Gabriel Ng
Menzies · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Labor stands for equality of opportunity, and at the heart of equality of opportunity is accessible, universal health care. That's why, from 1 July, we'll deliver over $25 billion in additional funding for public hospitals over five years, including $5.8 billion in Victoria alone for places like Box Hill Hospital, which do so much to supp…”
“Since we cut the maximum cost of PBS medicines to $25—and $7.70 for concession card holders—members of our community have saved over $600,000 at the pharmacy counter. Some of these medicines would have cost patients tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.”
“Happy financial New Year Eve, as everyone says. Every single day, the Albanese Labor government is focused on making things better for hardworking Australians in my community, in Menzies, and right across the country.”
“From tomorrow, the $20,000 instant asset write-off becomes permanent, helping small businesses right across the country with their cash flow. From tomorrow, paid parental leave reaches a full 26 weeks—six months of support for new parents to be shared amongst them, as they see fit.”
“A couple of weeks ago, I joined the Bulleen-Templestowe Basketball Club at their Big Freeze at the B to raise funds to fight MND. Coaches, clubs, volunteers and, yes, even their local federal MP put their hands up for the ice bucket challenge.”
“The good news is that survival rates have dramatically improved, with over 80 per cent of children surviving with treatment. That progress is a direct result of research, funding and the dedication of clinicians and scientists.”
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“Since it was introduced in combination with negative gearing, it has turbocharged housing prices. The cost of a home, when the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount was introduced, was four times the average annual wage, and it's now eight times the average annual wage. So there has been a 400 per cent increase in housing unaffordability. That's a broken system. It's a broken status quo. And we can't continue on that trajectory. Not surprisingly, homeownership rates have declined as the cost of housing has increased, and it has particularly declined amongst younger people. We're locking a generation out of housing if we continue on this trajectory, and this is a generation of young people who are working hard and who are saving and still can't get a foothold in the housing market.”
“Just this morning, the Treasurer introduced the bills for the most ambitious, reforming and courageous budget that we've seen this century. This is a budget that addresses a status quo in housing so that hardworking Australians who have the aspiration to own their own homes will be able to realise that aspiration. In the first speech that I was privileged to be able to deliver in this place, I talked about rising wealth inequality. The issue with rising wealth inequality is that it doesn't just deprive people of opportunity when we're talking about a limited resource like housing; it is also damaging to social cohesion. It means that, when people see that they can't get ahead, they lose hope, and they lose faith in the system being able to deliver for them. The 50 per cent capital gains tax discount was introduced in 1999.”
“That's why I was proud to attend with Assistant Minister Ged Kearney and Special Envoy for Men's Health, Dan Repacholi, at the launch of the Healthy Men Community Conversations project, because we need to have cultural change as well as the resources that the member for Bonner spoke to.”
“They deserve our respect and they deserve our continued support. As the member for Cowper said, this is an issue that men must reckon with. The vast majority of this violence is committed by men. That's just the reality. Not all men, of course, but it is a problem that we must own and that we must step out. We must call out disrespect when we see it at the pub, on the footy field, in the workplace. We must call out unacceptable behaviours, show our children what respectable relationships look like, and refuse to stay silent when somebody that we're friends with crosses a line.”
“In my community of Menzies, the services working on this every single day are extraordinary: the team at the Box Hill Orange Door; the remarkable counsellors and workers at Doncare, with their unique locally based model of support that focuses on recovery, which has counsellors and mentors who are able to support victim-survivors on that journey; and Eastern Community Legal Centre, whose volunteer recognition night I recently attended and where I had a chance to acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of people like Michael Smith and Belinda Lowe for providing support every single day to people who experience family and domestic violence, as well as the range of other services they provide to vulnerable people in Melbourne's east. They show up day in and day out for families in crisis.”
“I've met women navigating a system that can feel designed to exhaust them before it protects them. As the member for Cowper mentioned, the inadequacy—often—of intervention orders and the way that systems abuse can be perpetrated are what we must reckon with. I've seen what it costs someone to come forward, to relive what happened, and to fight for an order that should never have been necessary in the first place.”
