Originally published in The Ararat Advocate, Pyrenees Advocate and Stawell Times on 16 May 2025.
The federal election result on May 3 was a remarkable night for Labor true believers, with Australians voting overwhelmingly for a second term Albanese Government.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the election outcome was the formation of a clear majority government, which will provide stability in times of global uncertainty.
We’re grateful to the Australian people for giving us the opportunity to serve them for another three years.
The Government is straight back to work and focused on helping families manage cost-of-living pressures.
Tax cuts, energy bill relief, Medicare, education, housing, and skills and training are among the Government’s priorities.
In just three years, Federal Labor has halved inflation, wages are growing and interest rates are starting to come down.
We’ll now build on these foundations by providing lasting cost-of-living relief; strengthening Medicare by opening more Urgent Care Clinics and making more GP visits bulk billed; investing in education; continuing the largest housing build in Australian history; and making free TAFE permanent.
Under Labor, every taxpayer received a tax cut last year – and every Australian will get a further tax cut in 2026 and in 2027. This will mean an average tax cut of $2,500.
Backing workers is consistent with the core Labor value of a fair go – and Federal Labor has a proven record of being on the side of workers.
That’s why last month, the Albanese Government lodged its submission with the Fair Work Commission, recommending a real wage increase for Australia’s workers.
While the previous Liberal and National government deliberately kept wages growth flat, only Labor has supported wage rises in the three previous Annual Wage Reviews. That’s something I’m proud of.
We’re now advocating for a fourth consecutive pay rise for the almost three million low-paid workers in Australia who are dependent on award wages such as those in retail, hospitality and the care economy.
We’ll also legislate to protect penalty rates into the future, ensuring the wages of workers on minimum and award wages don’t go backwards.
Meanwhile, when the 48th Parliament opens, the first piece of legislation the Government will introduce will be to cut student debt by 20 per cent.
This will wipe $5,500 off the average university HECS debt, delivering cost-of-living support for all three million Australians with a student debt.
On a more personal note, I’m honoured to have been re-elected to represent the Victorian community in the Australian Senate.
I look forward to continuing to serve our great nation, standing up for workers and families.
With the foundations set in the first term, it’s time to harness the opportunities ahead of us to keep building Australia’s future together.
