David Smith (Bean, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The ACT election produced a fantastic outcome for the ACT and the residents of my electorate of Bean. Congratulations to Chief Minister Andrew Barr and all his team on their re-election and a renewed mandate. I'm pleased that two new Labor MLAs were elected to the ACT, to the assembly, to represent the division of Brindabella, which overlaps the southernmost part of Bean, from Kambah to Banks, Tharwa and beyond. Caitlin Tough, who I've known for many years, and Taimus Werner-Gibbings were both elected for the first time. The southside having two new, fresh, energetic MLAs to represent Tuggeranong and surrounds is welcomed. I'm looking forward to working with both these impressive new MLAs to deliver great outcomes for our community.

I thank the outgoing Labor MLAs Joy Burch and Mick Gentleman for all their efforts over a long period of service to the southside. I'm also delighted that the residents of the division of Murrumbidgee, which overlaps with the Woden and Molonglo Valley parts of Bean, returned to the assembly the Labor MLAs Marisa Paterson and Chris Steel. I've worked constructively with both these hardworking members over the past four years, and I'm keen to renew our work together.

To the unsuccessful candidates at the election, I express my commiserations. The Hare-Clarke electoral system is a cruel beast. All the candidates should be proud of their efforts.

Community life in the south side is something I always cherish, and there is no better time than the fete season happening now. I encourage all residents to take advantage of the wide array of fantastic activities on offer. The schools, community groups and volunteers behind these activities deserve the support of the general community, and I can guarantee that those who do attend will all have a great time. I'll give a quick plug to some of the events to keep an eye out for in Bean over this weekend. The Wanniassa School Twilight Picnic and the Sacred Heart Primary School's Twilight Fair in Pearce are both tomorrow Friday 8 November. St Thomas the Apostle Primary School in Kambah has a fete on this Saturday 9 November. The Orana Steiner School in Weston have their Spring Fair this Sunday 10 November. Holy Family Primary School at Gowrie have their fete on the following weekend. And, of course, SouthFest is back that weekend as well. There are many other activities happening this weekend and beyond. Especially since the COVID era, it's critical to that appreciate these types of activities where we can all get together to have fun should never be taken for granted. I encourage Bean residents and people from right across the ACT region to get down to at least one of the great community events happening in the South this weekend and the weekends following.

The SDA has launched a groundbreaking case at the Fair Work Commission to abolish junior rates for workers aged 18 years and older. If successful, the case will lift wages for young workers in supermarkets, drive-throughs and pharmacies across the country. These changes would not only increase minimum wages within these sectors but also impact other enterprise agreements that currently include junior rates. At the heart of this case, however, is that these 18- and 19-year-old workers are adults that deserve to be paid accordingly. Indeed, in many cases, these young workers are paid 30 per cent less for performing the same tasks as their older coworkers. Put more simply, if you're an adult, you should earn an adult wage no matter what. The SDA also highlights that young Australians face the same living costs as everyone else but are unfairly compensated in terms of wages. As SDA national secretary, Gerard Dwyer, has pointed out, 18-year-olds are adults. They do not receive a discount on their rent or bills because they happen to be 18. This disparity in pay is discriminatory and out of touch with the cost of living. The SDA's campaign aims to build public support for fair wages and underscores the importance of treating workers equitably. This is a campaign that everyone in this House should be able to get around and support, wherever your electorate might be in this country.