Madonna Jarrett
Brisbane · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Parents, teachers and mental health professionals have increasingly expressed concern that social media companies have prioritised engagement and profit over children's wellbeing.”
“Since the introduction of those reforms, we have seen over five million accounts belonging to under-16s deleted off social media. That's an outcome, Member for Casey. This is a very positive development.”
“Protecting big tech or protecting young children—easy choice. Those opposite have the wrong priorities for this country, and we see it time and time again, whether it's keeping Australians locked out of the housing market, not supporting wage increases, voting against higher taxes or not acting on climate change.”
“Fourth is greater protection from online predators, scams and harmful content. Finally, the reforms send a strong message to the technology companies that child safety should be built into platform design rather than treated as an afterthought.”
“Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X are all central to our modern lifestyle. But, while they're great opportunities to learn, to be creative, to connect, they also expose young people to significant risk. I'm going to make a point here: there is research behind this. There are facts that support this.”
“I'm pretty proud that the government is standing strong against big tech because that's what we need to do. We went out alone, but there are 16 more countries that are coming in behind us, which is pretty important. That's a pretty strong contrast to those opposite, who have chosen big tech over Australian kids.”
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“Just imagine how much harder it would have been for the people of Brisbane and the people of other electorates, our fellow Australians, if these cost-of-living measures weren't there. That was at stake because we know those opposite voted against all our cost-of-living measures, or at least most of them, and Australians depend on them. They depend on a government that's fair and reasonable, that cares for them and that understands that we have cost-of-living pressures. But we know we have more to do. Federation Chamber adjourned at 19:31”
“We also know that we're in the middle of a war overseas and Australians are feeling the pinch at the bowser, which is why today we announced a 50 per cent cut in the fuel excise for three months, cutting fuel prices by around 26c a litre. It's also why, last week, we passed legislation to enforce higher penalties for petrol companies that might want to use the war to profit off Australians through price gouging. If they do the wrong thing, they'll be hit with a maximum $10 million per offence. We've also passed legislation in the House to allow truckies and road transport businesses to negotiate a fair deal more quickly to keep their trucks moving. So this government is doing everything it can to support Australians with the cost of living.”
“One million households are benefiting from back-to-back increases in rent assistance, 1.1 million Australians are benefiting from higher social security payments and tens of thousands of single parents have access to the parenting payment (single) for longer. As the member for Bean mentioned earlier, this is on top of the tax relief that every single taxpayer is getting. They've had one; there's another one coming this year and another one next year. We are also making sure that 1.2 million people on low incomes continue to pay no, or a reduced, Medicare levy while still having access to cheaper medicines and more bulk billing. There's so much more I could talk about.”
“There's so much that this government is doing across the board. They might only be little bits, but they're making a big difference to people's hip pockets. We will make medicines cheaper—we started that on 1 January with the $25 scripts—but we know we've got more to do. It's our government that's always there. It's our government that's about fairness and equity for all Australians. That's why we're doing other things around strengthening our social safety net, on top of increasing wages for some of the lowest-paid and most vulnerable people in our communities. We're helping with the cost of essentials. We're improving access to housing and education.”
“We've got paid parental leave up to 24 weeks and super now being paid on all government paid parental leave. We've got a $10,000 bonus for housing apprentices on top of their wages. We've got 30 per cent off home batteries to permanently cut power bills. We've got paid pracs for nurses, teachers and social workers. We've got a boost to Medicare, with $1.8 billion extra in hospital funding so Australians and people in my electorate can get the quality health care they need and deserve. We're seeing more choice and lower-cost health care for women with our record women's health package. We've expanded the five per cent deposit scheme to all first home buyers, with more than 230,000 first home buyers accessing the scheme. There's been another pay rise for aged-care workers. We're expanding bulk billing. There have been cuts to student debt.”
“I'm really pleased to be speaking on this motion tonight, because, if you listen to the debate that's gone on, you can see the stark difference between us—a government that really cares about people and gets that it is tough for Australians at the moment—and those on the other side. We understand cost-of-living pressure and it's a priority for us. We are continuing to roll out many cost-of-living measures. It's our No. 1 priority. That's why you'll see that we're doing tax cuts for every taxpayer and a pay rise for all minimum-award-wage workers, totalling an increase of around $9,000—not a small amount of money. Last week, the minister for workplace relations announced the government would back an above-inflation minimum-wage increase for low-paid workers.”
