Condolences - Murphy, Ms Peta Jan
Remembering Peta Murphy: An extraordinary advocate for social justice and women's equality, whose passion and courage in her political career and personal battle with cancer left an indelible mark on Australian politics and democracy.
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Discussing the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, I highlight the role of symbols in society and the need for legal measures against hate symbols to protect Australia's multicultural values and counter extremism.
Parliamentary Friends of Autoimmune Diseases
Launching the Parliamentary Friends of Autoimmune Diseases to raise awareness and initiate research, addressing the plight of over one million Australians suffering from these chronic conditions.
Elimination of Violence against Women
Speaking in Parliament on the elimination of violence against women, I emphasise the critical need to address family violence through education, new legislation on coercive control, and early intervention, while applauding the collective support for ending gender-based violence.
Services Australia
I stood in Parliament to raise the declining customer satisfaction in Services Australia, increased wait times, and inefficiencies under the Albanese Labor Government, while acknowledging the need for digital transformation and calling for a comprehensive review to improve service.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Joint Committee
As a member of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, I urged the Federal Government in Parliament to enhance transparency and efficiency in the NDIA by resuming monthly summaries and promptly releasing key financial and review reports.
Parliament in Schools Program, World Environment Day
We have great schools and students within the Hughes electorate. Here I provide a snapshot of some of them, including Kayley MacDonald's insightful speech on tackling plastic pollution, one of the winners of my World Environment Day speech competition.
Cost of Living
Eighteen months into the Albanese Labor Government's term, I stood in Parliament to raise concerns about its ability to deliver on election promises. Critical issues such as cost of living, housing affordability, energy policies, and infrastructure development remain unresolved.
Decline in Living Standards
In Parliament this week, I rose to speak about Australia's economic decline under the Albanese Labor Government. Despite promises to reduce cost-of-living pressures, Australians are facing significant challenges. Household income has dropped by 5.1% in the past year, the largest fall amongst OECD nations.
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Small Business Redundancy Exemption) Bill 2023
This week, I stood in support of the amendment proposed by the Manager of Opposition Business to urgently debate the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Small Business Redundancy Exemption) Bill 2023. This bill seeks to address four critical issues: support for first responders with PTSD, aid for those affected by silica diseases, help for victims of domestic violence, and overall enhancement of workers' rights.
Private Members’ Business - Golf
Speaking on the member for Forde's motion on golf I am convinced by the terms of this motion and that we should acknowledge the tremendous role that the golf industry has on our local communities and the nation as a whole.
Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023
I stood in Parliament this week to discuss The Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023, aimed at modernising disability support for 4.4 million Australians.
Statement - Israel
I stood in parliament to strongly condemn the recent attacks in Israel by Hamas, a recognised terrorist organisation, and express my unwavering support for Israel's right to defend itself, while also condemning all forms of antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Sutherland Public School
On a recent visit to Sutherland Public School, I got to see year 4 student Rayna Kaushal's Geography project on Parliament House. Her detailed research and personal touch were impressive, and well deserving for recognition Congratulations, Rayna!
Energy Supply
In today's parliament, I spoke to the issue of Australia's energy supply. As a former environmental lawyer, I hold dear the precautionary principle, which underscores the importance of taking protective action when there's a suspected risk, even without complete scientific proof. While I support our journey towards net-zero emissions, recent warnings from the Australian Energy Market Operator about potential blackouts this summer highlight the flaws in the Labor government's energy policy.
St Pats Baseball Club
During Parliament this week, I had the honour of addressing the importance of community sports and celebrated the remarkable St Pats Baseball Club in my electorate. St Pats received the 2023 Hughes electorate volunteers grant, which has allowed them to enhance their facilities and provide an even better experience for baseball enthusiasts of all ages.
Pensions and Benefits
In Parliament today I spoke about the rising cost of living in Hughes and Australia. We need a concrete plan. The Albanese Labor government doesn't capture the struggles of families with soaring expenses, declining wages, and a per capita recession with its policy. It's time for an agenda that combats inflation and boosts productivity, addressing real concerns.
Energy
In Parliament this week, I rose to speak about Independent analysis by a leading Australian energy economist who has revealed a staggering $60 billion black hole in the government's energy plan.
The government's insistence on renewables as the sole solution neglects the reality that an 'all of the above' approach, embracing different technologies, is essential for a reliable energy future.
Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023 - Consideration of Senate Message
I stood in parliament to strongly oppose the government's Housing Australia Future Fund Bill 2023 and related amendments. Arguing that the promised $10 billion for housing is not a true investment but rather borrowed money relying on market returns, with no guarantee of building houses.
Hughes Electorate: Rapid Relief Team
I stood in parliament speak about the Rapid Relief Team, a volunteer-driven organisation supporting Australian first responders during emergencies.
I joined RRT at Holsworthy Army Barracks to honour the NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, and Fire and Rescue NSW to witness the RRTs amazing catering expertise, made possible by a grant from the Hughes Stronger Communities Grant Program.
With a new hot box, they can now provide more meals in crisis situations like bushfires and floods.