More policies

Australia should be a global leader in animal welfare, but instead we currently score a ‘D’ ranking on the global Animal Protection Index. Our weak protections leave too many animals at risk of mistreatment. I support the establishment of a national Animal Welfare Commission to work with the states and territories in developing and implementing animal welfare standards, and provide independent evidence-based advice to governments. I support strengthening and harmonising regulations to improve the treatment of animals in research and domestic settings, strengthening penalties for animal cruelty to ensure enforcement of animal welfare laws, and increasing funding for wildlife protection to address habitat destruction and support rescue and rehabilitation efforts. I support phasing out the live export of sheep no later than 2028, and extending the existing ban on hunting trophies to include all protected species.

We must stamp out the horror of rising antisemitism in Australia. This is not an issue just for Jewish people in Australia – it affects all Australians and is a stain on our national conscience.

We need to condemn antisemitism as soon as it raises its head, accept no excuses, and introduce clearer deterrents and tougher penalties for its modern incarnations. Our leaders must use unequivocal language to condemn antisemitism wherever it appears.

State and Federal Governments should do more to make sure Jewish Australians feel safe in their places of worship, their schools, and their homes.

The antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi on 14 December was a violent act driven by hate, targeting Jewish Australians — a community that is an integral and valued part of our nation. That must be acknowledged plainly. Antisemitism is pernicious and corrosive. Following the attack, I shared statements on Sunday night, Monday morning, and Friday afternoon. 

Throughout the week of 14 December, I attended Chanukah services across Bradfield, joining Rabbis and senior Jewish leaders as the Menorah was lit. These were moments of light and reflection, held in the shadow of such a brutal attack on our community.

In the immediate aftermath, I called for a Royal Commission and increased security for Jewish institutions, including places of worship.

But long-term safety also depends on prevention. The Government commissioned the National Anti-Racism Framework and released it in November 2024 — yet it has not been adequately funded. I’ve pressed the Prime Minister in Parliament on when the Government will properly resource the Framework, and I continue to meet with the Race Discrimination Commissioner to progress its implementation. Long-term safety depends on addressing the conditions that allow hate and extremism to take root.

You can read my submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion here. 

The arts are not just a cultural asset – they are a major driver of our economy, employing as many Australians as the mining sector. A thriving arts scene educates, entertains, and enriches our communities. I support increased public and private investment in the arts, as well as local initiatives like the revitalisation of the Marian Street Theatre, which would provide a much-needed performance space for our community. Strong arts funding means stronger creative industries, better cultural engagement, and a richer national identity.

The ABC is one of Australia’s most trusted institutions, delivering independent journalism, cultural programming, and life-saving emergency broadcasts. But years of funding cuts, political interference, and corporate pressure have undermined its role.

I will work to guarantee stable, long-term funding to the ABC to give the organisation confidence in planning and programming. I will also push for stronger protections against political interference over management and editorial decisions.

Every child deserves access to high-quality education, from early learning through to university and vocational training. But rising costs, underfunded schools, and an over-reliance on student debt are holding back opportunities for young Australians.

I will advocate for universal early childhood education (see my detailed policy on page 4) and more university and TAFE funding, especially in areas of critical labour shortages like construction and trades. I also support reforms to address the rising level of student debt (see next), and have spoken out against course cuts impacting students mid-degree in Parliament. 

University used to be free – now, an arts degree costs more than $50,000, and on average, a person pays off their HECS debt for more than a decade after they finish their degree. I support the Federal Government’s recent move to change the way HECS debts are indexed so that HECS debts cannot rise faster than wages, and I believe the Federal Government should reconsider the way degrees are priced – some degrees are just too expensive.

A well-managed immigration system is vital to Australia’s economy and social fabric. We must be responsible about how many people we bring into the country and make sure we have enough houses, hospitals, schools, and roads to sustain our growth.

At the same time, migration has an important role to play in addressing critical workforce shortages in healthcare, construction, and aged care. We need to make sure the levels are tailored correctly to our available infrastructure and services while recognising the role immigration can play in unlocking growth.

We are the most successful multicultural country in the world, and we wear that badge with pride. An important part of having a responsible migration program is treating refugees and asylum seekers humanely, and that includes ending offshore detention.

I am technology agnostic, but based on all the research and modelling, nuclear energy is not feasible or cost-effective in Australia. Experts and economists have reinforced this repeatedly.

Australia doesn’t need to wait decades or spend billions on nuclear energy when we already have cheaper, faster, and cleaner solutions. While nuclear power may play a role in other countries, here in Australia, renewables backed by batteries is the most cost-effective path to reliable energy.

In the last six years alone, we’ve built the equivalent of six nuclear power stations in renewable energy generation – without the risks of radioactive waste, costly subsidies, or regulatory delays. Investing in proven technologies will cut power bills today and ensure our energy future is affordable, sustainable, and secure.