MARK DREYFUS MP

Tonight, more than 75 years since Australia supported the creation of the state of Israel, my message to you on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Australian Government – your government – is simple: Australia stands as one with Israel and the people of Israel.

Labor’s commitment to a strong Australian democracy is about a democracy that works for the Australian people, not just for elected officials. Labor knows – in opposition and in government – that Australia’s strong democratic traditions are precious and must be protected.

We all have a responsibility to be aware of the Constitution and its importance. It is we, the Australian people, who are ultimately responsible for maintaining and amending the Constitution to meet the changing and growing needs of our nation. This year, the Australian people will be asked to vote in a referendum to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by enshrining an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in the Constitution. It’s an historic moment in Australia’s journey to reconciliation. It is not an easy journey – as I have said already, changing the Australian constitution is hard – but I am confident that Australians will embrace this opportunity.

Modern slavery - including human trafficking, forced labour, and forced marriage - are abhorrent crimes that have no place in our society.

The vital work that this sector does is not lost upon me. As Attorney-General, my focus is on ensuring that the sector is not only adequately resourced, but also that the administrative obligations on the sector are proportionate and reasonable.

The task of the Parliament is to strike a balance between the protection of Australia’s essential security interests and the preservation of essential rights and freedoms. Key to achieving this balance is strong and effective safeguards and oversight.

This Bill demonstrates the Government's commitment to combatting foreign bribery and ensuring our laws are effective in detecting, investigating and prosecuting foreign bribery.

The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill 2023 makes critical changes to the Commonwealth Criminal Code to support law enforcement in their efforts to manage and protect the community from those planning, preparing and inspiring others to do harm.

The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the family law system is safe, accessible, simple to use, and delivers justice and fairness for all Australian families.

Administrative review of government decision-making is key to Australia’s system of government. We now have an opportunity to design a new administrative review body that will deliver, and build, on the promise of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal when it was first established almost fifty years ago.