“We're legislating higher penalties for petrol companies that do the wrong thing, up to a maximum of $100 million per offence. And we've given the ACCC more powers in terms of price monitoring and the ability to issue on-the-spot fines. No-one wants to see consumers hit in the hip pocket by someone who thinks they can make a quick buck, because who loses out when that happens? Everyone—every person who might be dropping their kids off at school or running a business and trying to keep the door open. The conflict overseas shouldn't be seen as an excuse to profit off Australians. The new laws are for the people of Brisbane and beyond, and my message to the servos is: don't take advantage. Don't treat my community and other Australians like mugs. Do the right thing. It is so un-Australian to price-gouge.”
“The No. 1 priority of this Labor government is cost of living, which is why, since being elected, we have taken significant steps to help people out. From tax cuts to $25 scripts to energy bill relief to seeing a GP for free, we're helping ease cost of living. Now, while a war rages overseas, we are seeing prices at the petrol pump go up, and, if we listened to the other side during question time, you would swear that this government was completely oblivious to that and doing nothing. But nothing could be further from the truth. Again, we, this Labor government, are stepping in to help with unexpected hip-pocket hits. Today we halved the fuel excise for three months. We're cracking down on grifters who are trying to rip people off by price gouging.”
“In fact, the morning I was there with Minister Hill, they had hosted over 2,000 people to mark the end of Ramadan. I believe that Australia is at its best when we choose unity, compassion and care for one another, and we must always seek out ways to support our neighbours, our friends and our community. One of my aims as the member for Brisbane is to build a more harmonious and inclusive community. Social weakness is really distinguished by ignorance, intolerance and individualism, but social strength is just as strong when we accept differences and when we celebrate what makes us unique, and we're stronger when we stand together.”
“Our differences are not something to tolerate; they are something to celebrate. I also visited the north-side mosque in Lutwyche to meet the imam and the executive committee members and to wish them a joyful Eid. We talked about the Islam faith being grounded in compassion and kindness, how many members of the community who now call Australia home are here to build a better life, and, importantly, that no matter what faith you follow, you should be able to worship and practice your beliefs without fear. The mosque has been a part of the Lutwyche community for over 45 years, and it's a big part of the local community. They hold open days for locals to come and visit and to get to know their congregation. They also use an adjoining park to put on community events and many religious events.”
“It is an understatement, to say the least, that it's been a very difficult time for that community. The Bondi attack was a stern test of our national character, and, as always, Australians have responded with the best of our national character by working together and putting an arm around each other. However, that community still feels scared, and they feel they cannot be themselves. There is more work to do, and the royal commission will be an important guide to that. But in this country no-one should be fearful of who they are, and we must do everything we can to stop fear and hatred from becoming permanent. Australia clearly is stronger because of our multiculturalism. Our diversity has created opportunities that other countries envy. That's why I will always show up to listen and advocate for every community in Brisbane.”
“Brisbane is home to a diverse, multicultural community where more than 31 per cent of our residents are born overseas and more than 200 languages are spoken. Our city is a vibrant mix of cultural influences reflected in the various foods, festivals and neighbourhoods. These last few weeks our community has celebrated Lunar New Year, Lent, Ramadan and Eid and, in the coming weeks, we will gather for Easter and Passover. Listening to community members and hearing their stories as they share their traditions is a great part of being a member of parliament. But, while Brisbane is a vibrant and inclusive community, not everyone feels safe and valued. Last Friday I joined the Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs to visit the Brisbane synagogue to hear from members of our Jewish community.”
