Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027
Dr GARLAND (Chisholm) (12:11): At the core of every decision of the Albanese Labor government is the principle of 'no-one held back, no-one left behind'. The 2026-27 budget builds on the already steadfast progress in creating a better working future for Australians, where indeed no-one is held back and no-one is left behind. The Australian Labor Party is the party that was built by and for workers.
On this side of the House we believe that Australians should have secure work, earn a fair wage, enjoy protections from unjust actions and have agency over their working lives. We're taking action to make the lives of working people better, and the results are pretty astounding. Since coming to office, more than 1.2 million jobs have been created, with unemployment remaining low by historical standards.
In fact, this government has presided over the lowest average unemployment era of any government in the past 50 years. At the same time, we are delivering real improvements to wages and workplace rights. Since we came to government, in May 2022, the national minimum wage has increased by more than $10,250 a year, with yesterday's Fair Work Commission decision delivering the fifth consecutive increase.
This makes a tangible difference to workers across Australia, including families in my electorate of Chisholm. I will never forget, in 2022, standing beside the then opposition leader, Anthony Albanese, when he was asked whether he supported a wage increase for the lowest paid workers in Australia and he said 'absolutely'. We've enshrined penalty rates into law.
We've delivered same-job same-pay reforms that have already benefited more than 8,000 Australian workers, and we're also continuing the work of closing the gender pay gap, which now stands at a record low of 11.5 per cent. There's clearly more to do, though. We understand that a stronger, more resilient economy depends on stronger wages, stronger rights and stronger opportunities for all working people.
We also recognise that having a job is only part of the story. We also need employment services and a system that works for people who are looking for work. For too long, the one-size-fits-all model has failed Australians who need tailored support to find and keep work.
Our government is delivering a once-in-a-generation reform to employment services, with more than $312 million of investment. We're creating a new digital service, with personalised tools, training and career support, and we're introducing intensive services for people facing complex barriers to employment, providing more support and more opportunity to move into meaningful work.
This budget is also about building the skilled workforce that Australia needs for the future. If we want to build more homes, make Australia a renewable energy superpower, strengthen manufacturing and secure this nation's future, we absolutely must invest in skills and apprenticeships right now. This is why we are continuing targeted support for apprentices and the businesses that train them.
Under the Key Apprenticeship Program, apprentices and small and medium employers in priority sectors like housing and new energy can access incentives of up to $4,000. Importantly, this is already delivering results. Since July last year more than 25,900 apprentices have commenced under the housing construction stream; 24,100 apprentices have commenced training in new energy pathways.
Trade apprenticeship completions have risen significantly, including increases among electricians, plumbers, carpenters and bricklayers. And, importantly, we are seeing more First Nations Australians and more women entering trades and construction pathways. This matters because we want opportunity and aspiration to be available to every Australian.
We're backing apprentices and we're rebuilding skills, but, unfortunately, those opposite can't decide whether supporting apprentices is valued. We are entrenching free TAFE, whilst those opposite offer the view that if you don't pay for something you don't value it, which is really quite shameful. This budget also recognises the incredible contributions skilled migrants make to our country.
Unfortunately, they often face unnecessary barriers preventing them from working in professions and trades they are trained for, so we're improving those skills recognition pathways, modernising assessment systems and helping migrants move into jobs that match their capabilities sooner. There's lots more that I could say about this part of the budget, because our government is absolutely committed— (Time expired)