Mid-June Update 2024

As we approach the final parliamentary sitting before the winter recess, I am pleased to share the progress the Albanese Government has made in delivering positive outcomes for our community.

From significant advancements in climate action to supporting local businesses and improving wages, we are building a better future for Canberra.

Wage win for Canberra workers!

The Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review decision is a win for workers, women, and will help with the cost of living.

The 3.75% increase to the minimum wage benefits many low-paid workers, especially women.

Ensuring workers earn enough to provide for their loves ones and get ahead is crucial for managing cost of living pressures.

That's why we went into bat for Australians, recommending the Commission ensure real wages for low-paid workers don't go backwards.

The previous Liberal and National Government never advocated for a pay rise for low-paid workers. Our government's active support for wage growth is reflected in the improved outcomes for the last three Annual Wage Reviews.

This increase means more money in the pockets of those who need it most, helping to tackle cost of living pressures.

We are also committed to addressing gender pay disparities and welcome the Commission's focus on resolving gender undervaluation in key sectors - including early childhood education and care workers, disability home care workers, and other social and community services workers.

This wage increase is part of our broader economic plan to ensure all Canberrans can earn more and keep more of what they earn.

Dutton & Liberals abandon climate action

Peter Dutton has walked away from action on climate change.

His decision to abandon the 2030 target means leaving the Paris Accord, aligning us with Libya, Yemen, Iran, and against our major trading partners and allies.

Peter Dutton has never believed in taking action on climate change. For ten years, the Coalition had 22 policies and didn't land one.

In contrast, we legislated a 2030 target of 43% and net zero by 2050, and have increased renewable generation by 25% since taking office.

Our Reliable Renewable Plan is delivering cheap, clean power and creating lasting jobs in key regions. Lowering targets slows investment and reduces job opportunities, making energy more expensive.

We are on track to achieve our 2030 energy target with policies like the Safeguard Mechanism and New Vehicle Efficiency Standards. We are already halfway to our 82% renewables target.

The Albanese Government's energy plan is the only one supported by experts to deliver a clean, cheap, reliable, and resilient energy system.

Peter Dutton is worse than Scott Morrison on climate change.

Peter Dutton and the Coalition have no positive plan or vision for Australia's future. They are all negativity and no plan, the opposite of what Canberra needs.

Canberrans know the world is moving towards a clean energy future, and our government is determined to seize this opportunity.

Telstra Tower

The Telstra Tower, a beloved icon and part of Canberra's skyline for over 40 years, is set to reopen after being closed for nearly three years.

The ACT Government has announced it is working with Telstra on a plan to redevelop and reopen Telstra Tower, with a view to restore it as an iconic visitor destination.

Visitors can look forward to a café, retail spaces, and an observation deck offering stunning views of Canberra, along with elements celebrating the area's connection to the Ngunnawal people.

Improving Payment Times for Small Business

Supporting Canberra’s vibrant small business community is a top priority for the Albanese Government.

We’ve introduced new actions to improve payment times for small businesses, ensuring they get paid faster and can maintain their cash flow.

This is a significant boost for local entrepreneurs and family-run businesses in our city.

By streamlining payment processes and reducing delays, we’re helping Canberra’s small businesses thrive, create jobs, and contribute to our local economy.

Policy Deep Dive: Wiping $3 Billion in Student Debt

Labor has listened to the voices of young Australians who were being hit hard by mounting student debt.

In last month's Budget, we announced that we’re wiping out about $3 billion of HECS debt for more than three million Australians.

In response to the Australian Universities Accord, we’re capping the HELP indexation rate to be the lower of either the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Wage Price Index (WPI) – and we’re backdating the change to June 1 of last year.

For someone with an average HECS debt of about $26,000, this means that their HECS debt will be cut by about by about $1,200.

For someone with an HECS debt of $45,000, it will mean that their HECS debt is cut by about $2,000.

This change will help more than 56,000 Canberrans.