“While those opposite continue to try to figure out what leadership is and who their leader should be, on this side of the House we've got steady leadership, and we will continue to deliver for all Australians. (Time expired)”
“Think Tony Abbott. Think of how he spoke about our first female prime minister. Think Peter Dutton, who almost destroyed our national healthcare system. Think Scott Morrison, who said, 'I don't hold a hose, mate.' And lucky you weren't met with bullets when he was speaking about a rally full of women—the man who hid his multiple ministries from the Australian people, the man who presided over robodebt, which caused harm to so many vulnerable Australians, and the man who failed to protect a young staffer from harm. Those opposite used their first female leader in order to line up the next leader: the member for Hume. It's been a revolving door of failed leadership from those opposite.”
“It takes leadership to act quickly and decisively to ensure that the risks to Australians during these times are limited, and to lead with calmness in a way that unites, not divides, the cultures that are the strength of our country. In these circumstances, the Albanese government has stepped up: improved energy security through the relentless pursuit of renewable energy; implemented tougher hate laws, new trade deals and security agreements with the EU and Canada; developed stronger relationships with our Indo-Pacific neighbours; and implemented our Future Made in Australia program to protect our sovereignty. The Albanese leadership is grand. It's in stark contrast to the leadership from the other side. Their history is indicative of a complete lack of a shared vision, empowerment, responsibility, integrity and empathy.”
“We've seen global uncertainty really test leaders around the world, whether it's been the war in the Middle East or the war in Ukraine. Some of our traditional international agreements are really being challenged. So national leadership is not just about looking after people at home; it's about protecting our national interests abroad. Leadership is critical in these types of uncertain and turbulent times. Leaders need to be steady and reliable and be prepared to make tough decisions in the best interests of our community and our nation. Since Labor came to power, Australia and our world more broadly have been rocked by climate events, the war in Ukraine, the rise of extremism, significant shifts in global security and trade, and, more recently, the war in the Middle East.”
“We're delivering fee-free TAFE to students across the country. That's leadership. We expanded five per cent deposits to all first home buyers. That's leadership. We're implementing the biggest home build in Australia's history. That's leadership. We are investing in more crisis and transitional accommodation, ensuring vulnerable Australians have a roof over their heads. That's leadership. We've delivered pay rises for workers in the care sector and for millions of low-paid workers. That's leadership. We're rolling out cheaper home batteries to help lower power bills across the country. That's leadership. We're cracking down on supermarket price gouging, as well as petrol stations that are using the current war to rip people off. That's leadership.”
“We know Australians are doing it tough at the moment, and our government is leading and our prime minister is leading. We're listening to the Australian people and we're acting. Our No. 1 priority at the moment is to address the cost of living. So let's go through it. We've delivered a tax cut for 14 million Australian taxpayers. That's leadership. We're making medicines cheaper. That's leadership. We're helping Australians see a GP for free and get health care closer to home. That's leadership. We're wiping 20 per cent off student debt. That's leadership. We're delivering energy bill relief for households and businesses. That's leadership. We've delivered more choice and lower cost and better health care for women. That's leadership. We've delivered the three-day childcare guarantee. That's leadership.”
“For those opposite to raise a matter of public importance about national leadership is delusional, in my opinion. So what is delusional leadership? Dare I put those two words together? It's a dangerous style where leaders lose touch with reality, ignore the feedback and the evidence—some of which we just heard from the member for Goldstein—and it often leads to poor outcomes. For those opposite, the last 10 years have been an ongoing shambles of delusional leadership. But let's define what a good leader is. I'll build on the previous speaker, the minister. A good leader inspires, empowers, guides and guides a team towards a shared vision while acting with integrity and empathy, and that's exactly what our prime minister does.”
“1 priority is the cost of living and helping Australians with the cost of living. Last year, while those opposite were divided amongst themselves, this government got on and ensured 14 million Australian taxpayers received a tax cut. This came on top of other cost-of-living measures. We've delivered cheaper medicines, GP for free, student debt cuts, energy bill relief and more. This is responsible and meaningful hip-pocket help for households across the country. While those opposite remain in an identity crisis, this government's getting on with the job and looking after Australians. While the LNP get behind their rich mates, the Labor government gets behind everyday working Australians.”
