Work has begun on the much-needed upgrade to Henson Park following a $12.5 million funding agreement between the Federal Government, State Government, the AFL and Inner West Council.

The Albanese Government has long supported a renewal of Henson Park, having first committed to funding its upgrade in 2019.

This week, we are pleased to welcome Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Hon Feleti Teo OBE, to Australia, where he will visit Brisbane, Adelaide and Tamworth and meet with Prime Minister Albanese, senior members of the Government and Opposition, PALM workers and diaspora.

Prime Minister Feleti’s visit is an opportunity to discuss progress on implementation of the Falepili Union, our joint initiative to help safeguard our collective peace, security and sovereignty.

JOSH BURNS, MEMBER FOR MACNAMARA: My family came to Australia fleeing the darkness of antisemitism. This country has been a safe haven for the Jewish people and for so many others. A country of diversity, of opportunity, of multiculturalism. And over the last 10 months that really has been challenged, it's a pressured time where people have lashed out at one another. But this conflict overseas is not a license to fight in our communities here.

The Albanese Government today announces the appointment of Ms Jillian Segal AO as Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia, as part of our ongoing efforts to preserve social cohesion in Australia.

The conflict in the Middle East has deeply affected communities across Australia.

The appointment of the Special Envoy is a critical step in the Government’s efforts to ensure all Australians feel safe and included.

Every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to feel safe and at home in any community, without prejudice or discrimination.

KRISTY MCBAIN, MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TERRITORIES: Well, good morning. It's a real pleasure to welcome you to Queanbeyan, the heart of the nation's capital. I'm just kidding. We're obviously over the border in New South Wales. But we're very excited to have the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, here and the Minister for Health, Mark Butler, to make this announcement in Queanbeyan today. Urgent care clinics are required right across this country, and it's no different here in Queanbeyan.

The Albanese Government is strengthening Medicare to deliver a better, fairer and stronger health system and responsible cost of living relief.

In just over 12 months, the network of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics has achieved an historic milestone with more than 500,000 free visits across the country.

Half a million presentations since the Albanese Government established the first clinics in June 2023, with Australians receiving treatment for a range of conditions and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

It’s great to be with you again this morning.

Last night’s awards were a fantastic celebration of the work that all of you do in every community in Australia.

And another reminder of the power and value of this forum - the opportunity it gives all of us in the Federal Government to demonstrate our respect and appreciation for local government.

The Albanese Government is getting on with the job of building homes for Australia, with successful recipients announced under Stream 1 of the $1.5 billion Housing Support Program.

A total of 80 projects across Australia will receive funding, including 73 local government projects and seven under the states and territories.

This funding will support master planning and development projects to accelerate housing supply and ensure residential growth in local communities is accessible, affordable and sustainable.

This week we delivered more cost of living relief to more Australians. Every single Australian taxpayer got a tax cut, not just some, meaning that 13.6 million Australians have kept more of what they earn.

Every household began to receive $300 of energy bill relief and 2.6 million award wage workers saw their third consecutive pay rise, backed by my government.

We know Australians are doing it tough and that's why we are providing cost of living relief and doing it in a way that is putting downward pressure on inflation.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

It’s such a pleasure to be here with you. Even on the coldest winter’s night, you can be assured of a warm welcome here in Canberra.

When the Australian people gave Labor the privilege of forming government, one of our priorities was fulfilling our vow to bring the Australian Council of Local Government back to the table – where you belong.