Zhi Soon
Banks · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Let's be clear: if these companies want to do business in Australia, they must obey Australian laws. It is important to note that the legislation passed by the parliament to institute this ban was the beginning and not the end of this reform. The same is true of the legislation passed yesterday.”
“As the compliance update demonstrates, the need exists, and the legislation passed by this House earlier this week is the consequence of big tech failing to respect Australian law and uphold the standards Australians expect.”
“They are worried about the type of content that is out there online that their children could inadvertently be exposed to. They want to see greater protections for their children online. Keeping Australians safe online, particularly children and young people, is a top priority for this government.”
“Unfortunately, though, in March of this year the eSafety Commissioner published their first compliance update, which contained some unwelcome news. The commissioner had serious concerns about compliance and the practices of some of the platforms in the tech industry.”
“I rise to support this profoundly significant matter of public importance put forward by my friend the member for Newcastle—not least because this is an issue that matters to so many people across our great country but also because it matters to so many parents in my electorate of Banks.”
“A number of locals in the seat of Banks were recognised as part of the King's Birthday Honours, and I want to acknowledge them here. Mark Connell of Oatley was awarded an OAM for services to youth through scouting, and, as an integral part of the 1st Oatley Bay Sea Scouts, he has contributed to the outdoor skills and confidence of countle…”
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“It is a pleasure to rise in support of my good friend the member for Sturt's motion. She is a great advocate for her constituents and also for South Australia's defence industry and understands deeply the importance of partnerships like this one with the European Union. As a former diplomat who worked on international agreements prior to coming to this place, I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak in the House about the European Union free trade agreement and how the deepening of trade relationships between our country and Europe will create opportunities, jobs, economic growth and many, many other benefits for Australia.”
“There is more work to do, but this government has a plan and is making real progress, with more direct investment in infrastructure and housing supply. This Labor government is focused on addressing our country's housing affordability challenge and doing all the necessary work across the sector and with communities to make sure we're addressing every step of that challenge.”
“That investment is almost 10 times what the coalition invested in almost a decade, in less than half the time. While those opposite shout loudly about the issue, when push came to shove the coalition voted against the Housing Australia Future Fund. They voted against Help to Buy, build-to-rent and the five per cent deposit scheme. And who could forget that, for almost a decade in government, the Liberals didn't even appoint a housing minister. Thankfully, this government has both an incredible minister for housing and a terrific special envoy in this portfolio. While this government is taking action that is necessary, the coalition are retreating to scare campaigns about the rental market and the number of homes being built that they know aren't true. Once again, they are talking down Australia rather than being focused on solutions.”
“The plan is making it easier to buy with our five per cent deposit scheme, alongside the Help to Buy scheme, providing assistance to another 10,000 low- and-middle income earners into housing every single year. We're making it better to rent by working with the states to introduce minimum rental standards and bear-no-fault evictions, and getting more homes on the long-term rental market through incentives in the build-to-rent program. Our work on housing supply is helping, with figures showing that commencements on new homes are up 26 per cent from this time last year. Since Labor came into office, we have seen more than 660,000 homes built across our country. The contrast with this government and those opposite could not be clearer. We have made $47 billion of investment to build more homes.”
“Building more housing is a big part of the solution to this issue. That is why, in the budget handed down a fortnight ago, we are investing a further $2 billion to build the infrastructure needed to support new housing, which is too often one of the key barriers to getting more supply in the marketplace. The Local Infrastructure Fund will deliver crucial pipes, pavements and powerlines needed for the last mile of services, for turning empty blocks into new homes. This funding alone will enable the delivery of 65,000 new homes. This investment isn't our first and certainly won't be our last. The $47 billion Homes for Australia Plan is making it easier to buy and better to rent and to build more homes. We are taking action on all parts of the housing challenge that stands before us.”
“It is my pleasure to support the member for Adelaide's motion and to join colleagues on this side of the House in reaffirming our support for increasing housing supply through investment in crucial enabling infrastructure. Securing housing is a life-defining challenge for young people in this country. A generation ago, an average family in Australia would have been able to save up and buy their first home. That's not to say it was easy; they worked hard and it took plenty of time, effort and careful saving. When I speak with young people in my electorate of Banks about housing, they feel that, despite going out and getting a good education and qualifications, and working hard and saving like their parents and grandparents did, owning their first home in the community where they grew up is always a bit of a challenge to do.”
