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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“We want to make sure Australians can go on to have well-paid and secure jobs, and fee-free TAFE creates those opportunities for individuals as well as for investing in the future of our great country. That's why the Albanese government has legislated permanent free TAFE to ensure Australians can continue to access courses without the cost barrier. We are locking in 100,000 fee-free places each year from 2027. After a decade of neglect under the Liberals, the Albanese government is rebuilding vocational education and training and building out that sector. Free TAFE continues to be an enormous success, helping Australians get ahead while easing cost-of-living pressures. More than 500,000 Australians are gaining skills and the opportunity to work in meaningful jobs that give back to our society.”
“With this bill, we are ensuring that there is certainty in the system and that no-one else will be affected by any problems in the future. Now, the Labor government's approach to vocational training is in complete contrast to those opposite. The coalition cut $3 billion from TAFE last time they were in government, and almost 10,000 jobs were lost. The coalition at the last election also threatened to end fee-free TAFE. During this time of cost-of-living pressures and demand for vocational skills, free TAFE is an essential program to build Australia. Australian voters decided to back TAFE and prevent the coalition stopping investment in TAFE like they did the last time they were in government.”
“The VET Student Loans program does have strict use and disclosure provisions that are applied to VET information under the VET Student Loans Act, which VET student loan providers must comply with. These protections have previously applied to providers and will continue to apply after the bill's commencement. These safeguards include requirements for providers to comply with strict use and disclosure provisions that apply to vet information under the VET Student Loans Act, undergo extensive approval processes to become an approved provider and notify the department of any student related data breaches. These protections have previously applied to VET student loan providers handling tax file numbers and will continue to do so after the commencement of this bill.”
“So the department has since early 2025 made updates to relevant IT systems to mask tax file numbers from the VET student loan providers and automate the transfer of tax file numbers between relevant systems, meaning that VET student loan providers no longer need to handle tax file numbers. But this bill ensures that the alignment by retrospectivity ensures that VET student loan providers were authorised to handle students' tax file numbers to administer the VET Student Loans program. I understand that it's unlikely that there will be any persons adversely affected by the retrospective operations of the bill and there have been no VET student loan student complaints as a result of past tax file number handling practices since the commencement of the VET Student Loans program.”
“Now, this scheme operated under legislation that allowed for the handling of student tax file numbers by VET FEE-HELP providers and higher education loan program providers. This continued under the VET Student Loans program with its own legislative framework, but a review of how the VET student loans are administered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations identified that there is no clear role for VET student loan providers to handle tax file numbers in the VET Student Loans Act and stronger alignment between relevant IT systems and legislation was required for handling tax file numbers.”
“We will see demand and job growth in areas such as our critical minerals, batteries, solar panel manufacturing, electric vehicle mechanics and much, much more. These investments continue our work to remove the cost of barriers to education and training and incentivise people to train in areas our economy needs the most. This bill before the House, though, will provide certainty to VET student loan providers and government officers that their past handling of student tax file numbers in the student loan program from 2017 was lawful under taxation and privacy laws. It's a little technical. Income contingent student loans for vocational education and training students were first introduced in 2008 under the former VET FEE-HELP scheme.”
“So if you've been sitting on the fence and thinking about a career change or you're just starting to think about your career, reach out to a TAFE campus near you. You never know; it just might change your life. A Future Made in Australia is a cornerstone of our economic and industrial policy and is one of the many measures to achieve our net zero ambitions. The Albanese government continues to deliver an ambitious reform agenda to strengthen the vocational education and training sector, close national skills gaps and train the skilled workforce we need right across the country. Around $600 million in measures in the 2024-25 budget will bolster skills growth and develop the clean energy, construction and manufacturing sectors, as well as support apprentices and help break down barriers for women in male dominated industries.”
“Across Australia, construction sector courses have seen a surge in sign-ups, with 59,000 enrolments, making them the third-most popular type of free TAFE course. This popularity shows how effective and essential free TAFE is. There is a strong take-up in construction sector courses like carpentry, plumbing, building and construction, and electrotechnology. Fee-free TAFE is particularly benefiting Australians from priority cohorts, with 170,000 young Australians, 124,000 jobseekers and 30,000 First Nations Australians enrolling in the programs. Fee-free TAFE is breaking down barriers for Australians to learn the skills we need. This program is saving Australians thousands of dollars and helping set them up for new careers with secure, well-paid work—setting them up for life.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Australians are now directly benefiting from the program, with fee-free TAFE enrolments now over 725,000. The Albanese government's free-TAFE policy focuses on priority areas agreed between the government and the states and territories to help address skills shortages. Priority areas include construction, health and aged care, manufacturing, and technology and digital. One important skill area that is required in my electorate is construction, where we need skilled tradies from across the vocations. We are teaching Australians the skills to build the homes and the infrastructure required for our growing cities and suburbs. But we also need to supercharge our housing build to get more homes built sooner, and we can't do this without training more people in essential trades.”
