Dunkley Parliamentary Wrap

As your federal representative, I want to keep you updated on the local issues I am raising in Canberra and what I am doing around our community. 

At the bottom of this email you will also find a section on 'What's On In Dunkley' in the lead up to Christmas, as well as details about our Donation Drive for Community Support Frankston. 

But first, here's a quick recap of parliament.

Disappointingly, this week the government blocked debate on an Anti-Corruption Commission. It's so important that we restore integrity and trust in our political system and I will keep pushing the Federal Government to deliver on its promise to establish a National Anti-Corruption Commission. 

I gave eight speeches across the week ranging from access to the NDIS to fighting online scams. Using local stories to share our ideas on how we can make our community even better. 

You can hear more about the week in parliament below:

The Cost of Living

On Tuesday, I spoke about the impact of flatlining wages on local households. 

In the last 12 months real wages have fallen 0.8 per cent. At the same time the median rent in Frankston has gone up $1,560, childcare fees have gone up by $390 and in Carrum Downs this week, petrol hit 193.9c a litre. 

Our community needs a government that will focus on increasing wages and driving down the cost of essentials including affordable housing, child care, and health care.

Fighting Online Scams

A few weeks ago, a pensioner in our community had his entire life savings wiped out by scammers. 

I shared his emotional story in parliament and repeated calls for the government to address the risk scammers pose to everyday Australians. 

Sophisticated scammers are targeting our community. That's why Labor wants to introduce measures to protect older Australians and fight online scams. You can read about our policy here.

NDIS 

The NDIS was established to give people with a disability choice and control. But the system is failing 18-year-old Hannah from Mount Eliza. 

Hannah has spastic quadriplegic cerebal palsy and is in a wheelchair.

Hannah has requested home modification funding from the NDIS. But her request has been rejected four times. So her mother is carrying her and her wheelchair up and down the stairs. At serious risk to both of them.

Cuts and neglect of the NDIS is having a real impact on the lives of people in our community. It’s not good enough. I’ll keep fighting for Hannah and everyone else who needs the NDIS to deliver what it was intended to.

First 1,000 Days

The first 1,000 days, from conception to 2 years, are fundamental to a child’s long-term health and well-being.

We know that a child born into poverty is more likely to experience a lifetime of disadvantage, so it is crucial we support parents and children.

I spoke about the need for a government that supports our children by protecting Medicare, building social housing, and investing in childcare. 

Arts & Culture

For our community, arts and culture are at the heart of who we are.
 
I recently spoke about the ABC and SBS being a source of reliable news and providing Australian voices, Australian faces and Australian stories to us and to our region. Our national broadcasters deserve certainty through five-year funding terms.
 
Our local community arts organisations, individuals and groups also need more support to continue making our community even better. And that's exactly what I'll keep fighting for.

There were many other issues that were addressed in the parliament. 

I gave speeches on a number of other topics this week including:

• Opposing the government’s legislation to limit access to justice through class actions;
• Providing better support for older Australians trying to get into the workforce; and 
• Stopping voter ID laws that will make it harder for people to vote at the next election.  

What's On In Dunkley

Christmas Donation Drive

You can stay up to date with all my work as your Federal Member for Dunkley by subscribing to my YouTube channel and clicking 'Follow' on my Facebook page.

Please share this email with anyone you think would be interested.

As always, if you have any questions, need assistance or want to raise an issue with me, do not hesitate to email me at peta.murphy.mp@aph.gov.au or call (03) 9781 2333.

Stay safe
Peta