“My question is to the Treasurer. How will the Albanese Labor government's budget help to reform our economy and make Australia more resilient to economic shocks? How does that compare to other approaches?”
“It was fantastic to see the leaders of tomorrow so engaged and interested in learning about how our country works, how decisions are made and how they can have an impact. I want to say a big thank you to the teachers, staff and students at Panania North Public School for helping to facilitate an amazing visit. I also want to thank the Speaker himself and his office for making the time to visit us in the electorate of Banks and Panania in particular. Since the visit, I've had countless families tell me how enjoyable that visit was.”
“Parliament and Canberra can sometimes feel like something that is very far away. While we all get the pleasure of welcoming school groups to parliament when they visit, it is also important that sometimes this place comes to them. That is why it was my pleasure a few weeks ago to welcome the Speaker of the House to Panania North Public School in my electorate of Banks for the Parliament in Schools program and the Australian Parliament House National Flag Roadshow. The students at Panania North got a great lesson about how both our parliament and our democracy function and how their voices can be heard. They also got to unfurl one of the flags that fly on top of this building in their very own playground.”
“Last week, I was able to tell people about the government's suite of cost-of-living measures. Among them is the further tax cut they will be getting in just 91 days. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with me. I look forward to being back out in my community, knocking on doors, as soon as I get back from this place. I look forward to making sure the community's concerns are heard and this government can continue to work for them.”
“Last weekend, I spent some time in the great suburb of Peakhurst, right in the middle of my electorate of Banks, knocking on doors and speaking to residents. The locals in Peakhurst are focused on looking out for their health, ensuring their kids get the best start in life and managing their cost of living. I was so pleased to be able to tell the people of Peakhurst that, because of this Labor government's record investment in Medicare, there are now two fully bulk-billing GP clinics in Peakhurst. I was also able to tell residents that, thanks to the Labor government's Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, Peakhurst Public School, Peakhurst West Public School and Peakhurst South Public School will all be fully funded and that recurrent funding from the federal government has already grown significantly since we came to government.”
“Not everyone in this place sees superannuation the same way. While those opposite continue to tell young people to raid their super and rob future selves as the solution to all the problems they've created, this government—this Labor government—sees super as the key to a secure and dignified retirement for millions of Australians. We will continue making reforms that will deliver on this deal for Australians and for communities across our great country.”
“Just a few weeks ago now, the government's Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill passed this parliament, providing more help to low-income workers. As a result of this government's ambitious agenda, the low-income superannuation tax offset will be raised from $310 to $810, and the eligibility threshold raised to $45,000 from 1 July next year. The timing of this change is deliberate, aligning with the third round of the government's cost-of-living tax cuts for every taxpayer. In fact, a recent analysis, again by the Super Members Council, shows that the changes to the LISTO would benefit more than 1.2 million Australians, including 9,321 hardworking constituents in my own electorate of Banks, making them an average of $438 better off, for a total estimated benefit of $4.1 million per year.”
“Since 1 July last year, parents of newborn and adopted children have been eligible to have super paid on their parental leave. Around 95 per cent of Commonwealth paid parental leave flows to women, and the scheme is benefiting 180,000 Australian mothers each year, providing meaningful support to reduce the gender superannuation gap for women across a diverse range of circumstances and household arrangements. As the Super Members Council CEO, Misha Schubert, said of this reform, we're not taking baby steps here. This is a huge stride forward to tackle women's retirement inequality. The experts know this is a reform that will make millions of women thousands of dollars better off in their retirement and be particularly beneficial to low-paid and vulnerable workers.”
“This reform will protect workers by tackling the issue of unpaid superannuation, which cost workers across our country more than $5 billion in the 2021-2022 financial year, according to ATO estimates. In a typical ATO investigation, a worker has lost nearly two years worth of contributions. For an average 35-year-old income earner, that equates to $32,000 less in retirement. This government's legislation requires employers to pay superannuation at the same time as the rest of an employee's salary and wages from 1 July this year, making it easier for employers and the ATO to track their payments and take action before they become unrecoverable. Another significant reform is the government's move to pay superannuation on Commonwealth paid parental leave.”