“These are mothers and daughters, neighbours, friends, colleagues—people in our communities in the streets we walk every day. And the deaths, as horrific as they are, are only the tip of the iceberg, because, for every woman killed, there are thousands more that are carrying wounds both physical and mental. The trauma does not end when the violence stops. It follows people into their schools, their workplaces, their sleeping hours. It shapes educational outcomes. It affects economic participation. It costs people their health, their stability and their sense of self. For some, it creates a cycle of trauma that passes to the next generation unless we do more to intervene. I've seen this firsthand when volunteering at community legal centres, and I've sat in a county court for intervention order appeals.”
“Last week in Campbelltown, police entered a home and found three bodies: a woman and two young boys, aged four and 12, allegedly murdered in a domestic violence incident. This is a stark and devastating reminder of the consequences of domestic violence and the scourge that it remains across our society. A family is gone, and, sadly, it is not the only family that has been devastated by this absolute tragedy that is playing out across our country. On average, a woman is killed every eight days by a man's violence—almost always a man that she knows. Domestic or family violence is a leading driver of homelessness for women, and burden-of-disease studies point to domestic violence as one of the leading causes of death, illness and injury in Australian women aged between 18 and 44. These are not statistics that we can gloss over.”
“I rise to support this motion, and I want to begin by acknowledging the member for Bonner. Before entering this parliament, she founded Australia's first domestic violence law firm. She sat across the table from victim-survivors and has advocated every single day for victim-survivors. That experience matters, and this parliament is a better place for having her in it. I'd also like to thank the member for Cowper for his comments in support of this motion. His experience is in the justice system. I hope that all members of this parliament would agree that more needs to be done in addressing the scourge of family and domestic violence, regardless of which political party or which political persuasion we are.”
“Under the coalition, more energy left the grid than came in—and the prices reflect that. What we are seeing now is the result of sustained investment and reliable policy in renewable generation and storage, backed by hydro and gas. We also delivered direct relief. Over the last two financial years, this government provided $5 billion in energy bill relief, with up to $300 on household electricity accounts in the 2024-25 financial year and a further $150 in the first half of this financial year applied automatically to every bill. And we're investing in long-term relief. The Cheaper Home Batteries Program has been expanded from $2.3 billion to an estimated $7.2 billion over four years, expected to see more than two million Australians install a battery by 2030. A household with existing solar could save up to $1,100 a year.”
“That's immediate, practical relief for families and small businesses who are feeling pressure every time they visit the petrol station. We've backed higher wages for nearly three million of Australia's lowest paid workers every single year at the Fair Work Commission. The national minimum wage has increased by over $9,000 per year since we came to office. That is money in workers pockets. Members opposite love to tell Australians that renewables are wrecking the grid and will send prices through the roof. In the December quarter of 2025, renewables comprised more than half of energy supply, driving down wholesale electricity prices by nearly half. Coal-fired generation fell to an all-time quarterly low. Gas-fired generation plunged to its lowest level in 25 years.”
“There will be a further income tax coming at the end of this financial year, and another income tax coming at the end of the next financial year. Every taxpayer received relief in the last round of the stage 3 tax cuts, restructured to benefit low- and middle-income earners who were hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis. The budget that we've just handed down delivers a permanent $250 working Australians tax offset for over 13 million workers. It delivers a $1,000 instant tax deduction that will save people time and save resources by making sure they don't have to collect lots of receipts in order to claim that instant tax deduction. We've halved the fuel tax, putting $2.9 billion of relief directly at the petrol bowser every time people fill up.”
“So let's talk about some real figures. The OECD's own 2026 report shows that real wages are recovering and consumer spending is picking up. Employment was at record highs, but the OECD says the economy is returning to pre-pandemic growth levels. Now, there's no denying that this picture will be complicated by the conflict in the Middle East and the resulting energy crisis. But just as we did with the previous international inflation challenges, we'll continue to manage the economy responsibly while we support people through the difficult times. And, as importantly, we'll do so ensuring we have an economy that works for people and not the other way around. Let me set out what this government has delivered on cost of living. We have cut income taxes five times.”