“Places like Eagle Farm TAFE are at the heart of the vocational education and training sector, with the states and the territories growing our investment in fee-free TAFE and continuing to build a national network of TAFE centres of excellence. TAFE is just as valuable as university. It gives Australians of all ages the skills they need to build their future. We see life-changing benefits not only in my electorate of Brisbane but also across Australia. Every week more Australians are enrolling in fee-free TAFE courses and more are getting qualified to make their contribution. Recent free TAFE data shows enrolments and course completions continuing to reach new milestones, showing just how popular this Albanese government program is.”
“Fee-free TAFE—we've heard a bit about it from our earlier speaker—is part of training more Australians for these high-demand industries. Fee-free TAFE is a Labor legacy and has been extraordinarily popular, with many constituents in my electorate signing up. Over 128,000 Queenslanders are enjoying fee-free TAFE and are saving thousands in student fees thanks to the Albanese Labor government. Free TAFE is also required to build the Australia of tomorrow, making it easier for Australians to pick up the tools and get into high-demand industries. From school leavers to career changers, TAFE opens the doors to opportunity and lifelong learning.”
“Like many jobs, the skill requirements have changed, and technology and electronics now feature very heavily. Tahi's just from across the river, but Zac came all the way down from Townsville. They talked about the things that they were learning and the new pathways TAFE has opened for them. After four years, they're both excited to be fully qualified locksmiths. This is a great example of how our government, the Labor government, is helping young people achieve their dreams. TAFEs like Eagle Farm campus are delivering the skills and training needed to grow Australia's economy, caring for Australians, building the homes we need, supporting and building renewable energy, and creating a Future Made in Australia.”
“In my own electorate just last month, I visited Eagle Farm TAFE alongside the Minister for Skills and Training. The Eagle Farm campus is nestled in the east of the electorate and is largely in an industrial hub that sits north of the Brisbane River. It is high tech. There are robots. There's 3D. There's everything you can think of. It offers a diverse range of trades and courses for many occupations for many constituents in my electorate and beyond. That TAFE college is training students right now in automation, security, locksmithing, glass glazing, boat-building, telecommunications, renewable technologies and utilities. While I was there I met Zac, Tahi and their class. They were finishing their locksmithing apprenticeship—yes, locksmithing.”
“I rise in support of the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 before the House. Vocational education and training is skills based learning. It producers our builders, bakers, aged-care workers, healthcare workers, electricians, technicians, gardeners, landscapers and many, many more. These are great careers, but importantly they're jobs that keep our economy thriving. The Albanese government has always supported TAFE and vocational education, and that's why we introduced fee-free TAFE. Fee-free TAFE has opened many pathways for Australians to build a new path in life. Fee-free TAFE is removing financial barriers for students undertaking vocational education and training courses. Fee-free TAFE opens doors for all Australians, whether you're finishing school, changing careers or upskilling.”
“Some students even wrote to me in advance, expressing their views on the challenges we're facing. I got letters on the cost of living, inflation, house prices, aged care, the war in Ukraine, and a humanitarian approach to refugees. Once again, I feel very hopeful and inspired. These young students are on the cusp of finishing primary school. They have many distractions and interests, yet they're very engaged in our world, and they're engaged with empathy, awareness and intent. These students are our future. Given their quality, our future is in very capable hands. Well done to all of them, and thank you to those who make our Brisbane schools vibrant, supportive and hopeful places.”
“Your encouragement, your patience, your tuckshop duties, your packed lunches, your taxi services, those last minute assignments, et cetera—your presence has been vital. And to our students: congratulations. Another chapter is closed. For many, this time brings some mixed emotions. Maybe it's pride in what's been achieved. Maybe it's excitement about what lies ahead, or perhaps even a little trepidation as graduates step into unfamiliar territory. Whatever the next chapter, whether it's university training, an apprenticeship, work or even just time to explore the world, I wish them courage, curiosity and confidence. In recent weeks I also visited a number of primary schools looking at civics and citizenship modules. We talked about democracy, what it's like being a member of parliament and how to be active members in our communities.”