“It is a pleasure to support the motion of my very good friend the member for Bennelong recognising the enormous progress this government is making in improving our superannuation system. As everybody in this place knows, Labor is the party that built superannuation and Labor is the only party that will protect it. This Labor government promised to strengthen the super system when we were elected, and we are delivering on that promise so that superannuation continues to serve its foundational purpose of providing a dignified retirement for all Australians. This government has made massive strides. In the last term of the parliament, Labor legislated the purpose of superannuation and lifted the superannuation guarantee to 12 per cent. And, this term, we legislated payday super. Payday super is a fantastic landmark reform for our country.”
“With STEM underpinning a significant proportion of our economy and essential to industries like defence, manufacturing and health, we cannot afford to let talented professionals fall through the cracks. This is why I look forward to continuing to work with WILD for STEM and supporting their work developing and promoting future industry leaders not only in my community of Banks but across New South Wales and across our country.”
“I rise to recognise the amazing work of WILD for STEM. WILD for STEM is a social enterprise dedicated to breaking down the barriers faced by women advancing in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting WILD for STEM's co-founder Dr Nadine Brew and discussing their two nationally recognised programs, the WILD Program and the Board X program, which help women in STEM fields develop their leadership skills, observe the workings of boards in the industry and access recruitment pathways. The impact of WILD for STEM programs is clear. People like Kerrie from Mortdale, in my electorate of Banks, have participated in their programs and can attest to their ability to help women STEM leaders get a seat at the table.”
“But, on this side of the House, we have put in the work to close a deal that has been in the works for more than a decade, unlocking billions of dollars to the benefit of our economy. This government is focused on building income for our country.”
“Finally, our service sector is the biggest winner as well. In 2024-25, our services exported to the EU were valued at $9.7 billion. By making it easier for Australians to travel and move within the EU, by creating new opportunities in financial services, education, tourism and communications, and, by streamlining the process for recognition of professional qualifications, this agreement will further build our service sector presence in Europe as access becomes easier for Australian service suppliers, investors and professionals. It seems, though, that not everyone in this place recognises the value of this deal to our nation's economy. Not everyone can see the value of hundreds of millions of dollars for agricultural products, nor the value of critical minerals exports.”
“For Australian beef producers, it means up to half a billion dollars of new access per year; $218 million of new access for our lamb producers; and our fishers will see the removal of tariffs on various products, some as high as 26 per cent. This deal is a win for farmers and our agriculture sector. Secondly, this deal is good for our energy and resources sectors, eliminating tariffs on our exports and giving greater certainty for investors. EU companies, including battery manufacturers, have indicated that removing tariffs on our critical minerals will make Australian exports more competitive and increase demand. Attracting foreign investment is critical to the success of our energy transition, and this deal opens the doors with modern investment rules providing certainty for investment in both directions.”
“I want to look at some of the sectors of our economy that are set to benefit the most from this free trade agreement. Firstly, this deal is a win for our farmers and our agriculture industry. As the beneficiary of an agricultural education and as someone who has spent plenty of time with the sheep farmers in my partner's family, I'm pleased to see the Australian farmers and producers being able to access new opportunities for many of their products. The agreement will eliminate EU tariffs on agricultural products, including wine, tree nuts, horticulture, honey, olive oil, wheat, barley, cereals, processed foods and most dairy and rice products.”
“As a former diplomat who worked on international trade agreements in my career prior to coming to this place, I can confidently say: this is a landmark deal in the history of trade for our country. The Australia-EU free trade agreement will strengthen our economic and strategic partnership with the EU—a global power that shares our values while bringing significant economy-wide benefits to Australia. It will help diversify our trade relationships, unlocking a massive high-income market. It will eliminate EU tariffs on Australian goods, benefiting our exporters. It will lower the cost of input sourced from the EU, benefiting our manufacturing sector. And it will create new opportunities for our services sector to do more business in Europe.”