“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Liberals confirming that they'd vote against Labor's tax cuts for all working Australians. What a day that was! If anyone still needs proof that the Liberals are not on their side, there it is. When those opposite come into this House and they scream from the rafters about cost-of-living pressures, just remember that it's just a show. While households were under pressure, the Liberals chose to abandon you and give their corporate mates a big tax cut instead. But we know that getting more money in your pocket really does make a big difference. It makes it easier for students, carers, mums, dads and others to put food on the table and pay their bills. We know Australians are doing it tough at the moment, and that's why our No.”
“It is 2026, and I can't believe we're still talking about this issue—but here we are. Make no mistake: the LNP will always try to take away a woman's right to choose. The former deputy prime minister of this country, former leader of the Nationals and now member of One Nation said in 2006 about the HPV vaccine: Don't you dare put something out there that gives my 12-year-old daughter a licence to be promiscuous. Come on! I don't even know how you could say that. But, anyway, it was said. Australia's HPV vaccination program is a global success story due largely to former prime minister Mr Rudd. We have more work to do. (Time expired)”
“It's the first of its kind in Brisbane, and it's life-changing. It's changing the lives of women every single day. Gone are the days when women were told by their doctor to just take a panadol and see if the pain goes away. These changes are helping women not only in Brisbane but also across the country by providing more choice, lower costs and better health care. Those opposite don't have a strong record when it comes to women's health. That's just the facts. A woman's right to choose has always been at risk under the LNP government. In my home state of Queensland, most LNP members sitting in parliament believe that abortion should be a crime. Even the Queensland Premier has gagged parliament from debating this important topic. These decisions are never easy for women, and this choice really should only be between a woman and her doctor.”
“Since this package was announced more than 71,000 women have now received Medicare funded menopause health assessments, and 363,000 have saved more than $45 million on menopausal hormonal therapies. In times when the cost of living is tough, that's a lot of money. Since 1 November last year, women in Brisbane have also had access to affordable IUDs and birth-control implants. Brisbane's first GP endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic is open in Toowong. It provides care for women with endometriosis or persistent pelvic pain, and it will expand to cover menopausal care. The centre has strong connections with local allied health, specialist gynaecology and other services, and that's needed to provide that multidisciplinary health support that women in these situations really do need.”
“That funding includes 11 additional endometriosis clinics, and expanding all 33 clinics to provide specialist menopause care. Since this historic health package was announced, more than 660,000 women have accessed more than two million cheaper scripts. Before the listing of Yaz, Yasmin and Slinda, women were paying around $380 a year for contraception; now they're paying $25 a script. I mentioned this to a number of young women I saw at the university O-week: (a) they didn't know about it, and (b) when we told them, most of them being on Youth Allowance, that they'd have to pay only $7.70, they were absolutely thrilled. Before the listing of Oestrogel, women would have to pay up to $670 a year; now they're paying only $25 a script, or $7.70 if they're on concession.”
“Us women make up half the population, yet our issues were often misunderstood and dismissed and we've heard many stories of them being ignored. To all the women in Brisbane and across the country, I want to say that you matter and this Labor government is listening and delivering. Last year our government announced the landmark Women's Health Package—$790 million in women's health. This didn't happen under the Liberals and Nationals, it didn't happen in the nine years that they were leading this government, this country. This is the single biggest investment in women's health in our history, and it has been life-changing for so many women across the country. This investment improves access to long-term contraceptives and provides better support to women experiencing chronic pelvic pain and menopause.”
“We know that women are held back from fully participating in work, family and community because of health issues. I met a lady in Lutwyche while I was doorknocking not that long ago who rarely went out and socialised because of the issues she was facing associated with menopause. She missed work, her illness was debilitating and her treatment too costly. And she's not the only one I've met along the way. This Labor government is helping to fix this, and with more than 50 per cent of the government caucus being women, we are driving the change that's needed for women. We believe that women's health is central to women's equity and our community wellbeing, which is why it's at the heart of our government's agenda.”
“We need to keep building, we need to make it easier to build and we need to make it quicker to build. I want to say to the people of Brisbane: this Labor government has your back. We will do everything we can to tackle the housing challenges you are facing, but to make a difference we all have to work together. It's going to take all levels of government—state, federal and local—to sort through getting houses built more quickly. We need to think innovatively about how we build more homes. We owe it to the next generation to continue to do what we can to make homes available for people.”
