June 2024 E-Newsletters

Topics: The 2024 Budget for Young Australians

Addressing the Higgins Redistribution Proposal

As the first Labor Member for Higgins in this seat’s 75-year history, I am disappointed by the decision by the Australian Electoral Commission to abolish Higgins at the next election. This draft proposal is now being considered by both major parties. We will have more to say once that process is complete. I remain as committed as ever to representing this great electorate – a seat of two former Prime Ministers and Australia’s longest serving Treasurer. In the meantime, I remain a proud member of the Albanese Labor Government serving in the national interest, and a voice for you all.

The Albanese Government’s third budget is about easing pressure on households partnered with a long-term vision of a future made in Australia underwritten by renewable energy and skilled capability. And it is about strengthening the services Australians rightfully expect.

A strong focus is on young people by wiping billions of dollars from student debt, providing thousands more fee-free TAFE and VET programs for young tradies, and creating a financial support payment for students on compulsory placements.

Easing Cost of Living Pressures

... for all Australians including young people:

All 13.6 million Australian taxpayers will get a tax cut. This includes 85,000 taxpayers in Higgins who will receive an average tax cut of $2059.

The overwhelming majority (98%) of 18 to 24 year olds will receive a tax cut of $1000 on average when most would have received nothing under the Morrison regime – this is the intergenerational bridge in action.

Every household will receive $300 in energy bill relief helping to lower inflation.

We are cutting $3 billion in student debt for more than 3 million Australians. This change will support 26,387 people (many of whom are women) with a HELP debt in Higgins. Pegging the HELP indexation rate to the lower of either the CPI or the Wage Price Index and backdated to June 2023, will ensure student debt never grows faster than wages and that the recent spike from high inflation never happens again.

More than 73,000 eligible students will get $319.50 every week while they’re on mandatory placements for courses including nursing, midwifery, teaching, and social work. This Commonwealth prac payment will help buffer students from placement poverty or even non-completion when those curved balls in life like unexpected bills come out of nowhere.

$1.9 billion to increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance by a further 10 per cent benefitting nearly 1 million households across Australia. This will benefit 3,550 households including some young people, single parents and pensioners in Higgins.

I was joined by Assistant Treasurer Hon Andrew Leigh for a post-budget Q&A on 21 May.

Health

We are taking action to help young people stay physically and mentally healthy by:

Investing $888.1 million over eight years in a mental health package to help people get the care they need. This includes:

- A free digital service will be established to help people with mild mental health concerns. These may range from instability due to job loss, bullying or relationship breakdown, that if not handled well at the outset can evolve into something more serious. From 1 January 2026, Australians will be able to access the service without a referral and receive timely, high‑quality, evidence-based mental health support. Once fully established, 150,000 people are expected to make use of this service each year.

- The Government is improving access to free mental health services through a network of walk‑in Medicare Mental Health Centres, built on the established but under-used Head to Health network. The upgraded national network of 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres will open by 30 June 2026. They will provide clinical services for adults with moderate‑to‑severe mental health needs on a walk-in basis staffed by a multidisciplinary team.

- For Australians with complex mental health needs, funding will be provided for Primary Health Networks to partner with GPs to deliver multidisciplinary, wraparound support services and care coordination so that people can remain in the community rather than rotating through the hospital system in one crisis after another which is what I continually dealt with.

Women’s health

- Investing $56.1 million over four years to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for women. This includes training GPs to become qualified in the insertion and removal of IUDs.

- Providing $49.1 million for higher Medicare rebates to make it more affordable to see a gynaecologist for complex conditions like endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and polycystic ovary syndrome. The Albanese Government has now invested over $107 million to support women with endometriosis, creating a national suite of one-stop-shops for endometriosis care, intervention and treatment, including 22 specialised Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics around the country.

I recently visited the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic in East Ringwood.

We are expanding the highly successful urgent care clinic model with another 29 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

Outside the Prahan Urgent Care Clinic, opposite my former workplace, The Alfred Hospital with Minister for Health Mark Butler.

Homes for Australia

Our Government is working collaboratively with the States to increase supply so that young people can buy their own homes, so that people seeking rental accommodation have good options, and so that more social housing is available.