“Some of these include Aviation High School, Everton Park, St James College, Kedron State High School, Marist College Ashgrove, Mt St Michael's, Brisbane Girls Grammar and Kelvin Grove State College. I could not have been more inspired by the calibre of young people I met—their achievements, their optimism and the strong sense of community that surrounds them—and it leaves me feeling incredibly positive about what is possible in our shared future. To the teachers, principals and staff: thank you for your commitment to education, to care and to opportunity. You spend significant formative time with our young people, shaping them into who they will become. To the families and friends: thank you, as well.”
“I'm very proud to be part of a government that is delivering a better and fairer education system for all, because we know that education has the power to change lives. As we approach the year end, the season of graduations, awards nights, farewells and celebrations reminds us of just that. Today I recognise all the teachers, students, staff and families across each of the 50-plus schools providing critical learning to young people in the Brisbane electorate. Together, this community gives our young people the opportunity to be who and what they want to be. Over recent weeks, I've had the privilege of attending many graduation and awards celebrations across primary, secondary, public and private schools.”
“Daryl is standing in front of the judge, and the judge says, 'And what law are you basing this argument on?' Daryl responds with 'the law of bloody common sense'. With that, I commend the bill to the House.”
“Government has a role fostering the creative forces that live here at home but, as we know, the government doesn't do creating. That role belongs to our artists, who need to be respected as both workers and as creators, who need strong infrastructure that provides training, development and space to share new works, and the nation needs those works to engage the audiences both here at home and around the world. That is why I'm proud to be part of a government that not only recognises but supports our creative industries so they can continue to thrive and tell great Australian stories. In conclusion, I would like to quote The Castle , which to me sums up the principle behind this bill.”
“Through a well-produced drama, the audience experiences life in the outback and First Nations struggles with inequality and the history of the Stolen Generation. It's a great Australian story. This homegrown creative force is one of the many we should be proud of and be prepared to ensure gets in front of fellow Australians. Something a little bit lighter is the fantastic program Muster Dogs . It follows five graziers from across Australia who are given five kelpie puppies from the same litter. Who doesn't love a puppy? They are set the challenge of transforming these uniquely Australian dogs into champion muster dogs. But it is great shows like these that could miss out on being developed if we didn't support the industry with this bill.”
“This includes writers and actors, but you also have costume designers, set designers, camera operators, audio-visual tech operators and many, many more. This industry drives economic growth across the country by creating skilled jobs, innovation and adaption of new technology. It drives tourism and exports Australian culture and values globally. It helps to shape our cultural identity through protecting local stories that strengthen our national pride, and it boosts connection with authentic Australian stories that foster belonging, community resilience and a shared experience. As you've probably gathered, I love a good Australian production, and I've not long finished watching Mystery Road , with Detective Jay Swan. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.”
“Their priorities are around ensuring Australian audiences see and hear their own stories. They want to see flexible and fair local content investment obligations for streaming platforms, tied to revenue or subscribers. They want to see intellectual property protections to keep Australian stories in Australia and to ensure independent screen businesses can thrive and be autonomous. They'd also like to see strengthened national broadcasters and screen bodies through more funding for the ABC and SBS, as well as the building of a competitive and fair screen-investment framework. By boosting local production, rewarding Australian ownership and fixing industry gaps—which can attract investment and keep production local—the screen industry really does support a diverse range of jobs across our creative industry economy.”
“In fact, one artist who lobbied for quotas has gone on record to say: There's something like 50,000 shows accessible to an Australian every day, which is just unbelievable. He also said: And we want to get in on that and tell some of our stories and be part of that bigger picture. It's important that a model of streaming regulation delivers more genuinely Australian stories of cultural worth on our screens, particularly for our children. The screen industry wanted to see a firm commitment from the government to support legislation for streaming services to invest in key genres, including children's content, scripted drama and documentaries, and that's exactly what this legislation will do. We want to work with the Australian screen industry to deliver on their priorities.”
“They said that, when Australian industry is not invested in, we lose these skills locally and often end up importing these skills from overseas. They said that what makes the most difference is having quotas in streaming services, like the quota system that was introduced to broadcasting. Countries like the United Kingdom and Canada have quotas in place, and it has made a big difference to locally produced content. Australian audiences have shifted to online streaming platforms, but our longstanding local content rules have not yet followed them. Australian stories are being left behind, and our audiences are missing out on the most accessible form of culture available.”
