The Albanese Labor government has not wasted a day in cleaning up the mess resulting from a wasted decade of the former Liberal government. We have been working everyday to tackle the pressing challenges of today while looking to the future.
I am so proud of what we have delivered for Melbourne's west. Here are the highlights:
1. Cheaper childcare for 1.2 million families
More and more people are choosing to start a family in Melbourne's west, with 9900 parents in Gellibrand using approved childcare services. Labor has increased the maximum Child Care Subsidy from 85% to 90%, providing cost of living relief across Melbourne's west.
2. Cheaper medicines
From September 1. Australians with a chronic condition will benefit from cheaper medicines on around 100 common medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) under the first stage of the Albanese Government’s new 60-day dispensing policy.
3. Energy price relief for older Australians
More than 490,000 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will receive financial relief to support them with the rising costs of energy bills. All Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will be eligible for energy bill relief, and will receive up to $500 per household.
4. An increase in the minimum wage
From 1 July, workers across Melbourne's west have gotten a much-needed and well-earned pay rise. The 5.75 per cent increase to awards is the biggest increase in history and will help the thousands of minimum wage workers across Gellibrand.
5. Legislating emission reduction targets
Voters across Melbourne's west as well as across our nation have cried out for strong and serious action on climate change. That is why the Albanese Labor government has now legislated net zero emissions by 2050. The passage of the Climate Change legislation sends a message to the world that Australia is serious about driving down emissions, and serious about reaping the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy. We are massively transforming our economy with investment in renewable energy and investments in electrifying people’s homes and businesses.
6. Advancing a Voice to Parliament
Later this year, we will hold a referendum on recognition of First Nations people and a Voice to Parliament in our constitution. This is an opportunity to bring Australia together and to advance reconciliation. The Voice to Parliament is part of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, a generous invitation from our First Nations people to walk alongside them.
7. Passed the Safeguard Mechanism to reduce emissions
These landmark reforms will reduce 205 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions to 2030 – equivalent to taking two-thirds of the nation’s cars off the road over the same period. These are overdue, sensible reforms which ensure Australia’s largest emitters are competitive in a decarbonising global economy and make a fair contribution towards the nation’s emissions reductions task.
8. Delivered a National Anti-Corruption Commission
The Albanese Government is restoring integrity, honesty and accountability to government with the commencement of the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Within months of being elected, the Albanese Labor Government passed legislation to establish the National Anti-Corruption Commission. From 1 July the National Anti-Corruption Commission began its work, to act as a powerful watchdog, and deliver accountability and transparency that is rightly expected by the Australian public.
9. 480,000 fee-free TAFE places
We are already delivering 180,000 Fee Free TAFE and Vocational Education and Training (VET) places in 2023, and our new skills investments includes over $400 million for a further 300,000 Fee Free TAFE and VET places in high skill needs areas from 2024.
10. Citizenship pathway for New Zealanders in Australia
From 1 July 2023, New Zealand citizens living in Australia will have a direct pathway to Australian citizenship. All Special Category Visa holders will be able to apply directly for citizenship without becoming permanent residents first, as long as they meet a four-year residence and other eligibility requirements.