“It is my pleasure to rise in support of the motion of my friend the member for Hunter. Building on the long history of cooperation between Australia and Europe, we are taking our relationship to the next level and creating significant benefits for our economy. With the visit last week of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, this Labor government has done what Australian governments of both persuasions have been trying to finalise for more than a decade—that is, to conclude negotiations for a comprehensive, balanced and commercially meaningful free trade agreement. This is a-once-in-a-generation deal that opens the doors of the EU's 450 million consumers and $30 trillion economy to more Australian businesses and producers that have effectively been closed for decades.”
“The reductions in this DMO will save households in my electorate hundreds of dollars per year, which is why, unlike the Leader of the Opposition when he was energy minister, we are not changing the rules to hide this Default Market Offer from the Australian people. This draft DMO is positive proof that the government's agenda is working, with more renewables, more cheaper home batteries and a more secure energy grid for communities like mine in Banks.”
“People in my electorate of Banks remain concerned by the cost of living, and understandably so, but, last week, households in my electorate got some very good news. The Australian Energy Regulator published the latest draft Default Market Offer, which shows electricity will be getting cheaper from 1 July this year in my home state of New South Wales. This will be welcome relief for households and businesses in my state, as well as for Victorians, South Australians and the people of South-East Queensland. This is all down to more renewable energy and batteries powering the grid, like the 10-megawatt Padstow community battery that is powering homes in my electorate of Banks and giving residents access to cheaper electricity plans.”
“My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How is the Middle East conflict impacting global energy and fuel supply chains? What actions has the government taken to ensure Australia is prepared?”
“And when it comes to total estimated benefit, low-income workers in Banks are $4.1 million better off, and on that metric my electorate ranks second in New South Wales, behind only my good friend the member for Parramatta. This is a significant win for the people of Banks. Much has been made by those opposite about these changes, but the truth is that 14 times as many people will have improved their tax position under these changes compared to those that will be adversely affected. This is what real reform looks like. It maintains favourable tax treatment of superannuation while making the system better and fairer, by making a dignified retirement possible for hundreds of thousands of Australians, including 9,321 constituents in my electorate of Banks.”
“These workers will receive a boost of up to $810 to their superannuation account, depending on the size of their contribution, with an average increase of $410 for affected workers. Over the course of someone's career, this can add up to around $15,000 by the time they retire. Recent analysis by the Super Members Council showed that the proposed changes to the LISTO would benefit more than 1.2 million Australians, including 9,321 hardworking constituents in my electorate of Banks. Indeed, when looking at the estimated number of beneficiaries among electorates in New South Wales, Banks comes in at sixth. And when looking to the average additional super, Banks ranks fourth, with each of those nearly 9½ thousand constituents ending up an average of $438 better off.”
“In October last year, I spoke in this House about the changes the government was making to the superannuation system to better serve the interests of working people, particularly low-income workers. It is why I was so pleased to see the Labor government's latest reforms to the superannuation system passed the parliament this week as part of the building a stronger and fairer super system legislation. As a result of this government's ambitious agenda, the low-income superannuation tax offset will be raised from $310 to $810, and raises the eligibility threshold to $45,000 from 1 July next year. This timing is deliberate, aligning with the third round of the Labor government's cost-of-living tax cuts for every taxpayer, ensuring that low-income workers receive a fairer tax concession on their contributions.”
“His contributions to these organisations will never be forgotten. Ray led a life rich in passions, from his family to astronomy, his love of aviation as a pilot and riding his Triumph Bonneville 650 motorbike. Ray's life was also full of exciting stories like driving the band, the Masters Apprentices, around regional New South Wales. I had the honour of attending Ray's funeral and my thoughts remain with the Benham family and all of his loved ones, particularly his wife, Christine, and his son, Michael. Christine, you mentioned in Ray's eulogy that he was a huge beam of shining light. Thank you for sharing his life with our community.”
“Earlier this year, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ray Benham. As well as being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and a very highly regarded engineer, Ray was a longstanding community champion who made a significant contribution to local cricket and rugby league. Ray first became involved in local cricket as a parent, when Ray and Christine's son Michael began playing for the Revesby Workers Cricket Club, contributing as a coach and a scorer. He was also instrumental in setting up the Bankstown-Broken Hill sister City Sporting Exchange. In recognition of his service, he would go on to become a life member of the Bankstown District Cricket Association. He did the same for the East Hills Junior Rugby League Football Club, managing and serving on several committees.”