“Think Bluey, Dingo, Chilli, Coco and Dusty, amongst others. Bluey is now an Australian icon. I spoke with the co-founder of Ludo Studio, alongside Screen Producers Australia, about the importance of locally produced content. What I heard was that real Australian content, like Bluey , matters. It connects us to who we are and shares our culture with the world, which is why these laws are so important. These laws will enable us to see the great work of our screen producers and artists. In my electorate office, I recently met with Rebecca and Stephen from Screen Producers Australia. They were talking about their 'Make it Australian: Give Our Stories a Fair Go' campaign. They shared real-life examples of how challenging it was to compete with big companies like Netflix, Stan, Apple TV and Amazon.”
“This will give vital support to our domestic screen sector and arts workers by ensuring quality local stories continue to be produced in Australia. We have Australian content requirements on free-to-air television and pay TV, but until now there has been no guarantee that we could see our own stories on streaming services. We really are in a new era where fewer people are sitting down in the lounge room to watch their favourites on the box. It's all about streaming platforms now, and we have to go where the people are going. With this legislation, we'll be able to ensure that, no matter which remote control you're holding or which laptop button you're clicking, Australian stories will be at your fingertips. In my electorate of Brisbane, I recently visited Ludo Studio. What's Ludo Studio?”
“This legislation delivers on our commitment in the national cultural policy, Revive , to set local content requirements on streaming services. It recognises that Australian people and their stories are our greatest cultural asset. Australian stories help to shape our national identity, define who we are and make us recognisable on the international stage. Once this legislation is passed, it will make sure that, no matter what screen you're watching from, you will have guaranteed access to Australian stories. It will mandate that streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers invest at least 10 per cent of their total expenditure for Australia or 7.5 per cent of their revenue on local drama, children's documentary, arts and educational programs.”
“Then, sitting across these pillars are 10 principles that guide actions and investments over the next five years: (1) First Nations arts and culture are First Nations led; (2) all Australians, regardless of language, literacy, geography, age or education, have the opportunity to access and participate in arts and culture; (3) artists and arts workers have career structures that are long-term and sustainable, supported by vocational pathways; (4) Australian students have the opportunity to receive an education that includes culture, creativity, humanities and the arts; (5) creative talent is nurtured through fair remuneration, industry standards and safe and inclusive work cultures; (6) arts and cultural organisations have representation and leadership that is reflective of contemporary Australia; (7) cultural infrastructure, including galleries, libraries, museums, archives and digital collections, is restored, built and maintained; (8) Australian stories are seen and heard, regardless of platform—this is central to today's discussion—(9) creative industries and practice are future focused, technology enabled, networked and globally recognised, including through reciprocal exchange, export and cultural diplomacy; and (10) arts and culture are generative, creating new works and supporting emerging artists, and preservative, protecting heritage and conserving cultural memory.”
“Revive is structured around five interconnected pillars which set out the government's strategic objectives: (1) First Nations first: recognising and respecting the crucial place of First Nations stories at the centre of Australia's arts and culture; (2) a place for every story: reflecting the breadth of our stories and the contribution of all Australians as the creators of culture; (3) centrality of the artist: supporting the artist as worker and celebrating artists as creators; (4) strong cultural infrastructure: providing support across the spectrum of institutions which sustain our arts, culture and heritage; and (5) engaging the audience: making sure our stories connect with people at home and abroad.”
“It's a five-year plan to renew and revive Australia's arts, entertainment and cultural sector. It delivers new momentum so that Australia's creative workers, organisations and audiences continue to thrive and grow and our arts, culture and heritage are repositioned as central to Australia's future.”
“Even though we are a relatively small country, with 27.5 million people, we have always batted above our weight when it comes to producing shows that stand the test of time and can compete on the international stage. When Australian writers and performers are given the support to produce Australian stories, we always see the most amazing productions come together, and we have heard from previous speakers here this afternoon the titles of some of our greatest. But we should never underestimate how important it is for Australians to see themselves on screen. It helps us better understand ourselves and our neighbours, and it allows the world to see us. That's why, in 2023, this government released its landmark national cultural policy, Revive : a place for every story, a story for every place .”
“Then, on a lighter note, every Saturday we would turn on the television at 6.30 for Hey Hey It's Saturday , rolling around the floor laughing at the difference skits. Who could forget Red's face? Then there was the classic Kingswood Country . We can't forget Ted Bullpitt, who himself was a TV addict, and his absolute love of his Holden Kingswood. And then there's one that others have mentioned here before—'Kim, look at moi.' I'm sure many in this House can recognise that line from the iconic Kath & Kim series. There are also classic Australian dramas, like Neighbours and Home and Away , that launched international stars such as Kylie Minogue, Chris and Liam Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Julian McMahon, Naomi Watts, Simon Bakers, Heath Ledger and many more.”