“They come in here and claim to speak for everyday Australians, and then they vote against every single thing we put forward to help everyday Australians. That is not genuine concern for living standards; that is political theatre. Members opposite have been running a line that Australians have experienced the biggest decline in living standards in the OECD. But, as usual, they're relying on cherrypicked figures to gaslight Australians. During COVID, household incomes were artificially inflated by JobKeeper emergency payments and record low interest rates. When global inflation hit and interest rates rose, incomes fell back. That is the drop they are measuring. They are starting the clock at the top of the bounce. Australia was hit harder than most because we have more people on variable rate mortgages.”
“I rise today to speak against this motion. This motion is part of a pattern we see from those opposite. The Liberal Party and the National Party come in here, moving motion after motion, and they talk about the cost of living, hardships and struggling families—these are all legitimate things to raise; we absolutely recognise that people in our communities are doing it tough—but those opposite never have solutions. And when we bring forward practical measures to provide relief to hardworking households in our communities, they oppose them—every single time. They opposed our tax cuts at the last election. They opposed energy bill relief. They opposed free TAFE. They opposed minimum wage increases.”
“To the recipients—Greg Bonyhady, Wen Cheng, Sumeet Chhabra, Zoe Chung, Melissa Collard, Ada Fong, Morry Freedman, Rosanne Gay, Sue Harbottle, Kathryn Lagarrigue, David Lewis, Emi Luppino, Tammy Nguyen, George Petrou, Gurmeet Sethi, Richard Shi, Rose Tavenor, Sandrajane Vincent-Corry and Bihong Wang—thank you for your service to our community, for your selflessness and for the joy you bring to so many people. You are the driving force behind our connected, peaceful and vibrant community. Thank you also to the very talented students who performed with the Doncaster Secondary School Band and to my friend and colleague the Hon. Paul Hamer MP, the member for Box Hill, for your role in the ceremony also.”
“Last Wednesday evening was a pretty special one in my community of Menzies. I was honoured to host the 2026 Menzies volunteer awards night, to acknowledge the incredible people in our community who generously give their time, skills and care to support others. We were able to recognise volunteers from an incredibly diverse group of local organisations, including MannaCare, the Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham, Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha Gurdwara Blackburn, the Doncaster Dolphins Masters Swimming Club, the Whitehorse Colts netball club, the Donvale Tennis Club, the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse, the Park Orchards Community Pantry and many others.”
“These commitments are not the gas industry's gift to us; they are part of a web of relationships that keep energy flowing in Australia. (Time expired)”
“Of course we should consult with the workers and communities that would be affected by any changes. We should also consult with industry. It doesn't mean we have to accept everything that they have to say, but they should be listened to, and we need to understand their arguments. And we need to make sure that projects go ahead, to collect any gas tax at all. That means that it needs to be an environment that people can invest in. We're operating in an environment of significant global instability. Conflict in the Middle East has tightened energy markets. Our regional partners depend on LNG supply agreements this country has committed to, and we can't expect our regional partners to go without the kind of energy resources that we also rely on.”
“So, when you, Member for Ryan, suggest that this government has simply rolled over to the gas lobby, you're not describing reality. You're describing a grievance that has already been decided upon and then working backwards from it. That's not policy; that's performance. I understand why people want a bigger return on our natural resources. The question is how we get there responsibly, without compromising energy security, without jeopardising the supply agreements that keep petrol and diesel and fertiliser flowing to Australia, and without exposing this country to unnecessary risk in the middle of an international energy crisis. There was a lot of support just before the budget for a 25 per cent gas tax, but good policy can take time to develop and understand the implications of.”
