all others, have access to the same privileges that the lottery of birth provides—that we lower the heights of the hurdles we got over to make them more accessible to those who come after us. New challenges will always arise, and it is our duty to ensure that we lower the heights of these hurdles for the next generation.”
“I was fortunate in my late teens to know what I wanted to do after finishing school. I had direction and I had purpose when most of my friends were struggling to find their purpose. After leaving the Army, I was at a loss. I'd put so much energy into getting there that I was unsure of what was next. Being part of a team, working towards something positive and using my time to help others has always been important, so I found a new way to channel it and I started volunteering at the local sea-rescue radio tower. I still wasn't sure what career I wanted, so I did what most people in their early 20s do and I started working in hospitality. I was young, injured and broke, but I was gaining invaluable life experience.”
“To those young people: I see you and I want to assure you that things will get better. I was a bit rambunctious in my early high school days, so much so that at one point in my late teens I decided I needed more discipline. This coincided with my belief that we should all serve a purpose bigger than ourselves. I channelled this into being elected school captain, to develop my leadership skills so that I could enlist at the age of 18 in the Australian Army and attend the Royal Military College, Duntroon. My time in the service taught me many things, such as endurance—that I can always put one foot in front of the other—and the power of trust in teamwork. Unfortunately, I had to leave the Army early, after a year, due to an injury that meant I could no longer complete my training.”
“That is why I'm so proud of our government's paid placements for nursing students at TAFE and university. This will change lives. I know it would have changed my life and that of my mum. Through this I learned the value of secure employment, fair wages, the power of education and the importance of continuous learning, and that everyone should have the right to a fair go no matter their background. I learned that if I have the passion and give it my focus, nothing can stop me from achieving my goals. I also want to take this moment to say I'm so proud of the work of the Redcliffe Area Youth Space. Amy Mayes and the team help young people who have been given a rough start in life. I can relate to those young people. My upbringing parallels some of their stories.”
“During my teenage years I grappled with depression, but I found my peace and strength in serving others. I developed friendships across diverse groups of people, finding commonality where others would only see difference. My mum is to blame for many of my values. She worked multiple jobs due to inconsistent hours while studying nursing full time, first at TAFE and then at uni. She did all of this while raising four kids on her own. When work is inconsistent and you have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet, kids and families miss out on time spent together. I watched my mum wear many hats, and everything she did for us kids she did with love, but it meant she wasn't there for the important moments of my life, something she and I are both worse off for.”
“Just before my ninth birthday, my family and I were able to find a way to squeeze ourselves out of the gap in the system in which we fell. And though we were safe away from that danger, the healing process itself was turbulent and non-linear. One positive outcome from my childhood has been my fierce sense of justice, which I've had since as early as I can remember. While I will never say that I am grateful for the experiences I had as a child, I'm glad for the mindset I developed. Now much to my mum's and probably my teachers' frustration at times, I always asked 'Why?' I question everything and everyone. I still remember the day when I was 11 and my mum said to me, 'Em, just because I'm your mum doesn't mean I know all the answers.' I was shocked to say the least!”
“I also stand in this room because of the neglectful, shortsighted and undignified laws, ideas and examples that have come from this house, from the banning of RU-486 to the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. This house at times has caused harm to Australians and to my community. I'm so glad to be a part of this government, one that aims to right those wrongs and will stand up for all, not just the few. The good, the bad, the ugly is why I'm here today. My early childhood was tainted by violence and shrouded with fear. The man designated the protector of my family was the most dangerous part of my life. To live in that space day in and day out, never sure what would turn a bad day into an even worse day is a feeling that no-one should experience.”
“I stand in this room with a great sense of awe. I stand in this room because of the aspirational and innovative work that has come from this house. I am inspired by the work of those who have come before me, including many sitting around me today. The work on Medicare, marriage equality, antidiscrimination, workers' rights, renewable energy and its storage, and the continued efforts to safeguard and improve upon these areas. I stand on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people and, standing here, I represent the electorate of Petrie, a region that has been called home by the Gubbi Gubbi and Turrbal people for millennia. I want to acknowledge these groups for their ancestral connection to the place where we meet today and to the land which I call home.”
“My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. How is the Albanese Labor government keeping Australians safe through our continued investment in defence and our engagement with our key partners and allies?”