This Budget invests a further $6.2 billion in housing initiatives, taking the Government’s total new investment since 2022 to $32 billion.

We believe that young people should not have to choose between buying a home and contributing to superannuation for retirement. Super for homes inflates house prices and leaves you poorer in the long term.

Budget measures include:

$1 billion to states and councils to cut red tape and support essential infrastructure such as water, power, sewerage and roads.

To deliver more student accommodation for students and to reduce pressure on the private rental market, the Government will compel universities to increase their supply of student accommodation.

Doubling Commonwealth funding for homelessness support.

Building more social housing through a five-year $9.3 billion National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness.

Building more transitional housing for women and children fleeing family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness through a new $100 million grant round.

Launch Housing, St Kilda East, care for women fleeing family and domestic violence providing accommodation and wrap around services including healthcare, mental health and legal support.

I encourage the young people of Higgins to consider programs such as the Home Guarantee Scheme and the Help to Buy Scheme (a shared equity scheme which is currently being delayed by the Greens and the Liberals) to help with purchasing a home. The Home Guarantee Scheme has helped 110,000 Australians into homes since we came to office, helping almost 1 in 3 first home buyers in 2022-23. See here to learn more.

Skills

Homes for Australia and A Future Made in Australia have a bevy of in-demand training opportunities for young people. If you’re feeling uncertain, check out your options here. The surest way to economic independence is to have an indispensable skill. We are:

Providing $88.8 million for 20,000 new fee‑free TAFE places relevant to construction.

Boosting free-fee TAFE by another 300,000 spots in addition to the 355,000 that have already been snapped up

Offering interest free loans of around $25,000 for apprenticeships in a range of occupations, with the added bonus of shaving 20% off the loan upon successful completion. Real cost of living relief while building up your employability prospects.

Maintaining the $5,000 support payments to apprentices in priority occupations for another 12 months to 1 July 2025, up from $3,000. Employers of these apprentices will receive a $5,000 hiring incentive, up from $4,000.

Investing $64.8 million to up skill the workforce in defence industries

Expanding eligibility to the New Energy Apprenticeships Program to include work in the clean energy sector, including in construction, electric vehicle support and advanced manufacturing. This will provide access to $10,000 incentive payments and support our target of 10,000 new energy apprentices.

Involving Young People in Decision-making

The Albanese Government established the Office for Youth. The Youth Steering Committee works with the Office for Youth to provide advice about issues that matter to young people. The Youth Steering Committee includes 14 young people aged 13–24 appointed for two years who represent the diversity of young people in Australia including:

- First Nations people

- LGBTIQA+ communities

- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

- People with disability

Young people come from every state and territory through a public call. Their work led to Engage!, a strategy to include young people in the decisions government makes. Read about the current members of the committee here.

The Office for Youth also runs Youth Advisory Groups appointed annually to advise on:

- First Nations Education

- Creative Industries

- Employment

- Prevention of Gender-based Violence

- Civic Engagement

- Safe and Supported Youth

If you or someone you know is interested in these advisory roles going forward, please access news items here or get involved here.

Bills passed in one or both Houses of Parliament in May 2024 are listed below. Bills in yellow text have been passed in both Houses of Parliament and are now finalised.

Glen Eira Football Club

Glen Eira FC is a community football (soccer) club based in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. As a grassroots club, there is a strong focus on participation, enjoyment and player development.

Glen Eira FC welcomes any person of any age and any ethnicity/cultural background. They also welcome people with any ability and/or disability.

Recently, I attended the club’s 2024 season launch at the newly renovated Lord Reserve Pavilion in Carnegie. It was fantastic to hear that the club is growing and that women’s participation is at an all-time high.

Toy Libraries Across Higgins ... Carnegie, Stonnington, Ashburton

When it comes to stronger communities, the little things matter. That’s why the Albanese Government is funding new and expanded toy libraries in growth corridors and for children with Autism, ADHD or developmental delays.

There are four Toy Libraries in Higgins – Carnegie, Stonnington (Malvern and Prahran) and Ashburton (Pied Piper). Drop in and access this wonderful community service while saving money and the environment!