“We're seeing a real turnaround in home building, with almost half a million homes being built since we came to office and new housing commencements up 17 per cent. But we know the job's not done, and in this term we will continue to do more. We will continue to build more homes, continuing on the path of building 55,000 social and affordable homes as well as building 100,000 homes for first home buyers, excluding investors. And we're working towards a bold aspiration for Australia to build 1.2 million homes in five years. We're about making it better to rent, helping thousands more rental homes get built and continuing to lift rental standards through our work with the states, implementing Help to Buy, our first national shared equity scheme, and delivering our five per cent deposit guarantee to every first home buyer.”
“These programs are helping people right across the country like Karen, who lives in my electorate. Karen is in her 60s. She fled domestic violence seven or so years ago. She lived in shared accommodation, and she now has a home that she can call her own. She can decorate it the way she wants, she can leave the dishes till tomorrow and she can sit on her balcony and listen to music whenever she wants. She finally gets to live her life, her way. Since Labor was elected over 180,000 Australians have bought their first home with the five per cent deposit including almost 2,100 in Brisbane. I ask the member for McPherson, again, to ask them if they think this is a bad policy. More than one million households have been supported, with our 50 per cent increase in rent assistance, and this has helped almost 9,200 recipients in Brisbane alone.”
“Now, this crisis wasn't created overnight, and it won't be fixed overnight. Our government understands this, and that's why we are throwing everything at it. We are acting, contrary to what the member for McPherson said. We're not sitting on the sidelines. What we're doing is implementing the single biggest housing build since the Second World War. That's full of ambition; it's not a lack of ambition, as said by the member for McPherson. Our $43 billion agenda is focused on three things: backing first home buyers, building more homes and making it better and easier to rent. We've completed over 5,000 social and affordable homes and have 25,000 more in construction and planning. This includes 80 social and affordable homes in Lutwyche and Windsor alone.”
“We hear it from parents who cannot give their kids the stability that they had as kids, and we hear it from renters that prices are going up. We see women in my electorate in Brisbane who are fleeing domestic violence or unworkable domestic situations, left stranded, couch surfing and car sleeping. And, of course, we see a rise in homelessness. No matter what your situation is, having a roof over your head fundamentally changes your life's trajectory. For a long time, the Commonwealth government had tapped out on our national housing challenge, leaving most of the hard work up to the states. I'll say it again, as the member for Moreton said: for the nine years the coalition was last in power they didn't even have a housing minister, and they built just 373 social and affordable homes over that entire nine year period.”
“I agree with the opposition: we are in a housing crisis. That is a fact. But for the opposition to think that this started in 2022 is simply delusional. This has been bubbling along for decades. There's no doubt that we're in a critical time in our nation's history, where we need all levels of government working together to build the homes we need for this generation and the next. Housing is a human right. It is something I have said in this chamber many, many times. People are working hard. They're doing everything right, yet they still can't afford a place to call home. Young people are outbidding each other for rental properties. Families with kids who would absolutely have owned their own home a generation ago cannot get a foothold in the market.”
“We're entering a new era of energy sovereignty where power, in terms of both energy and geopolitics, increasingly comes from producing energy close to where it's used. Why? Because sovereign power reduces our geopolitical exposure and protects our economic and national security. Our government recognises this. We're investing to make it happen. We're investing in renewables, and it's good for our sovereign capability.”
“This government has also approved our 100th renewable energy project, with recent figures revealing that renewable energy is now powering 51 per cent of the grid. The government is doing a lot. We're doing as much as we can. We need to do more, and I again acknowledge the various members of the crossbench who have supported a number of these reforms. On this side of the House, we listen to the science and we act on it. We've acted to help with power bill relief, gas price caps and investment in cheap renewables, all of which those opposite have opposed. In fact, those opposite haven't had a coherent energy policy for the past decade. Does the $660 million nuclear option, which was rejected by the Australian people, ring any bells? The world is shifting. Energy is not just about power; it's about security and about the future.”
