STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator GREEN (Queensland—Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Assistant Minister for Northern Australia) (13:52): Over the last fortnight I've had the privilege to spend time in the best place in Australia, regional Queensland. The Albanese Labor government is delivering for regional Queenslanders, and I've had the chance to see that first hand over the last two weeks.

We've been delivering better health care, more housing, stronger communities and the infrastructure that North Queenslanders deserve. In Cairns, I was proud to open a brand new, fully bulk-billed GP clinic alongside federal member Matt Smith, making it easier for locals to see a doctor without worrying about the costs. We know how important access to affordable health care is, particularly in regional communities.

That's why Labor is strengthening Medicare and delivering more bulk-billing so your Medicare card, not your credit card, is all you need to get the care you deserve. In Cairns alone, we've had 10 new bulk-billing clinics open since our policy started. In Rockhampton.

I was thrilled to stand up with the mayor and the community and announce that more than $31 million will be delivered to create 40 new crisis and transitional houses for young people facing homelessness as part of the new youth foyer. These homes will give young people at risk of homelessness not just a roof over their head but the stability and support that they need to a better future.

It's being funded by the HAFF, something voted against by One Nation and the Liberals. In Yarrabah we announced $10 million to help deliver the community's first ever dedicated retail and commercial precinct. It means a better supermarket, better access to essential services, jobs and training, and a place for the community to come together.

This is about delivering real change for regional Queenslanders—better health care, better housing, better infrastructure. It's not slogans, just solutions.