Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation.
Thank you for the invitation to speak at this Breakfast on the Run event this morning.
But I have to be honest, I am much more of a walker.
Our community has such incredible places to do so.
To take time and take it all in: Hyde Park, Kings Park, anywhere along the Swan River.
Because in my role, there’s always running.
In my first 12 months, I ran twice for Parliament.
And then every three years, I’m running again.
Now with a clear mandate from the Australian people, Labor is running with our vision for a better future.
So let’s slow it down, and take a walk through Perth 2030 under Labor.
Australia’s strongest economy will be stronger and fairer.
An Indigenous Voice to Parliament – working, speaking, being heard
The Aboriginal Cultural centre will be open on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan.
Metronet will be open from Ellenbrook to Byford.
Yanchep to the city.
Thornlie to Cockburn.
Affordable childcare boosting our economy.
On Census night last year, there were 157,320 under fives in the greater Perth region.
Australia’s status as one of the most equal places in the world for gender equality is restored.
The Housing Future Fund has invested in the construction of 30,000 social and affordable homes for Australians.
Australia will be a country which supports local jobs, with the $15 billion ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconstruction Fund rebuilding our industrial base.
A Federal Anti Corruption Commission providing Australians with greater confidence in Government.
Australia will have reduced emissions by 43 per cent – or more
Electric buses built in Perth, servicing Perth.
An electric car national highway – ensuring e-vehicles can get from Bundaberg to Broome.
Perth to Penrith.
Albany to Adelaide.
And the Edith Cowan University Perth city campus is open to thousands of students.
CHALLENGES
Between now and 2030, we face huge international headwinds.
The war in Ukraine, COVID lockdowns in China continue to weigh on global supply chains.
Central banks are being forced into a rapid cycle of rate rises that sacrifices growth to avoid high inflation becoming entrenched.
Inflationary pressures have increased and are becoming more broad‑based.
Household budgets are under huge strains.
Democratic nations face all this, along with the mobilisation of authoritarian regimes across the globe.
JOBS AND SKILLS
Australia’s labour market is tight, with the unemployment rate at only 3.5 per cent and near record numbers of Australians in jobs.
However, we still face labour and skill shortages, sluggish wages growth and rising living costs.
That is why the Government held the Jobs and Skills Summit
At the Summit, the Government committed to a series of immediate initiatives to help build a stronger economy and a stronger Australia, including:
- $1 billion for 180,000 fee-free TAFE places
- Increasing the permanent Migration program to 195,000 per year
- Extending visa and relaxing work restrictions for international students.
GENDER EQUALITY
We are also determined to act on gender equality.
Australia is currently ranked 43 on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, down from 15 in 2006.
The Government is committed to an ambitious gender equality agenda.
We can restore Australia’s position as one of the best countries in the world for equality between women and men.
A ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Gender Equality Strategy will be delivered in 2023 to articulate the ambition, expectation and direction of this Government.
This plan will also set out concrete actions required across government and the community.
POLITICS
Western Australia is basking in a new era of Federal Government.
A Government which is ensuring integrity and respect is returned to Australian democracy.
Western Australians experienced when a Federal Government did not respect us.
Calling our state and leaders names
Not having our back in the High Court
And because of that disrespect, this election returned the largest number of voices WA has ever had in a Federal Labor Government.
14 members in the House and the Senate.
WA Labor MPs will have a leading role in shaping policy over this term in Government.
- Madeleine King is spearheading our resources policy.
- Matt Keogh is a voice for our Defence personnel – serving and retired
- Anne Aly is implementing Labor’s plan for early childhood education reform, ensuring more parents can return to work.
And on the other side, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has failed to hear the message from WA:
- He and the Liberals voted against climate action
- He and the Liberals did not attend the Jobs and Skills Summit
- He and the Liberals left Australia $1 trillion in debt, and with a budget full of financial potholes.
CLOSE
The businesses of Western Australia are making difficult decisions in challenging circumstances.
The same is true of the Australian Government.
While we did not create these problems, we take responsibility to solve them.
We ask that business walk with us and work with us.
Because bring people together is at the heart of the Albanese Government.
Together, we achieve more
More for Perth.
More for Western Australia.
More for Australia.
And if you are not sure how to work with us, I have one suggestion.
Walk with us on the Voice to Parliament.
This national building will be good for the Heart of Our Country, good for the energy of our nation.
That’s something can bring us all together.
Thank you.
