Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Federal election

Ms THOMAS (Macedon—Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional Development) (09:40): Congratulations to my federal Labor colleagues who share representation in my electorate of Macedon. To Catherine King in Ballarat, Lisa Chesters in Bendigo, Rob Mitchell in McEwen and newly elected Sam Rae in the newly formed electorate of Hawke, I am thrilled to continue our great friendships and to continue working with each of you, now as government MPs, in the best interests of the communities we represent.

With the election of an Albanese Labor government I believe we can look forward to a fairer and better future for all Australians. As the Prime Minister has already said, he wants to govern for all Australians, to take all Australians with him as the nation works together to take real action on the real and pressing challenge of climate change. Of course you will not get any argument on that here in Victoria, the renewable energy powerhouse. Home of legislated emissions reduction targets, we know that action on climate change can grow jobs and opportunities and drive down prices. Now, let us get the nation moving.

My hopes for my community include that the vicious attacks on our LGBTIQ Australians will stop as we move towards a more equal future that respects and cares for all Australians regardless of their sexuality or gender identity. Further, I know our government looks forward to working with an Albanese government to do more to end violence against women and to support all women to achieve their aspirations for themselves and their families. I look forward also to the Albanese government leading work on the implementation of makarrata, the Uluru Statement from the Heart.