Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027
Mr BURNELL (Spence) (12:21): This budget builds on the Albanese Labor government's commitment to ensuring that every Australian can find secure work, develop valuable skills and share in the nation's prosperity. From the day we came to office, this government has understood that a strong economy and strong workplace protections go hand in hand. More than 1.2 million jobs have been created since Labor was elected.
Australia has recorded the lowest average unemployment rate of any government over the past half-century. At the same time, we have worked to ensure that workers receive a fairer share of the wealth they help create. The national minimum wage has increased by more than $9,120 per year since May 2022, not including yesterday's announcement by the Fair Work Commission to increase the national minimum wage by 4.75 per cent on 1 July.
The gender pay gap has fallen to an equal record low of 11½ per cent, and more than 2.7 million Australians are now covered by enterprise agreements. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent real Australians earning more, enjoying greater security and having more confidence about the future. This budget continues that work.
One of the most significant measures is a reform of Australia's employment services system. For too long, Workforce Australia operated under a 'one size fits all' approach. People with completely different circumstances were expected to navigate the same system and receive the same support.
Whether someone was job ready, returning to work, managing a disability or facing significant personal barriers, the response was often identical. That approach simply was not delivering the outcomes Australians deserve. Despite historically low unemployment, about 140,000 participants have remained in the system for five years or more.
That is a clear sign that change is needed. This budget begins a 'once in a generation' overhaul of employment services. Instead of a rigid and impersonal model, Australians will receive support that reflects their individual circumstances.
Those who are ready to work will benefit from a new digital service with personalised tools, career guidance and targeted support. Those needing additional assistance will receive provider led services focused on pathways back into employment. Australians facing complex barriers will receive intensive support with greater flexibility and more tailored assistance, because finding work is not always straightforward, and each path to employment is unique.
Importantly, the government is backing these reforms with significant investment. More than $312 million has been committed through this budget to establish new digital services, strengthen assessments, expand intensive support programs and improve customer service. These investments will help more Australians move into secure employment and stay there.
The budget also recognises that a strong labour market depends on a strong skills pipeline. Australia's future will be built by skilled workers in housing, renewable energy and defence, which all require a highly skilled workforce. That is why the government continues to back apprentices and trainees.
The reforms announced in this budget ensure that support is targeted where it makes the greatest difference. Small- and medium-sized businesses will continue to receive assistance to take on apprentices. Apprentices themselves will receive direct support to help them complete their training and build successful careers.
These policies are already delivering results. More than 25,000 apprentices have commenced under the housing construction stream of the Key Apprenticeship Program. Trade apprenticeship completions have increased significantly.
Construction trades are seeing stronger participation, and more women and First Nations Australians are entering occupations that have traditionally been underrepresented. The budget also recognises that many skilled migrants arrive in Australia with valuable qualifications, practical experience and a desire to contribute. However, complex recognition processes have prevented people from fully utilising those skills.
This government is acting to address that problem. By improving skills recognition pathways, strengthening oversight and modernising systems, we are helping skilled migrants move into jobs that match their experience sooner. Alongside these employment and skills reforms, the government continues to strengthen workplace protections.
We have delivered same job, same pay reforms that are benefiting thousands of workers, and we believe that opportunities should be available to every Australian regardless of their background or circumstance. This budget helps Australians find work. It helps them gain skills, earn fair wages and build secure futures.
In doing so, it strengthens not only our labour market but our entire nation. I commend the government for these reforms and for its continued commitment to creating a better working future for all Australians.