“Then there was my favourite, Cathy Freeman, with the weight of the nation on her shoulders when she came steaming home to take the 400-metre gold at the Sydney Olympics. These things are in my memory just like it was yesterday. One of my earliest memories as a kid is of coming home from school and huddling in front of the television with my sisters to watch Skippy . The famous theme song would be playing: 'Skippy, Skippy, Skippy, the bush kangaroo.' It stood the test of time. And then, when I was a teenager, as a family we would gather around the television to watch A Country Practice about the lives of the locals in Wandin Valley. It was a quintessential Aussie show. Who could forget that episode that stopped the nation when Molly Jones died? There wasn't a dry eye in the lounge room.”
“The test transmissions, which were an hour's duration each day, were made from the Wickham Terrace observatory tower. The programs included news headlines, still pictures—you've got to go way, way back into the early 1900s here—and silent movies, such as the temperance film Horrors of Drink . Since the introduction of the television in Australia, there have been a number of programs and world events that have stopped the nation and we have used the box to see them. One of the first world events was the moon landing. I can't remember that one. The second, for me, was 9/11, of which there was wall-to-wall coverage. And then who could forget the Women's World Cup quarter-final, with the Matildas versus France and that penalty shootout that had the entire nation sitting on the edge of their seats?”
“I rise in support of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025. When this bill passes, Australians will see more Australian produced content on their streaming services. Whether you are watching on your television, iPhone, iPad or laptop, it is important that you get to see it and that our government plays a role in supporting Australian content where it can. The first television broadcast in Australia took place on 30 September 1929 at the Menzies Hotel in Melbourne, using the electromechanical radiovision system. That's a mouthful! After 18 months of test transmissions, regular broadcasts began in Brisbane on 6 May in 1934, using a 30-line system. That reached an estimated 18 receivers around Brisbane.”
“I urge the opposition and the crossbench to be on the right side of history here and support it. House adjourned at 17 : 00 The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Boyce ) took the chair at 09:29.”
“We thought that was bad enough then, but let's fast forward now to November 2025, and the introduction of the EPA is again at risk because of the coalition and the Greens political party. They're incapable of putting self-interest aside and working with the government to introduce much-needed reforms. The coalition appears to be completely bereft when it comes to clearly articulating what their environmental policy is, so it's no wonder we're where we are, and the Greens political party voted against the bill in the House this morning, which is mind-boggling given their background. It's time to help support this bill. The people of Brisbane and those around Australia voted for environmental reforms. This bill is fair and balanced. It protects our environment and ensures net positive outcomes.”
“Labor is the party that has delivered every single major environmental reform in Australia's history: Landcare, saving the Franklin, protecting Daintree and Kakadu and building the largest network of marine parks in the world, in addition to addressing the threat of climate change. And, if we really think about it, the list of climate and environmental reform since the election of the Albanese Labor government in 2022 has shifted the conversation on how Australia can be a good global citizen and play its part. To pass these laws, Labor needs the support of those opposite and in the Senate. The last time we tried to create a federal EPA, the Greens political party and the coalition blocked it in the Senate.”
“This is backed by significant investment, a $200 million investment to help meet the 30 by 30 targets, in addition to $232-and-a-bit million for the Indigenous Protected Areas program and $25 million to protect critical biodiversity areas. Our ambitious plan to stop species extinction is directly supported by another half a billion plus to support the recovery of threatened species and ecological communities. This investment really will help rebuild some of our most vulnerable species and prevent further extinction. We also went to the last election committing to 40 diverse local projects, which will be delivered through local conservation groups, Landcare et cetera. I stand here today really proud of Labor's environmental record.”
“We can't deny the science, but we can build a coalition across the community to help solve the problems and keep the lights on. Government, business and environmental groups must continue to work together to protect our environment and enable the economic benefits of sustainable development. With the introduction of Labor's environmental reform bills, we have the opportunity now to take real action to protect, conserve and restore our important environmental areas and species. That's why this term the Labor government has really prioritised a number of things: reforming these laws to make them fit for purpose while also taking real action on climate change and protecting the environment, and protecting and conserving 30 per cent of Australia's land and 30 per cent of our marine areas by 2030.”
