Tuesday, 13 May 2025

 John BERGER (Southern Metropolitan) (13:49): It is a great time for my community in Southern Metro, and that is thanks to the re-election of the Albanese government. It is a great day for my community of Ashwood, Malvern and Hawthorn, with the re-election of Carina Garland in Chisholm. It is a great day for my community in the electorate of Prahran, where so many of my constituents for the first time in 15 years have a member who can deliver for them. It was great to properly meet Sarah Witty, our passionate new local member of Parliament for the seat of Melbourne, at her campaign launch, and I wish her well.

I also want to pay tribute to a community where I spent most of my time in the election campaign, the community of Macnamara. From Caulfield to Albert Park, St Kilda to Elwood, no-one reflects Macnamara more than Josh Burns. I have known Josh for many years. He is hardworking and he cares, and I am stoked that he was re-elected, and with a massive swing and mandate. Congratulations, mate, on your appointment as special envoy for social housing and homelessness.

Despite the behaviour of others at pre-poll, setting up booths and on election day, the Albanese Labor government was not deterred. There will be no nuclear in our backyard. Others can block, others can be the nasty party, but we will get on and deliver.