“But we understand that it will be backed by storage, by hydro and by gas, and that there are industries that rely on gas that will only be able to use this as a fuel source to continue to operate. As usual with the Greens, instead of being constructive and collaborative, they've moved on to the next eye-catching campaign. As I said, I've engaged with many members of my community who support a 25 per cent gas tax, and I understand the appeal of this. Just this month, Labor senators on the Senate Select Committee on the Taxation of Gas Resources recommended that the government model and evaluate further reform options in the wake of the Middle East energy crisis. That recommendation came from members of this government, Labor members, just two weeks ago.”
“Not only that, but, more recently, we've announced our domestic gas reservation scheme. Multinational gas companies will be required to reserve 20 per cent of their production for domestic use. This will directly secure supply for Australian households and businesses and put downward pressure on power bills. The idea of an east coast gas-reservation scheme is something that there have also been public campaigns around—probably from some members of the Greens political party. We've listened to our communities on this, we've consulted with experts and stakeholders, and now we're taking responsible action to ensure energy security and put downward pressure on domestic gas prices. We're committed to the renewable energy transition.”
“Taxation of resources and gambling advertising deserve responsible, measured policy decisions, developed in consultation with experts and the workers and industries affected. And that's exactly what the Labor government is doing. Let me start with gas. As I've said, I recognise that Australians want a better return on our natural resources that can go into social programs like Medicare and NDIS and the pension. Now, the mover of this motion, the member for Ryan, slings accusations about the gas lobby and corporate control, but she does this knowing full well that the government has already acted to increase taxes on the gas industry. In 2023, we reformed the petroleum resource rent tax. We tightened deductions. We ensured that more tax is paid sooner by offshore gas companies.”
“I rise to speak against this motion. I recognise that Australians want and deserve a fair return on our natural resources. I recognise that there is support in the community for a 25 per cent gas tax—and, indeed, many people in my local community in Menzies have spoken to me about it, when I've been out doorknocking and doing street stalls, and have also written to me about it. I appreciate them taking the time to engage with me and to make their views known, and I appreciate their advocacy. The question of how Australia taxes its natural resources is a serious question; it deserves a serious answer. The harms caused by gambling are real; they deserve a serious response, too. But these issues deserve more than performative motions like these, that offer apparently simple responses to complex issues.”
“I should declare my bias upfront: as a shinboner myself, getting to spend an evening with the man who played more games for North Melbourne than anyone in history was pretty special. Up until last week, Boomer held the record for the most games ever played in the AFL. Tough and relentless, he's one of the greatest to pull on the boots. But the night was not just about footy; it was about something the Men's Shed understand better than most. Their motto says it all: 'We turn minds, not wood'. Behind the records and accolades, Boomer spoke honestly about the resilience and life lessons that he learned along the way. I want to thank Guido Bonanni and the team at the Men's Shed for bringing the community together.”
“The hockey season is underway, and it was great to get to Doncaster Hockey Club for their seniors game against Waverley and the opening of their new minipitch. I even got to witness the brilliance of some former Kookaburras. Thanks to Callum, Nick and Andrea for your hospitality and the time and energy you pour into this thriving club. The run club at Donvale Primary School has just reached an incredible milestone: running all the way from Melbourne to Canberra—not literally, but already this year students at DPS have logged 684 kilometres. To all the students who have taken part in this massive effort: congratulations, and welcome to Canberra. I look forward to hearing about the next destination you reach. It was a real pleasure to join the Men's Shed at the Veneto Club for a special evening with AFL legend Brent 'Boomer' Harvey.”
“My question is to the Minister for Housing. How is the Albanese Labor government helping first home buyers get into a home of their own? Why is this so important, and is the minister aware of any alternate approaches?”
“The club's Auskick program is focused on improving multicultural and Chinese participation in our great national game and ensuring young kids across Whitehorse and Manningham get a chance to try their hand at AFL. Congratulations to Annisa, Aaron and Kiara on another successful season launch. I was lucky enough to get down to the training with the under-eights at Warrandyte Junior Football Club last month, who are taking on season 2026 with so much energy and enthusiasm. I particularly want to wish the under-eights red team—who I'm sponsoring this year—well for the coming season. I can't wait to get to a game later in the season and see how your skills have improved. Thanks to Duncan and the team at Warrandyte Junior Football Club for having us.”
