In his new monthly column for Canberra Daily, Member for Bean, David Smith MP recaps the first three months of the Albanese Labor Government.

Three months into the Albanese Labor Government and we can positively say we have hit the ground running and not wasted a day. We have been straight to work delivering on the promises we made to the Australian people.

The Albanese Government has clearly demonstrated it is serious about addressing climate change. One of our first actions in Government was to update Australia’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement that formalised Australia’s international pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. More recently, the Climate Change Bill 2022 was passed in the House of Representatives that will enshrine this target and reaffirm Australia’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

The Government co-hosted the Sydney Energy Forum with the International Energy Agency, where governments and the private sector identified practical opportunities to transition to clean energy. A partnership agreement between the Government and the US was reached at the Forum, agreeing to accelerate work on zero emissions technology and promote economic growth.

Recently I was joined by the Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, to announce that the Federal Government will partner with the ACT Government to build a new large-scale composting facility in the ACT and co-invest in a new materials recovery facility. These projects will allow us to take responsibility for our waste, help the environment and create jobs.

• New recycling facilities to cut ACT emissions by nearly a third (8 August 2022)

After years of political division, inaction, and missed opportunity, we are closer to ending the climate wars, allowing us to deliver our plan to create jobs, cut emissions and deliver cheaper energy.

Our legislative agenda is already moving to change Australian’s lives for the better. After years of campaigning by women and activists across the labour movement, ten days paid domestic and family violence leave was introduced in Parliament. Under this legislation, more than 11 million Australian workers including casuals will have access to this leave.

The Government passed the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022, enabling major improvements to aged care in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Additionally, Labor made a submission to the Fair Work Commission that unequivocally supports a wage increase for aged care workers to ensure they are rewarded for the crucial roles they play caring for our loved ones.

The Prime Minister also started the national conversation on how we will look to enshrine a Voice to Parliament. A constitutionally enshrined Voice will provide constitutionally protected representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and ensure they are heard on issues that affect them.  

Importantly, the Restoring Territory Rights Bill 2022 was passed in the House of Representatives. Canberrans are on the way to having the same democratic rights as other Australians.

We are getting on with legislating and delivering policy for a better and brighter future for all Australians.

• By David Smith, Member for Bean

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