Carnegie Toy Library

Stonnington Toy Library

Pied Piper Toy Library Ashburton

St Catherine Greek Orthodox Church Malvern

- 2023-24 Volunteer Grant Recipient - $3,500

I joined the vibrant community at St Catherine Greek Orthodox Church led by Father George Adamakis for lunch, celebrating traditions that hold our community together.

Congratulations to St Catherine on their recent Volunteer Grant.

An ATM for Koornang Road Carnegie

Thanks to the activism of Murrumbeena and Carnegie residents, a new Commonwealth Bank ATM has been installed at 127 Koornang Road, Carnegie!

The closure of the last remaining bank in Carnegie in April 2022 brought significant challenges for our residents and local businesses. Many of you voiced your concerns about the inconvenience and risks associated with the lack of nearby banking facilities, especially for our elderly community members and small business owners.

My Labor colleagues and I know that sometimes, it's the little things that make a big difference. That's why Steve Dimopoulos and I met with the Australian Banking Association and Commonwealth Bank to get this installation.

In a digital world, getting a physical banking presence is a testament to the power of community action and the positive impact we can create together.

Thank you to Advance Massage Therapy for hosting the ATM at 127 Koornang Road.

Cybersecurity for Small Business with the Hon. Clare O’Neil MP

Friday 7 june - Glen Iris Mobile Office

The new office address is: Suite 1.03, Level 1, 261 to 271 Wattletree Road, Malvern.

Phone number unchanged: 03 9822 4422

Email address unchanged: [email protected]

Higgins Business Network

Higgins Community Network

Connect with Michelle

Suite 1.03, Level 1, 261 to 271 Wattletree Road, Malvern.

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Topics: Family and Domestic Violence, and Small Business

The Leaving Violence Program
and other measures
from National Cabinet.

The growing violence against women is a wake-up call.

National Cabinet met this week to discuss the national crisis of gender-based violence, and to build on the efforts underway under the Albanese Government’s $2.3 billion National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032. I wrote about our approach in a previous e-newsletter last year (Here)

National Cabinet agreed to a number of priorities for all our governments, including:

Strengthening accountability and consequences for perpetrators, including early intervention with high-risk perpetrators and serial offenders.
Strengthening and building on prevention work through targeted, evidence-based approaches.
Improving information sharing about perpetrators across systems and jurisdictions, led by the Commonwealth Minister for Women.
The Police Ministers Council and the Standing Council of Attorneys-General will be tasked with developing options for improving police responses to high risk and serial perpetrators.
First Ministers agreed that States and Territories will explore opportunities to strengthen national consistency and drive best practice approaches across jurisdictions, including relating to risk assessment and responses to sexual assault, led by Victoria and South Australia.
Maintaining a focus on missing and murdered First Nations women and children, and the impact of domestic and family violence in First Nations communities.

Too often, financial insecurity can be a barrier to escaping violence. The Albanese Labor Government has committed $925.2 million over five years to permanently establish the Leaving Violence Program – so those escaping violence can receive financial support, safety assessments, and referrals to support pathways. Those eligible will be able to access up to $5000 in financial support along with referral services, risk assessments, and safety planning.

We will also deliver a range of new measures to tackle factors that exacerbate violence against women, such as:

violent online pornography
misogynistic content targeted children and young people

banning deepfake pornography
additional funding for the eSafety Commission to pilot age assurance technologies that limit access by children to harmful content.

The above builds on existing measures to improve the financial security of women including:

expansion of the single parenting payment, helping 82,000 more single parents remain on higher payment rates until their youngest child turns 14
10 days paid domestic violence leave
increased rent assistance with the largest increase in 30 years, and
investment in crisis and affordable housing for women and children fleeing violence through our Housing Australia Future Fund.

Tackling the scourge of gendered violence is our collective responsibility – we can all be upstanders – and it starts with education. Know the signs and for employers, know what your obligations are because it could save lives.

See:
Family & Domestic Violence 10 Days Paid Leave
Family and domestic violence leave - Fair Work Ombudsman
No to Violence (a resource for men)

If you or someone you know is impacted by family, domestic or sexual violence you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, visit the 1800RESPECT website or text 0458 737 732.

The Albanese Government recognises that small businesses are collectively a huge employer and driver of economic prosperity in Australia but are facing economic headwinds. The 2.5 million Australian small businesses employ more than 5 million people and contribute over $500 billion to the national GDP.