“April was a busy month of community sport in my community of Menzies, as many local clubs settled into the routine of the winter season. In the rain, hail and shine, I was pleased to get to visit so many teams who are making a strong start to the season. Thanks to Bulleen Templestowe Football Club Bullants for having me at your first home game of the season and putting in an impressive win against Croydon North. A special shout-out to the volunteers who are the driving force of this very successful club, especially Greg, Andrew, Chris and Dave. It was special to be part of the launch of the Melbourne Loong Football Club's Auskick centre and 2026 season.”
“Australians should have confidence that the services they rely on are delivered responsibly. They should also have confidence that, when providers fail, there are real and enforceable consequences. This legislation reflects a clear commitment to putting consumers first. It strengthens safeguards, improves accountability and ensures telecommunications services meet the expectations of the people who depend on them every day. For these reasons, I commend the bill to the House.”
“The government has committed $55 million for round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program; $50 million for the Regional Roads Australia Mobile Pilot Program, including targeted funding for Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales; and $115 million under round 3 of the Regional Connectivity Program, supporting more than 70 projects. These investments are essential. They improve coverage and connectivity, particularly in outer suburban, regional and growing communities. Reliable telecommunications are critical for access to employment, education, health care and other essential services. This bill complements those investments. As networks expand and improve, it is equally important that consumers are treated fairly and that providers meet clear standards of conduct.”
“Too often, Australians see only one price and then pay another to find themselves locked into subscriptions that are difficult to exit. These reforms will require clear disclosure of fees, stronger transparency at the point of purchase and straightforward cancellation processes. This work is part of a wider effort to strengthen competition and accountability, including increasing penalties for misconduct, improving enforcement powers and ensuring regulators have the tools needed to act decisively. Taken together, these measures reflect a coordinated approach. Australians should expect fair, transparent markets and consistent protections across the sector, and there must be real consequences when these standards are not met. At the same time, we are investing in telecommunications connectivity.”
“This bill sits within a broader program of reform. Since coming to office, the government has delivered a range of measures to strengthen consumer protections. These include a new industry standard requiring providers to support consumers experiencing financial hardship and a standard mandating assistance for those affected by domestic, sexual and family violence, which came into effect from 1 July 2025. We have also amended the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to introduce consistent obligations across telecommunications, banking and digital platforms to prevent, detect and disrupt scams. Building on this, the government is progressing broader reforms to ban unfair trading practices across the economy, including hidden transaction fees and subscription traps that distort consumer choice and erode trust.”
“These changes bring telecommunications into line with other regulated sectors, including energy and banking, as well as the Australian Consumer Law. They also give the Federal Court the flexibility to impose penalties that reflect both the nature of the breach and the scale of the entity involved. Schedule 4 strengthens the infringement notice regime by expanding the powers of the Minister for Communications. This allows infringement penalties to be adjusted to remain effective over time and ensures they continue to act as a meaningful deterrent. Taken together, these reforms equip the regulator to act as a strong and effective watchdog. They also create clear incentives for better conduct across the industry. The message is straightforward: poor behaviour will attract consequences and consumer harm will not be tolerated.”
“Schedule 3 of the bill strengthens the penalty framework. The maximum general civil penalty will increase from $250,000 to 30,300 penalty units. That's currently the equivalent of $9.9 million—a significant increase. Existing penalties have not reflected the scale of harm or the size of major providers. In some cases, they've been treated as the cost of doing business. The updated framework allows penalties to be linked to the benefit gained from misconduct or the turnover of the provider. This ensures that penalties are proportionate and effective. It recognises that the sector includes both small operators and large corporations. A single fixed penalty does not achieve fairness or deterrence across such a diverse market.”
