QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Dr ALY (Cowan—Minister for Small Business, Minister for International Development and Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:03): I do want to thank the member for Leichhardt for his question, but, if I may, I'd also like to recognise the member for Leichhardt for the way in which he stands up for all Australians, as all members of this government do every time they come in here and vote for fairness and a better way for all Australians.
Aspiration is at the heart of the Australian story—the aspiration to build a better future for themselves and for their children. Our government believes that, whether you were born here or whether you came here, no matter what language you speak at home, what faith you practice or where you live, every single Australian deserves the opportunity to participate, to contribute and to succeed, because, when we say that Australia is one of the most successful multicultural nations in the world, that is what we mean.
We mean equality of opportunity to realise aspirations, a shared sense of identity and a sense of belonging, and that's why we're delivering real change for all Australians: paid parental leave, tax cuts for all workers—not just some but every single worker—raising the minimum wage for low-wage workers, a fairer education system where every child gets the opportunity to realise their potential, strengthening Medicare, cheaper medicines, and urgent care clinics right across the nation.
We know that a strong sense of belonging is critical to people being able to participate and contribute. That aspiration can flourish only when people have that sense of belonging. The three right-wing parties would have you believe that Australia is weakened by our diversity, a diversity that is etched in our landscape and in our history, the diversity of our First Nations peoples and those who came across the seas, from the Cameleers to the convicts and settlers, the postwar migrants and refugees, and the generations of migrants since.
They're small-business owners, skilled workers, families, communities, nation builders. It's diversity that is, quite simply, who we are, yet the Leader of the Opposition cannot even bring himself to defend our diversity or our multiculturalism. That should tell us everything about the Leader of the Opposition and the three right-wing parties, because even as they fight among themselves about who they are or what they stand for, one thing is clear: they believe in aspiration for some, but we believe in aspiration for all Australians.
Mr Albanese: I ask that further questions be posted on the Notice Paper.