The main areas of focus for us with respect to small business are:

improving energy efficiency
preventing cyber threats
tackling anti-competitive behaviour
growing innovative industries.

The measures discussed below dovetail with changes to the migration strategy we are making to ensure it better targets the skills Australia needs now and into the future; reforms to higher education outlined in the Universities Accord and our Fee-free TAFE program which is supplying business with the skilled workers they need.

With Elise McCann and Lucy Durack, the dynamic co-founders of Hey Lemonade!

Improving cash flow and reducing compliance costs for small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million with the $20,000 instant asset write‑off, available until 30 June 2024.

Though applications have now closed, small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) that employ less than 200 people, have benefitted from grants of between $10,000 and $25,000. These can be used for an energy audit, to upgrade to more energy efficient equipment such as replacing freezers, replacing air conditioners with high efficiency units or gas heating boilers with heat pumps, helping SMEs lower power bills and emissions. Because these grants are snapped up, I strongly encourage interested parties to join my Higgins Business Whatsapp group to hear about rapid deployments. This is a one-way channel where your name and phone number are not visible – it is not a chat group.

Join the Higgins Business Network

The Digital Solutions Program, the Cyber Wardens Program, the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service and the cyber health-check program will all provide small businesses with opportunities to be smarter and safer online.

The Digital Solutions Program offers advice on how small businesses can make the most out of digital tools.

Small businesses can access up to four hours of one‑on‑one digital advice from a qualified and experienced business advisor for a small fee. They can also access free workshops, webinar presentations and self‑directed tutorials on a range of topics including developing websites and selling online, social media and digital marketing, using small business software, as well as cyber security and data privacy. Who is this for? Small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time (or equivalent) employees and sole traders.

The Cyber Wardens Program endorsed by COSBOA (the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia), provides free online training for small business owners and their staff to help foster a cyber-safe mindset in small businesses. Cyber attacks cost small businesses on average $46,000. The Government’s $23.4 million investment in this Program will help around 15,000 small businesses build resilience against online threats.

The 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, announced in November 2023, included further support for small and medium businesses.

The Cyber Resilience Service ($11 million investment) will provide free, tailored one‑on‑one support for small businesses to prevent and help them bounce back from a cyberattack. Providers for this service are currently being assessed. More information will be available soon.

A voluntary cyber health‑check program ($7 million investment) will allow small and medium businesses to undertake a free tailored self‑assessment of their cyber security maturity. More information will be available soon. A current checklist can be accessed at here.

The Albanese Labor Government is introducing reforms that will increase pressure on big businesses to pay small businesses on time. It currently takes 35 days on average for small businesses to be paid. The new reforms will be a shot in the arm for small businesses with faster payment times improving cash flow, cutting red tape and reducing stress. Read more here.

We will introduce the legislation into Parliament this year with amendments to the Payment Times Reporting Rules 2020 (the Rules) to follow shortly after.

Across a range of sectors – airlines, telcos, supermarkets – Australians have seen too many examples of consumers not getting a fair go. The same goes for small businesses – franchisees getting an unfair deal or cash flows suffering due to slow payments.

This new function in the competition watchdog will empower designated consumer and small business advocates to submit a complaint to the ACCC where they have evidence of a significant or systemic market issue.

Once a designated complaint is lodged, the ACCC will consider and publicly respond to the complaint within 90 days. The ACCC must state what further action, if any, will be taken in response to the complaint.

The legislation is expected to be introduced into Parliament this year.

Australia’s competitiveness has been declining since the 2000s, while market concentration has nearly doubled since 2010.

The Government will simplify and speed up the process for mergers that are in the national interest and give the regulator stronger powers to identify and scrutinise transactions that pose a risk to competition, consumers and the economy.

These changes will make it easier for the majority of mergers to be approved quickly, so the ACCC can focus on the minority that give rise to competition concerns.

The changes are planned to apply from January 2026. More information is available here.

In February 2024, the Australian Taxation Office launched an online learning tool containing 21 free courses to assist Australians in establishing, growing and sustaining a small business and on meeting reporting requirements. These courses were based on the questions the ATO receives from businesses.