“It is the most precious thing we have, and we need to defend it.' It's also true that our environment and economy are intrinsically linked. Agriculture, resources and our tourism sector all rely on a healthy natural environment. In July last year, the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions at ANU reported a few things. One, our continent has warmed almost 1½ degrees. Our rainfall patterns have changed, and we are experiencing more frequent periods of extreme weather, such as droughts, bushfires and flooding. Our land surface has been significantly modified, and at least 19 ecosystems are collapsing due to climate change and other pressures. I know, with some despair, that it's not possible to reverse this decline; however, I do believe we really are at a turning point.”
“Over the last few days, there has been a lot of discussion and divisions around the environmental protection reforms—a busy day today!—but it's clear from today that these historic reforms are at risk of being blocked by the Greens political party and the LNP. I absolutely don't want to see this happen, and neither does my community of Brisbane. We really are at a pivotal moment in time when we can do something very special—protect our environment while enabling our communities to flourish with affordable housing, renewable energy and infrastructure. In the words of David Attenborough: 'The truth is the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air.”
“The problems in the construction industry are not the norm, and it's taken the Labor government to clean them up—because we want to see a strong and effective labour movement.”
“But it's not just industrial relations reforms that this government has introduced that has been good for workers. A tax cut for every Australian has delivered for working people. Being able to see a GP for free delivers for working people. Cheaper child care, energy relief and a five per cent deposit—these all deliver for working people. While those opposite will take every opportunity to attack working people, this Labor government will always stand up for working people and their families. As I said, the Labor Party was born out of the labour movement, and that's why I'm so proud to be standing here today talking about the importance of what Labor is delivering for workers and why we need a strong union and labour movement.”
“We've reduced the gender pay gap through reforms, including requiring large employers to report their gender pay gap, prohibiting pay secrecy clauses and introducing super paid on government parental leave. We've enhanced delegates' rights with reforms to strengthen the rights of union delegates in the workplace. We've legislated the right for employees to disconnect from work related communications outside their work hours. There have been changes to labour hire. Labour hire workers have new rules to potentially increase their pay. There is a national labour hire licensing scheme being established. There's a ban on non-compete clauses for workers earning under $175,000. Last week, we saw payday super, where workers will now be paid their superannuation the same day they get paid.”
“They've also established several inquiries into state branches of the CFMEU. On this side of the House, we believe in the right to organise and the right to join a union. The Labor Party was born out of the labour movement. That's why I'm proud to be part of a government that is the delivering for Australian workers. We have a wonderful resume of achievements since coming to office. What's Labor done? We've introduced multi-employer bargaining. In 2022 the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act enabled employees in certain sectors, such as child care and aged care, to bargain collectively across employers. We increased the minimum wage by 3.75 per cent, directly impacting 2.6 million workers. We made wage theft illegal by introducing criminal penalties as part of the closing the loophole reform.”
“As the member for Petrie talked about earlier, following multiple referrals from the Albanese Labor government, our regulators and law enforcement agencies are working together through the joint agency working group to take strong action to stamp out corruption, criminality and violence. We've also taken real action to stamp out corruption in the CFMEU's construction division by placing them under administration for a period of five years. A lot has been done in this time. Under the administration for the last 15 months there's been the removal of and acceptance of resignations from about 60 people. They've developed a national code of conduct and statement of expectations for staff and made it absolutely clear where the union stands when it comes to gifts, organised crime and menacing behaviours and what the consequences will be.”
“I agree in some respects with some of the words from the member for Wentworth—under the coalition's nine years of failed leadership, the discredited Australian Building and Construction Code, ABCC, failed to deal with the problems within the CFMEU or within the construction industry. It failed. Those opposite were running around beating their chests and saying what a great cop the ABCC was going to be. Instead, we saw the exact opposite in terms of culture in the construction industry. A bad culture was allowed to flourish under their watch. Multiple individuals were involved. They were involved in corruption, criminality and violence, all while retaining their positions to continue to conduct unlawful activities. Now, Labor is acting to clean up the mess.”
“Let me be clear from the outset. This government will not tolerate corruption, criminality or violence in any workplace, including in the construction industry. But what we will tolerate are strong and effective unions that are there to look after workers and stop them being exploited. I'm a proud unionist. I come from a union family. I've seen what a positive difference unions make to individual workers and their families. The problems that we see in the construction industry are not the norm in the Labor movement; they're deeply embedded and have been decades in the making, and they won't be solved overnight. But let's get one thing straight.”