Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (10:00): Well, it is 171 years since the Eureka rebellion led to the Eureka Stockade in Ballarat. It is particularly important to me and my family; Patrick Howard, my great-great-great-grandfather, was arrested at the rebellion. It was a defining moment in Australian history. It led to the right to vote for Australians, and also a big part to come out of it was the union movement in Australia. I want to give a shout-out to Ballarat Trades Hall and to all the trades halls around Victoria and the work that the union movement has done to support workers in the pay and conditions that they have in their workplaces. Although it was 171 years ago, it has had a massive impact on Ballarat, our state and our country, and it is great to be able to acknowledge it here today.