End of year wrap-up

As another year draws to a close, I have just returned from a big two weeks in Parliament House, and I wanted to give you all a wrap up on some of the things we have done together this year. 

In July, our government delivered a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer, not just the top earners. 

We delivered a $300 energy rebate to every household and $326 for every eligible small business.

We’ve made medicines cheaper by freezing the maximum patient copayment at $31.60, and just $7.70 for concessional patients. As of September 1, more than 300 medicines are now available for 60-day prescriptions, halving the cost of everyday prescription drugs.

After 10 years of climate inaction, we continued with our plan to deliver cheaper and cleaner energy. 

In under three years, renewables now make up 40 per cent of our energy grid. Since coming to government, we have approved over 65 new renewable energy projects, enough to power more than 7 million homes. 

I know one of the most important things for so many in our community and around the country is the housing crisis. 

This week we passed our signature Help to Buy Scheme will support 40,000 Australians to buy a home for as little as 60 per cent of the purchase price, and with as little as a two per cent deposit.

We’ve increased Commonwealth Rent Assistance by another 10 per cent to further alleviate rental stress, and we’ve doubled our funding for homelessness services under the $9.3 billion National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness.

Workers have also had a big win this year. Our landmark Fair Work legislation is closing loopholes in workplaces around the country. 

From August this year, we’ve made it easier for casual workers to transition to permanent employment, and we’ve given all Australian workers a right to disconnect. 

And from November 1, our “Same Job Same Pay” guarantee is making sure labour hire workers are paid the same as permanent employees for the same job. 

Under this government, we’ve seen consistent wage growth of four per cent, and a third consecutive increase to the national minimum wage.

On the last day of Parliament of the year, we passed more than 30 bills into law, ranging from superannuation, online safety and the Universities Accord, aged care and a Future Made in Australia.

But there’s much more to do – we can’t afford to waste a day.

I wish everyone happy holidays and a restful summer break. 

In the meantime, get in touch if there’s anything I can do to help. •