Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
I acknowledge the traditional owners on the land we meet today – the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. I extend that welcome to those in the room.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.
Normally, I would acknowledge the notable elected representatives – but I only have 15 minutes.
I do wish to acknowledge the WA Local Government Association President, Cr Karen Chappel and chief executive officer Nick Sloan.
I will also acknowledge the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko.
You have already heard from my terrific colleague Madeleine King.
She and I are both members of the Labor Party, both graduates of UWA and both members of the Fremantle Dockers.
But in the spirit of this conference’s theme, let’s embrace change.
Embracing change can be daunting.
For many in our community, and I am sure many here, it feels as if this century has been defined by change.
A moment has not passed in the past two decades where there has not been some form of seismic change.
In politics, in the economy and in technology.
But we adapt. We change.
And importantly, we fight for change.
Everyone here has come across advocates for change.
Noisy, passionate and purposeful Australians, who are seeking to make a better future for this country.
Sometimes they are a little too passionate.
They write. They email. They email again. And again.
They meet with us.
Together, we serve them, at every level of Government.
Our democracy is one of the best in the world.
Yet there is still big opportunity for improvement.
Voice to Parliament
Australia’s constitution is our Federation’s birth certificate.
And 122 years after birth, it too must embrace change.
It is not easy, but is necessary.
Local government is constantly changing.
Recent reforms change how you are elected.
Changed your governance structures.
Many in this room have campaigned for recognition of Local Government in the constitution.
We all know there is a bigger omission.
Our constitution fails to recognise the tens of thousands of years of continuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
The Uluru Statement is an extraordinary act of generosity, friendship and reconciliation.
A collective voice, from across land and country reaching out, speaking as one, asking to be heard.
The Australian Government has a mandate to put the question of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to the Australian people.
We will do it this term.
Work is underway, with the appointment of the referendum working and engagement groups.
These groups will advise on how to harness the goodwill in the Australian community on this important nation building project.
Our goal though is not just holding a referendum.
Our goal is holding a successful referendum.
The Australian Government is clear this is a journey all parts of our nation must walk together.
Governments, business, citizens.
Discussion on enshrining an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution has begun.
A range of views are already being expressed.
Delivery of the referendum will continue alongside practical action for First Nations people.
This includes under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Agreement on Closing the Gap.
This referendum is a moment for national unity.
Local governments across our State should be vocal for the Voice.
You and your councils know your communities best.
We want this to be a moment which brings people together,
As a nation, we must recognise the people who have cared for this country for 65,000 years.
I see the opportunity for our nation.
You can surely see the necessity in your communities.
Integrity Commission
Everyone in this room seeks to build a stronger democracy.
Yet we know there are forces that seek to undermine our institutions.
Corruption has no place at local, state or federal government.
That Australian parliamentarians are held to a lower standard of integrity than every local councillor here is wrong.
This must change.
We have seen over the past nine years the need for a tough federal watchdog.
A watchful eye over the vast powers of the Australian Government.
Decision after decision made by the former government raised questions.
It raised eyebrows.
One program, which sits close to mind for local government was that of sports rorts.
Everyone cares about access to sport and recreation facilities in our communities.
The former government turned a fair and equitable funding program into a pork barrelling bonanza.
Clubs with genuine need were competing against secret, colour-coded spreadsheets.
The Australian Government’s introduction of a ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Anti-Corruption Commission will give every-day Australians a new faith in Government.
The Commission will have jurisdiction to investigate serious or systemic corruption
It will carry out its functions independent of government.
Powerful, independent discretion to commence inquiries on its own initiative or in response to referrals from anyone.
It will have the power to hold public hearings, where it is in the public interest and exceptional circumstances justify doing so.
Federal memberss, Ministers and public servants will all be held to the same standard as State parliamentarians and local mayors and councillors.
As it should be.
A national standard of integrity.
Climate Change
Australians are also embracing action on climate change.
At all levels – locally, across our cities, and nationally.
The Australian Government’s net zero emissions by 2050 policy is now enshrined in law.
Cementing in our commitment to action.
Because it was what was demanded of us.
From local ballot boxes to international forums.
Because it is what you are doing in your communities already.
Energy efficiency projects.
Implementing your own reduction targets.
For too long, the leaders in this space have been mayors and councillors.
It is admirable – but without a partner in the Australian Government, the burden rested unfairly on you.
No longer is that the case.
The Albanese Government is now your partner in the race to Net Zero by 2050.
Electric vehicles
You may know I’m one of a few Federal MPs to go electric.
And I am not talking about my Fender Telecaster and the bad years of Bob Dylan.
I’m talking about the shift to electric vehicles.
It has not destroyed my weekend.
The Albanese Government believes in electric vehicles.
We even believe in electric buses.
The Australian Government and the Western Australian Government are working together to fund funding the manufacture of new electric buses.
Buses built in Perth, servicing Perth.
We are consulting on a range of possible measures under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Electric Vehicle Strategy, including vehicle fuel efficiency standards.
We are currently legislating our plan to make these cars cheaper for all Australians.
Local governments in WA are supporting the transition to zero emissions transport by switching their fleets to EVs.
You are also assisting communities in the transition by providing public charging infrastructure.
The fringe benefit exemption also means it will be cheaper to provide electric vehicles across your fleets.
This has a flow on benefit for the second hand car EV market.
We have also committed to rolling out the electric car national highway – ensuring e-vehicles can get from Bundaberg to Broome.
Perth to Penrith.
Albany to Adelaide.
That means range anxiety becomes range confidence.
The weekend won’t end.
Holidays won’t end.
But the climate wars hopefully will end.
Conclusion
The Albanese Government is committed to being on the ground here in WA.
You have myself, Madeleine and the biggest ever WA presence in the Labor Caucus room.
The Prime Minister is here on average every month.
We have committed to Cabinet meetings in Port Hedland and Perth.
So I need you to do your bit as well.
Come to Canberra.
Mayors are always welcome.
Make yourself heard on the national stage.
You have interests across the entirety of the policy agenda.
From arts to agriculture, from trade to technology.
Because I can let you in on a secret.
You are being outgunned by your colleagues in other states.
You might be fine with that. But you shouldn’t be.
It is in your interests for this to change.
Thank you, I’ll see you in Canberra.