“Providers who meet their obligations should not be undercut by those who avoid them. A transparent register supports responsible operators and strengthens confidence in the system. Schedule 2 of the bill makes industry codes directly enforceable. Under the current framework, the regulator cannot take immediate action for breaches of these codes. It must first issue a direction to comply, or a warning, and act further only if that direction is ignored. This two-step process has limited the regulator's ability to respond quickly to harm. It has created delays and reduced the effectiveness of enforcement. The reforms removed this barrier. The regulator will be able to act directly when breaches occur, improving responsiveness and strengthening deterrence. Providers will be held to account in a more timely and effective manner.”
“At present, there is no comprehensive list of providers operating in the market. This lack of visibility has made it difficult for the regulator to engage with providers, to educate them about their obligations and to respond effectively to emerging risks. Without a clear register, of course enforcement is more difficult. Patterns of consumer harm are harder to identify and providers can operate without sufficient scrutiny. The new registration scheme addresses this gap. Like Santa, we're making a list and we're checking it twice. It creates greater visibility across the sector and allows the regulator to identify providers that pose unacceptable risks. It also supports better education, more efficient complaint handling and stronger overall accountability. This reform contributes to a fairer market.”
“It strengthens protections for consumers experiencing financial hardship, and it supports recent action directing the Australian Communications and Media Authority to develop stronger rules for people affected by domestic, sexual and family violence. This builds on our work across government to address this social scourge that affects far too many people across our communities. Our position is clear: the telecommunications sector must serve Australians. Strong safeguards must be in place, and there must be meaningful consequences when providers fail to meet their obligations. This bill improves compliance and enforcement by strengthening the tools available to the regulator. It ensures that protections remain effective in a modern and evolving market. Schedule 1 of the bill establishes a carriage service provider registration scheme.”
“In response, the government acted to strengthen accountability and transparency across the sector. We made clear that stronger oversight is required when failure places Australians at risk. We enshrined the Triple Zero Custodian framework in law and empowered the Australian Communications and Media Authority to act swiftly. These reforms improve coordination across the triple zero system and ensure that government can intervene decisively during outages. Those opposite had years to act, and they failed to deliver the safeguards Australians needed. When the risks were evident, they did not respond. When the system required strengthening, they allowed it to remain exposed. This government has taken action. We have reviewed the consumer protection framework and moved to strengthen it where it has fallen short. This bill builds on that work.”
“That dependence brings with it a clear expectation: Australians expect telecommunications to be accessible, reliable, high quality and affordable. This legislation responds to that expectation. The Albanese Labor government is placing the rights and needs of consumers at the centre of the telecommunications framework. We support a strong and competitive telecommunications industry, but it must operate within a regulatory system that protects Australians and reflects the essential nature of these services. The urgency of reform is clear. The Optus triple zero outage was a profound failure of corporate responsibility. Australians were unable to contact emergency services—police, ambulance and fire—at moments when they needed them most. The consequences were serious and, in some cases, tragic.”
“I rise today to speak on the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025. Telecommunications are essential to the infrastructure of modern Australia. They allow people to stay connected with family and friends. I needed it to keep in touch with my daughter when she was walking to school this morning. We use it to run businesses, access information and seek help in emergencies. For those of us in this place, they are critical to staying connected with our communities, accessing timely information, responding to issues and making sure we know what's going on. I can see members opposite on their phones right now; that's how essential they are to us. Like many Australians, I feel the absence of my phone immediately if I leave it behind. We're all very dependent on our phones.”
“When a court says compensation is owed to survivors of childhood sexual abuse, that compensation should be paid as soon as possible. It should not be out of reach because of financial loopholes. Survivors deserve better than that. This legislation will not erase trauma, and it will not undo the harm caused. No amount of compensation can ever truly do that. But this reform does move us closer to a system where justice is real, enforceable and meaningful. For that reason, I commend the bill to the House.”