“That's why I'm going to repeat what I've said in this House before. We need our community batteries in Newmarket and the Gap to help service my community of Brisbane. The LNP council needs to stop playing politics and give us the go-ahead. Another program is our Solar Sharer Offer, the SSO. The SSO is an electricity standing offer that will provide households with the option of a daily window of free energy usage. The offer incentivises households to shift their energy use to periods of low-cost generation during the day, saving them money and delivering significant system-wide benefits that lower costs for all consumers. On top of these programs, we've also delivered $150 energy rebates for all Australian households, because we recognise that Australians are doing it tough, and every little bit helps.”
“This milestone shows that Australians are embracing practical upgrades that cut power bills, make better use of rooftop solar and help build a cleaner and more reliable energy system. Home batteries help households store cheaper, cleaner energy, which is generated during the day and can be used during the evening, which is a peak period. Again, contrary to what the member for Fowler said, the battery program is a huge success. It takes pressure off the grid, lowers reliance on expensive generation and puts downward pressure on prices for everyone. As more batteries, including community and grid-scale batteries, are installed across the country, they also help the grid manage demand more efficiently, improve system reliability and support the shift to a more renewable energy system.”
“This is backed up by the CSIRO, who also said that the cheapest form of energy is in renewables, and, on this side of the House, we'll listen to the scientists. At the start of this month, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy announced that more than a quarter of a million households, small businesses and community organisations have installed bill-busting batteries. I don't call that a failure. This is part of the government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program. In fact, around half are also installing upgraded solar systems at the same time. When I look across the lovely rooftops of my electorate in Brisbane and see them glistening with solar panels, I think, it's no wonder—given we are the sunshine state. Together, batteries installed under the program have now reached 6.3 gigawatt hours of storage.”
“Thank you to the member for Kooyong for raising this matter of public importance. It really does go to the heart of what the Labor government is doing in transforming our energy system. I note that there are elements of that transformation that the member for Kooyong has supported. We know that one of the best ways to reduce vulnerability to high energy costs and to bring down costs overall for Australians, and also to build and protect sovereign capability in our energy system, is to invest in renewable energy. The Australian energy grid is undergoing a major transformation. This is vitally important, because not only will it deliver cheaper power to Australian households but also it will make us less reliant on foreign imports.”
“Let's not forget it was those opposite whose plan at the last election was to cut 41,000 Public Service jobs and the services Australians rely on. I have to put on record that I value the work of the tens of thousands of public-sector workers who live in my electorate in Brisbane. We thank you for your service to the people of Brisbane. These bills will deliver on the government's economic plan, which is focused on rolling out responsible cost-of-living relief and building a stronger economy. On this side of the House, we stand for lower taxes, we stand for workers earning more and keeping more of what they earn, and we believe that no-one should be held back and no-one should be left behind. I commend the bills to the House.”
“These bills, through important amendments, can help pay for more government services by making $800 million in savings in the first year. In doing so, this Labor government is delivering on its commitment to rebuild and strengthen our Public Service. Agencies are already achieving savings through reduced spending on contractors, consultants and labour hire and in other areas. Already the Labor government, in its first term, has found $5.3 billion in savings while not affecting the quality of services or reducing the number of staff employed. Labor will continue to do the work we need to do to rebuild the Public Service after inheriting one that was hollowed out after a decade of the LNP outsourcing, uninvesting in and undervaluing the work that public servants do and the services they deliver.”
“This includes $3.6 billion to fund wage increases for those in early childhood education; almost $450 million for the three-day guarantee; $1 billion to establish the early childhood education fund, to increase supply of early childhood educators; putting public schools on the path to full funding; making free TAFE permanent; cutting student debt by 20 per cent for three million Australians and making their loan repayments fairer; and an additional $2.5 billion to reform our universities, including to support more students from underrepresented backgrounds. While there is a big program to improve living standards and the lives of people across Australia, we recognise there also has to be responsible financial management.”
“Moving on to education, having access to affordable education is an important foundation in anyone's life. It provides an opportunity to live the life we want. Education has the power to change lives. My mum's childhood meant she missed out on a full education and unfortunately didn't reach her dream of becoming a teacher. No-one deserves this. That's why I'm proud to be part of a government who is delivering a better and fairer education system for all.”