We are supporting small business owners’ mental health and wellbeing through $15.1 million in specialised support services that are free for small businesses to access. The Government is funding expert organisations to provide this support. The NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is being delivered by Beyond Blue, and the Small Business Debt Helpline is being provided by Financial Counselling Australia (1800 413 828).

The next chapter in Australia’s economic story will be underwritten by advanced manufacturing and fostering new industries like Quantum computing, renewable energy, cutting edge med tech, defence capabilities and ag-tech.

Future Made in Australia | Afternoon Briefing | ABC News | 11/04/24

The $400 million Industry Growth Program will support innovative small and medium sized businesses commercialise or grow their projects in the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).

This program was established after extensive consultation with industry. Grants of up to $250,000 are available to support early commercialisation projects and up to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.

I recently hosted an interactive webinar with Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, and local industrialists and business owners about the newly minted National Reconstruction Fund Corporation.

The seven priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund are

resources
transport
medical science
defence capability
renewables and low emission technologies
agriculture, forestry and fisheries
enabling capabilities.

Enquire through the online portal or get in touch with me if you would like my assistance.

Tucked away in a serene street in Malvern is Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten.

I had the delightful opportunity to tour this warm, community-oriented, family-friendly environment.

Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten was first established all the way back in 1929!

With its uniquely small class sizes, each child receives individual attention tailored to their needs. The kindergarten also offers extended hours from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, accommodating the schedules of busy families.

www.littlestmargarets.com.au

Congratulations to the organisations in Higgins that were successful in their applications for 2023-2024 Volunteer Grants from the Department of Social Services. I am thrilled to note that all twenty applicants from Higgins were successful. Well done on your applications and for the terrific work you do.

Self Help Addiction Centre	$4,000
Malvern Special Needs Playgroup	$1,800
JoCare caring for neighbours	$3,000
Lighthouse foundation	$4,500
Vietnamese Senior Cultural Association Inc.	$3,000
Carnegie Toy Library	$2,500
Run South Yarra	$4,500
Camberwell Lacrosse Club	$2,000
Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House	$2,000
Ashburton Community Centre	$4,500
13th Malvern Scout Group	$3,000
De La Salle Amateur Football Club	$4,000
Victorian Blind Cricket Association (VBCA)	$3,500
Heartfelt: giving the gift of photographic memories inc	$4,000
Murrumbeena Junior Football Club	$4,000
South Camberwell Cricket Club	$2,000
St Catherine Greek Church Malvern	$3,500
PMI Victorian History Library Inc.	$3,500
Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria (BSRV)	$3,300
Malvern Valley Cricket Club	$3,500

Have your say on reforming the Points Test for Skilled Migration

As discussed in my last newsletter, the Albanese Government continues to fix Australia’s migration system.

Last year, the Government released a Migration Strategy for Australia. The goal of that strategy is to build a smaller, better quality and better planned migration program for Australia. Significant change has been made to reduce the size of the migration program, and recent data shows significant declines in our migration rate.

Now the Government is releasing a discussion paper which maps a path to reforming the Points Test, which has not been updated since 2012.

You can read the Discussion Paper here and I encourage you to make a submission by 24 May.

Upcoming Events

In person Budget Update with Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury

Date: Tuesday 21 May 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Address: East Malvern RSL, Stanley Grose Dr, Malvern East VIC 3145

RSVP: Here

Cybersecurity for Small Business
with the Hon. Clare O’Neil MP

Register Interest: Here

Meet Michelle

Genuine political representation stems not just from decisions made in Canberra but through active engagement within our community. I welcome your thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

Pop into my mobile offices for a chat. See you there!

Malvern East Mobile Office

Date: Sunday, 5 May 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Address: (Home to Roost) 146 Burke Rd, Malvern East, 3145

Malvern East Mobile Office

Date: Sunday, 12 May 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Address: (Home to Roost) 146 Burke Rd, Malvern East, 3145

Look out for upcoming dates in Carnegie and Malvern.

You may also find me at your front door as I door-knock my way across Higgins, or one morning at your local train station.

We Have Moved

The new office address is: Suite 1.03, Level 1, 261 to 271 Wattletree Road, Malvern.

Phone number unchanged: 03 9822 4422

Email address unchanged: [email protected]