“Importantly, it reflects the voices and advocacy of survivors themselves. Many survivors have spent years pushing for changes like this because they understand better than anyone where the system has failed. Their advocacy has helped expose gaps in the law that allow offenders to avoid responsibility, even after criminal convictions and court ordered compensation. Their advocacy matters. It has helped move this parliament towards a fairer outcome, and it's important that this parliament continues listening to those voices. At its heart, this bill is about dignity, fairness and responsibility. It is about making sure our legal and financial systems do not leave survivors carrying the burden while offenders continue to enjoy their assets.”
“These investments are important because no single reform on its own can fully address the lifelong impacts of abuse, but legislation like this still matters enormously, because it addresses a clear injustice that survivors have identified themselves. For too long, survivors have done the hard part and carried the burden of advocacy. They have come forward. They have relived trauma. They have participated in difficult legal processes and advocacy. They have secured compensation orders through the justice system. And then those orders for compensation have been delayed or denied. Some offenders have been able to protect assets while survivors remain unpaid. People expect accountability to mean something real. This bill helps restore that principle. It strengthens accountability in a targeted and measured way.”
“That funding means more trauma informed counselling, earlier support for vulnerable children and families and stronger frontline services in communities dealing with the long-term impacts of abuse. And, as part of the broader $80 million National Cabinet commitment to strengthen responses to family, domestic and sexual violence, it means more support reaching communities earlier. That matters because early intervention can change the course of somebody's life. It can mean a child receives support before trauma deepens further. It can mean families receive help sooner. It can mean cycles of violence are interrupted before they continue into another generation.”
“They understand that the effects of abuse do not simply disappear once court proceedings end. Trauma can shape a person's mental health, financial stability, relationships and employment. Recovery is often long, uneven and deeply difficult. The workers at these organisations, like Doncare, focus on recovery because they recognise that it is often a long road and that expert support is needed, often from people who have been through the same experiences. Survivors need more than recognition of harm. They need systems that deliver practical accountability and real support. This is also why broader investment matters. Last year, the government announced $12 million in grants to support specialist and community organisations responding to child sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviours in children.”
“People know the difference between protecting retirement savings and protecting offenders from responsibility, and this bill draws that line clearly. What becomes very clear quickly is that abuse affects every part of somebody's life. I've met with survivors of abuse in my office, and they talk about how it can affect their confidence, their health and their stability, including economic and housing. It can affect a person's sense of safety and self-worth in everyday life. That is why this reform matters. Frontline workers see the impacts of this every day. In my electorate of Menzies, in Manningham in Melbourne's east, organisations like Doncare community services and Eastern Community Legal Centre work every day with families facing trauma, financial stress and family violence.”
“If compensation remains unpaid for more than 12 months, survivors will be able to access certain contributions made into the offender's superannuation account in order to satisfy that debt. The bill also ensures that debts cannot simply disappear through bankruptcy. That matters because bankruptcy should never become a mechanism for avoiding responsibility for serious criminal harm. At its core, this bill says something very simple: if somebody commits profound harm against a child, they should not be able to protect their finances while survivors continue to carry the lifelong consequences of abuse. It's not about undermining the purpose of superannuation. Australians rightly value the superannuation system. But it was never intended to operate as a shield against reparations for such serious criminal conduct. It's about basic justice.”
“It is a very brave but also a generous thing that advocates do, using their time and their energy to help us in this place better understand how we can legislate to ensure that the harms that are caused to them are less likely to happen to others in the future and understand how we can close loopholes like this to make sure that the law is delivering justice. Child sexual abuse often exists alongside family violence and coercive control, emotional abuse and financial manipulation. This bill closes a very serious loophole. It means offenders who owe court ordered compensation to survivors of child sexual abuse will no longer be able to shield certain superannuation contributions while leaving survivors unpaid.”
“Of course, the terms of that include victims-survivors of child abuse. The fact that this inquiry seeks to investigate and reduce the risk of suicide that results from domestic, family and sexual violence reflects the real ongoing consequences of childhood sexual abuse. I'd particularly like to acknowledge a couple of victims-survivors who gave evidence before the inquiry: Connor and Camille, who spoke very powerfully and affectingly about their experiences. They will certainly inform the final outcomes of that inquiry.”