May 2024 E-Newsletters

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Topic: Budget 2024
The Treasurer delivered the 2024-2025 Budget on 14 May. I am pleased to give you some further information on the most important announcements, especially those of high interest to Higgins residents.  
The Albanese Government’s third budget is about easing pressure on households. It’s about a long-term vision of a future made in Australia underwritten by renewable energy and skilled capability. And it’s about strengthening the services Australians rightfully expect. We are investing in our young people by wiping billions of dollars from student debts, providing thousands more fee-free TAFE and VET programs for tradies, and creating a financial support payment for students on compulsory placements. 
 
On Budget day with students from Lloyd Street Primary School, Malvern East. We discussed my role, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and a more gender equal future.  

We know Australians are doing it tough. Our priority is to ease cost of living pressure without adding to inflation and the measures set out below will help. The Budget is also about steering Australia through a globally uncertain time, to make us a more resilient, inclusive and competitive economy that is able to withstand shocks and seize the opportunities of the net zero transition. 
I know you will have questions and I encourage you to attend my in-person Budget Update with the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Treasurer, next week on Tuesday 21 May 12pm-1pm; at East Malvern RSL

(RSVP: Here). 

A Message from the Treasurer and Finance Minister 


Australians are doing it tough, and our number one priority is to ease cost of living pressures. 

This is a Budget that delivers a tax cut to every taxpayer, and a $300 energy rebate to every household.  

It is a Budget that invests in a Future Made in Australia. 

It is a Labor Budget, because it is a Budget for every Australian and not just some. 

There’s more to do, and we’ll keep working every day to deliver for all Australians. 


Jim and Katy
In this Budget, as we have at every Albanese Government Budget, we are making structural investments to help make Australia a country where a person’s gender imposes no limit on how their life unfolds — the rights they enjoy, the choices they make, or how safe they feel. 

The Women’s Budget Statement sets out the investment we are making in this Budget across the five key priorities set out in our first ever National Strategy called Working for Women:

- gender-based violence 

- unpaid and paid care 

- economic equality and security 

- health; and  

- leadership, representation and decision-making. 
 
The Women’s Budget Statement is available here. I will have more to say about this including our women’s health agenda at a later date.

  • 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. 

  • $3.5 billion for $300 in energy bill relief to all Australian households plus relief of $325 for one million eligible small businesses.  

  • Waiving $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 

  • $1.9 billion to increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance by a further 10 per cent benefitting nearly 1 million households across Australia. This will benefit 3550 households in Higgins- many of these people in our community are women including single parents and our seniors. 

  • Investing almost $4 billion in cheaper medicines by freezing the PBS co-payment and adding more medicines to the PBS.  
Residents in Higgins have already saved $3,327,067 through our cheaper medicines reforms and are set to save more. Pensioners and concession card holders in Higgins won’t pay more than $7.70 for their PBS medications for the next 5 years. 

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

This investment expands on initiatives already being delivered through the National Housing Accord, Housing Australia Future Fund and Social Housing Accelerator. 

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 social housing is available. Thanks to changes we made to the Home Guarantee Scheme, the Albanese Labor Government has helped 110 000 Australians into home ownership. Budget measures include: 

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

  • Compelling 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. 

  • Delivering $200 million for the repair, maintenance and improvement of housing in remote Indigenous communities.  

  • 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. 

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

 

Our $22.7 billion plan for a Future Made in Australia aims to make us an indispensable part of the net zero transition. It’s about:

- attracting investment 

- making our country a renewable energy superpower 

- value adding to our resources and  

- increasing economic resilience and competitiveness 

 

Key initiatives include: 

  • Creating a new 'front door' for investors to make it simpler to invest in Australia complementing the functions of the upcoming Net Zero Economy Authority.  

  • $168.1 million to cut red tape for renewable energy projects of national significance, and support faster decisions on environment, cultural heritage, community engagement and planning including $15.7 million for dealing with foreign investment. 

  • $3.2 billion over the next decade through ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) to support the commercialisation of technologies that are critical to net zero, including through a new $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund for emerging industries like green metals, batteries and low carbon liquid fuels. 

  • A range of production credits for green hydrogen and critical minerals, paid only upon success.  