“This includes unlocking more homes through the $4.5 billion for states, territories and local governments to address local infrastructure backlogs and meet housing targets; providing $120 million from the National Productivity Fund for states and territories to remove barriers to modular and prefabricated construction; $50 million to scale up Australia's capacity in modern construction methods to build more homes more quickly; and up to $10,000 for eligible apprentices in housing-construction occupations. We've also banned foreign buyers from purchasing existing dwellings for two years from 1 April 2025. In addition, the government is delivering a 45 per cent increase in the maximum rates of Commonwealth rent assistance, along with stronger renters' rights through a better deal for renters.”
“Labor is working to deliver over 55,000 social and affordable homes and support for more than 100,000 homebuyers to own their own home. In Brisbane alone, we see we are seeing progress, and we'd like to see more. There are approximately 2,100 Brisbane residents using the five per cent deposit scheme. There are over 9,000 recipients of the Commonwealth Rent Assistance program, 80 social and affordable homes in Lutwyche and Windsor under the Housing Australia financing programs, 12 dwellings for women experiencing family and domestic violence—we need a big uplift there—and almost 2,900 dwellings as part of the build-to-rent program. More than 485 construction trade apprentices have benefited from our $5,000 incentive payments, but we do need to do more. Across the country, Labor is delivering more homes.”
“Women with specific low levels of reproductive hormones will have earlier access to the combination therapies through PBS, and there will be more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics treating more conditions, including menopause. Let's move on to housing. Housing is a human right and an important foundation in anyone's life. As a child with foster siblings, I saw firsthand how a safe home can be life changing. The challenges we have in housing are complex, and they are the result of decades of inadequate attention under the former LNP government. This Labor government has made the single biggest investment in housing since World War II. Our $43 billion plan sees investment across homelessness, social housing, homeownership, support for low- and middle-income earners and additional rent assistance.”
“On top of this, we're supporting hundreds more government funded GP training places, with 2,000 places per year by 2028 and 400 more postgraduate scholarships for nurses and midwives to extend their skills. For too long, women's health has been overlooked, underfunded and misunderstood. Now, under this Labor government, women's health has been put front and centre. We've invested $800 million to deliver more choice, lower cost and better health care for women. We've heard some of these examples before, but they are absolutely worth repeating. The first new oral contraceptive pills were listed on the PBS in over 30 years, Yaz and Yasmin. We had the first PBS listing for new menopausal hormonal therapies in over 20 years.”
“I can say that, just a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of opening the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Kelvin Grove. It's in the heart of the Brisbane electorate. I really would like to thank the team at the clinic and the Brisbane North PHN, who worked hard to make it a reality. Nine-out-of-10 GP visits are expected to be bulk-billed by 2030, with a goal of around 4,800 fully bulk-billing practices across the country by 2030. We're already seeing more of this in Brisbane, and we need to see more. The Albanese Labor government is also increasing support for our quality public hospital system with an additional $1.8 billion in funding.”
“During the campaign, too many people in my community found it too difficult to see a doctor when they needed it. That's why I'm proud to be part of a Labor government that is strengthening Medicare by delivering $7.9 billion for more bulk-billing so Australians can see a GP for free. We have made medicines even cheaper, and all you'll pay for PBS script, as many people in this House have heard before, is $25 or $7.70 if you're on a concession. We're expanding our growing network of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, making it easier for Australians to get the urgent medical care they need. The Albanese government has already opened 87 of these centres across Australia, with 50 more in the works. This includes one in the inner north of Brisbane, which I really campaigned hard for.”
“Just to give you a sense of the scale of the increases, for aged-care nurses alone, Labor is delivering $2.6 billion to increase their award wages from 1 March 2025. $3.6 billion will support a historic wage increase for early childhood educators and care workers. The wage increases, combined with tax cuts, mean workers across Brisbane, especially the lower paid, especially women and especially young people, will earn more and keep more of what they earn. As has been said in this chamber before, Labor created Medicare, and Labor will always protect it. Access to affordable, quality health care is something I wanted to see improve and campaigned hard on. Coming from a family of eight siblings, my family relied on Medicare when I was growing up.”