“With rising school attendance, rising year 12 completion, more schoolteachers and more people enrolling to become teachers, parents in my electorate know they have a government that believes in the power of education and that is making the important investments needed so that every student across the country, including in Banks, can realise their full potential.”
“The Better and Fairer Schools Agreement is this government's answer, with the biggest ever new investment in our schools by an Australian government, tied to genuine reforms of teaching practice and complementing programs like the Schools Upgrade Fund, which supported nine schools in my electorate of Banks. It should be noted that, when this Labor government came to office, each of these metrics—year 12 completion, school attendance and teacher shortages—had been getting consistently worse. They were the all too predictable consequences of the former Liberal government ripping $30 billion out of public education. But this Labor government is turning the corner.”
“This is not just for the individual but for the Australian economy as well. As the Australian Universities Accord report notes, in order to meet the demand for skills in the years ahead, the proportion of people in the workforce who hold a certificate, a diploma or a degree needs to rise to about 80 per cent, meaning finishing high school is just the first step. In my electorate of Banks, I hear from so many parents who tell me that they want their children to receive a quality education and access all the opportunity that comes with it.”
“In my first speech to the House, I spoke about my passion for education policy and ensuring that all students have access to the opportunities that a quality education affords. This is why I was so pleased to hear the update from the Minister for Education in the House last week that confirmed this government's education policies are making a difference for students across our country, including in my electorate of Banks. As the minister laid out, for the first time in years the number of students completing high school is going back up. This improvement hasn't been driven by growth in just one area; it is across the board. Regardless of gender or whether they study at a public, independent or Catholic school, more students are completing year 12. As the minister noted last week, finishing high school is more important than ever.”
“My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. How is the Albanese Labor government helping Australians into homeownership? What other options into housing is the government being asked to consider?”
“Industry, business and experts all say the same thing: abandoning net zero will not spur investment, it won't enable growth in the economy, and it won't bring down power prices for households. When the Australian people look at each side of this House, the contrast could not be clearer. On this side, the Labor Albanese government side, we are serious, we recognise there are issues, and we are getting on with the job of addressing them. On the other side is an opposition that still denies climate change even exists.”
“The Leader of the Opposition saw rising energy prices and did the opposite, and they worked hard to hide it. They changed the law to keep electricity prices a secret. They deliberately concealed cost blowouts on Snowy 2.0. They didn't spend a dollar of the $1 billion promised to add capacity to the grid, and they funded the VNI West project that the current shadow minister for energy and emissions reduction and other coalition MPs have gone to great lengths to oppose. This is quite the CV for the new leader of the opposition in the energy portfolio. The coalition has now decided that they want to abandon net zero, and the verdict on their so-called plan is clear.”
“While the Padstow community batteries are at a larger scale, smaller solutions are also available, and 250,000 households nationwide have signed up to a cheaper home battery which, coupled with rooftop solar, can cut a household's bill dramatically and, by reducing usage during peak times, creates a more reliable grid and puts downward pressure on energy prices for every single family. In the electorate of Banks alone, 1,675 households have installed a battery already. This is the key difference between the approach of this government on energy policy and that of our predecessor, the former Liberal government, where the now leader of the opposition took the lead on energy. This Labor government recognises that energy prices are a problem, and it's working hard to solve it.”
“It is projects like the Padstow community battery in my electorate of Banks, which I opened with the minister just last week, that are making the key difference. They work by storing excess solar power generated during the day and distributing it to the network in the evening, when the demand is at its highest and generation is, unfortunately, most reliant on expensive, ageing coal facilities. Eligible households in my electorate across Padstow, Padstow Heights, Riverwood, Punchbowl, Roselands and parts of Revesby and Revesby Heights will, because of these community batteries, be able to save more than $200 a year on their bills if they sign up to a plan that encompasses energy storage as a service.”
