ADJOURNMENT
Mr MONCRIEFF (Hughes) (19:34): There has never been a more important time for building science capacity, and the Albanese Labor government is developing science capacity and expanding Australia's rare-earth processing capabilities in southern Sydney. I was proud to join the resources minister, the member for Brand, a few weeks ago to open new facilities at ANSTO in Lucas Heights that will help unlock new opportunities for our critical minerals industry, like processing clay hosted rare earth deposits and a new high-purity quartz production—a crucial input for semiconductors, solar panels, telecommunications and medical and defence equipment.
These value-adding capabilities deliver practical solutions aligned with the federal government's Critical Minerals Strategy. This facility, right in the middle of Hughes, will be a source of new jobs, stronger industries and more resilient supply chains for our future. While physical infrastructure and facilities are important, we need a skilled workforce with strong competencies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to leverage the opportunities that lie beneath our feet.
Our government understands how critical a skilled and confident workforce is to Australia's future prosperity, and that's why we're investing in fee-free TAFE and knocking down barriers that prevent young people getting the skills they need. It was fantastic to meet newly permanent apprentices at ANSTO a few weeks ago and celebrate their onboarding from agency contractors to full-time staff.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union have been working with ANSTO to bring new apprentices in house, providing stronger supports and removing a lack of certainty that prevented some apprentices from finishing their qualifications. Where apprentices were previously engaged through a group training organisation, they will now be directly employed by ANSTO.
The first apprentice under this new model will graduate next month and has already secured a permanent role at ANSTO. This is a critical change that will help rebuild Australian skills in precision design and fabrication, stemming from right here in Hughes. The science minister, Senator Ayres, and the member for Barton and I also had the opportunity to tour the workshop and see firsthand the world-class work these apprentices do that is so critical to Australian industry, manufacturing and medicine.
I'd like to thank ANSTO and the AMWU team for having us along to these exciting facilities and to meet these talented apprentices starting work under this new model. I was proud to attend some significant sporting events in our community in recent weeks, one of which was the annual Bosco FC versus Titans day on the 23 May 2026. The Titans are a team in the Sutherland Shire Football Association aimed at including kids with disabilities in mainstream sport and to have a lot of fun at the same time.
The games have a similar format to Sutherland Shire football, with the younger players through to full-field for the senior teams. Bosco has been conducting an annual day playing the Titans since before my time playing for Bosco FC many years ago, and I can still remember the fun and unique experience that playing against the Titans brought. The rain held off for the most part, and the day was such an exciting, enjoyable and fulfilling one where all members of the football community could be celebrated in a fun and slightly competitive atmosphere.
Bosco teams put in a significant effort, but, unfortunately for Bosco, it wasn't their day, and the mighty Titans were able to maintain their hold on the cup for another year. It was a real privilege to be able to give out medals to the successful Titans and to congratulate them for their efforts. It was fantastic to hear some of the players speak at the presentation as very graceful winners.
Thank you to Bosco FC president Tim Myers, vice president Jackie O'Riordan and Titans president George Lazarou and organiser Che Webster for putting this incredible event together and bringing so much value to not just members of the communities with disability but the broader sporting community in the Sutherland Shire. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of joining the Yarrawarrah Tigers at Tigertown as they hosted an A-grade clash against the reigning premiers, the Gymea Gorillas.
The field was absolutely packed. Considering that this team is a brand new one in the first grade competition, after almost five decades, for the Yarrawarrah Tigers, I was astonished at how much the community turned out to support the local club. The Tigers have also done amazing work from going from having no female teams to having significant female representation.
It was a potent reminder of how much clubs like these bring our communities together, and I'm so grateful to the committee, including Beth Barclay and Tyler Gibbons, for all the efforts put into getting this club to thrive. Our grassroots community sports clubs are such an important part of our community in the shire. Sporting culture goes far beyond the scoreboard.
It's central to keeping our communities connected, and I'm so grateful for the tireless work of the volunteers who make our community stronger every single day.