  • A Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive to encourage the processing and refining of Australia’s 31 critical minerals, essential for the energy transition, at an estimated cost to the Budget of $7 billion over the medium term. 

  • $64.8 million up skill the workforce in defence industries  

  • $209.3 million for the Net Zero Economy Authority, which will coordinate private and public investment, major project development, community engagement and help workers who have made our country prosper in the fossil fuel sector transition to secure, well paid jobs. We do not get to net zero unless we all go together. 

  • $466.4 million to advance Australia’s quantum computing capabilities.  

  • Helping to support growth and investment through a targeted 12-month extension of the $20,000 Instant Asset Write Off. 

  • Making sure small businesses play a central role in our plans for A Future Made in Australia. 

  • Responding to the Review of the Franchising Code of Conduct to make franchising fairer for business owners and their employees. 

  • Providing $25.3 million over 4 years to 2027-28 to improve payment times for small businesses, helping improve cash flow and boosting productivity. 

  • Energy bill relief  

  • $2.8 billion to strengthen Medicare, including a further 29 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. 

  • $3.4 billion for new and amended listings of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 

  • $2.2 billion to improve the aged care system. 

  • In the last year 58,424 residents in Higgins accessed 201,983 pathology services. We’re making sure these pathology tests stay bulk billed by indexing the Medicare rebates for common medical tests. 

  • $888.1 million to help people get the mental health care they need:  

  • A free digital service targeting people with mild mental health concerns will help stop these issues from becoming more serious. From 1 January 2026, Australians will be able to access the service without a referral and receive timely, evidence based mental health support. Once fully established, 150,000 people are expected to make use of this service each year. 

  • Establishing a network of 61 walk‑in, bulk-billed Medicare Mental Health Centers, for adults with moderate to severe mental health needs.  

  • Funding set aside towards increased aged care and childcare wages. 

  • Providing a further $468.7 million to support people with disability and get the NDIS back on track.  


As of 31 December 2023, there were a total of 646,449 participants on the NDIS, including 2,262 in Higgins. I have established the Higgins NDIS Network on Facebook and encourage people to join.

Investments include: 

  • $214 million to fight fraud and to co-design NDIS reforms with people with disability. 

  • $160.7 million to upgrade the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission's IT systems. 

  • $45.5 million for a NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee. 

  • $20 million to improve how NDIS participants and people with disability navigate services.   

  • $925.2 million in emergency payments for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence, ensuring that they are also linked to services (unlike the model we inherited). 

  • $1.1 billion for super on paid parental leave. 

  • Investing $56.1 million over four years to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for women. 

  • $2.4 billion for jobs, health, education, justice, housing and other essential infrastructure and services for First Nations communities. 

  • A landmark $4 billion partnership with the Northern Territory Government to alleviate overcrowding in remote housing. 
Through responsible economic management, the Budget puts downward pressure on inflation and helps to make our economy more resilient to global uncertainty and volatility. As a result of our responsible economic management, Treasury is forecasting a second surplus of $9.3 billion in 2023-24 (the first time consecutive surpluses have been delivered in almost two decades). 

JoCare 

JoCare, is a volunteer-led organisation in Malvern which pairs local volunteers with vulnerable elderly in the community they call neighbours. 

This matching service delivers companionship to elderly neighbours and the gift of service to volunteers. It’s a win, win, win.

Thanks to our Volunteer Grants Program, JoCare can now provide fuel vouchers to their amazing volunteers, recognising the generosity of their time and effort. 

Carnegie Church of Christ  

Carnegie Church of Christ provides a place gathering to a culturally diverse group of locals, including Ukrainian arrivals fleeing the war. 

In the Church’s free food pantry are life’s necessities, enabling those in need to get by. 

My Stronger Communities grant was able to fund the church’s courtyard, further facilitating community connection. 
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, 26 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] 
Higgins Business Network
Higgins Community Network 
Warmest wishes till next time,
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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.

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] 
Higgins Business Network
Higgins Community Network 
Warmest wishes till next time,
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Please feel free to forward this email to your friends and colleagues. If you do not want to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe here. I'll be sorry to see you go!

Authorised by Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP, Level 1, 261-271 Wattletree Rd Malvern VIC 3144