“Experts from across industry, business and the energy sector recognise the truth—that this government's work in rolling out renewable energy is making the difference we need to reduce power bills. The Energy Market Operator's system plan stated that the government's plan for renewable energy 'firmed with storage, backed up by gas and connected with upgraded networks remains the least cost road map to meet Australia's energy needs'. The Energy Market Commission agrees, projecting a five per cent decrease in per unit prices over the next five years, and added that prices risk rising by 13 per cent from 2030 to 2035 unless renewable energy generation, battery and transmission projects are delivered. This is what our government is focused on. The problem is clear, but so are the solutions, and this Labor government is getting on with the job.”
“It is my pleasure to join my colleagues the member for Forde and the member for Griffith in reminding those opposite of the important work of this government in reducing the cost of energy for our communities. Let's start with some facts. Australia's renewable energy transition accelerated in 2025, with a record number of projects given the green light. According to the Clean Energy Regulator, more than 19 gigawatts of variable renewable generation capacity has been installed across Australia since Labor returned to government, including 10 gigawatts of rooftop solar and 4.4 gigawatts of wind. This increase is enough to power more than six million households.”
“Tensions continue to escalate in the Horn of Africa, and concerning reports continue to come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sahel and Myanmar. While our priority in this House is always Australia, we must remind ourselves of what is happening around the world, and it should give us some pause to reflect on how fortunate we are to be Australians.”
“The agreement signed by the Prime Minister is the latest expansion of the long and rich friendship between our two countries. With international regional security being as important as it has ever been, Australia and Indonesia are working together—as my friend the Deputy Prime Minister described it—'as the very closest of neighbours, as the very dearest of friends and with a shared commitment of purpose and destiny'. In my first speech to the House, I also said that a threat to peace and security anywhere is a threat to peace and security everywhere. I want to close by reminding the House of some of the less-known threats to peace around the world. As we speak, the brutal conflict in the Sudan rages on, causing unthinkable suffering.”
“Formal diplomatic ties between Australia and Indonesia commenced on 27 December 1949, when Australia recognised Indonesia's independence. However, the connection extends much farther, with archaeological discoveries unveiling contact being made by the Makassar and Kupang peoples of Indonesia and Indigenous Australians hundreds of years ago. Australia and Indonesia's relationship is steeped in centuries of history, friendship and trade. In 2024-25, Indonesia was our ninth largest two-way trade partner by value at $34.8 billion and our 10th largest export market at $16.42 billion. Indonesia is also Australia's top destination for short-term overseas travel, with around 1.75 million visits made by Australians in 2024-25. More than 200,000 Indonesians in total have studied in Australia, including senior government and business leaders.”
“The treaty encompasses a number of new initiatives, including the development of joint defence training facilities on Morotai island, a new embedded position for a senior Indonesian military officer in the Australian Defence Force and the building of ties between future military leaders through the expansion of the Junior Leaders Forum military exchange program. Importantly, the treaty signed on Friday commits our countries to leader-level consultations. That, in combination with the defence cooperation agreement signed in 2024—an agreement which makes it easier for our respective defence forces to operate from each other's territory and bases—ensures strong security engagement between our two countries.”
“As the Prime Minister said in question time earlier this week, 'no country is more important to Australia or to the prosperity, security and stability of our region and the Indo-Pacific than Indonesia'. At the centre of the visit was a meeting with the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and the signing of the historic Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security. This treaty builds on the 1995 Agreement on Maintaining Security, signed by Prime Minister Keating and President Suharto. The agreement reflects the strong relationship between our two countries, elevating our defence cooperation to a new level. It emphasises the close friendship and partnership we share and the deep trust that exists between our two countries.”
“In my first speech to the House, I spoke of Australia's unique positioning in the Asia-Pacific and the importance of strong relationships with our closest neighbours and regional partners. I also spoke about my own family's heritage in South-East Asia and my time in diplomacy. As we finish the first sitting fortnight of the new year, I want to take this opportunity to recognise some of the great work of this Labor government in the foreign affairs portfolio, which came to fruition last weekend, to strengthen these regional relationships. I was so pleased to see the successful visit of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Indonesia.”
“Khodr—Karl—thank you for all the hard work you've put into our community for so long. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement from council, and congratulations on a wonderful legacy in our area.”