PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Ms CLUTTERHAM (Sturt) (11:32): I welcome the opportunity to respond to the call in this motion to outline the Albanese Labor government's practical policies to ease pressure on families, back workers and small businesses, strengthen communities and maintain confidence in Australia's future. Easing pressure on families is work that is never completed and that requires a strategy touching on health care, education, energy and jobs, to name just a few.
Labor's healthcare policy, its record investment in Medicare, its slashing of the cost of medicines listed on the PBS, its opening of 137 urgent care clinics around the country, its monumental increase in the number of fully bulk-billed GP practices, its investment in women's health and its deliberate strategy to train more doctors and nurses eases the pressure on families, who pay less for quality health care.
Free TAFE, a 20 per cent reduction in higher education debt and paid prac in 10 allied health professions eases pressure on families, who have more opportunity to obtain the qualifications needed not only by Australia but by individuals in order to secure well-paid, meaningful jobs. There can be no argument that a well-paid, meaningful job eases pressure on families.
Energy bill relief, community batteries, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, the Solar Sharer Offer plus reforms to the Australian energy market mean lower energy bills and a fairer and consumer focused marketplace, which eases pressure on families. Like our plan to ease pressure on families, our plan to back workers and small businesses is never 'set and forget'.
Pay rises in critical industries, rights for gig economy workers, super on paid parental leave and the right to disconnect are practical policies that back workers. Small businesses with an aggregate turnover of $10 million, and which are the backbone of our economy, benefit from loss carry-back provisions which might result in a cash refund, a reduced tax liability or a reduction of a tax debt.
Small businesses will also benefit from the $20,000 instant asset write-off, which is applicable on a per asset basis. Small businesses can instantly write off multiple assets. Up to 90 per cent of small businesses also benefit from the existing four capital gains tax exemptions.
These are practical policies that back small business. Significant investment in community infrastructure that brings people together, supports them, builds connection and promotes physical and mental health has also been made by this government through a $40 million investment for multicultural organisations across Australia. They will share in this funding for shovel-ready, locally driven infrastructure upgrades delivering lasting value for our communities and for our regions.
The Infrastructure for Multicultural Communities grants support the construction, upgrade or extension of infrastructure used by multicultural communities, community centres, museums, meeting facilities, stages for performing arts, sporting facilities and security upgrades. This is a practical investment that will enhance social cohesion by creating spaces that encourage connection, inclusion and participation across the wider community.
Locally led change is also being driven through a new national place partnership model, backed by almost $40 million, that will deliver better outcomes for children and families who need it most, as well as create local jobs and aid in crime reduction. This model puts community and local leaders in the driver's seat to use their local knowledge to better guide where government funding goes, including to community led school engagement and mentoring programs and locally driven employment pathways, youth recreation programs and tailored family support services like counselling for children.
The point of this program is to listen to local communities and target the drivers of disadvantage in each location, improving social cohesion and community connection. Finally, we have the foundations of what we need to maintain confidence in Australia's future. This is at the heart of the government's agenda.
It requires strong institutions, which we have, underpinned by a fair legal system and zero tolerance for corruption. It requires economic security and access to stable jobs, reliable health care, accessible and quality education, a strong retirement support system and a social safety net—all of which we have. It also requires positive civic engagement and an inclusive national identity.
All of this takes work, and this government will never stop that work.