The 48th Parliament commenced last month with a clear sense of purpose – to deliver commitments that make a real, practical difference to people's lives.

It was an honour to take the parliamentary pledge to represent the people of Bean as part of a government that better reflects the community we serve.

As Government Whip, I was pleased to organise the ecumenical service before parliament. It brought together members across faiths to promote social cohesion through a better understanding of each other.

The Labor Caucus is made up of 56% women and more young Australians, people living with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds than in our history.

Proceedings were jam-packed, with many first speeches and our government busy turning promises into progress.

Notably, the parliament passed legislation to wipe 20% off student debt and raise the repayment threshold to $67,000 – benefitting 55,000 Canberrans.

We also introduced the legislation to:

• protect penalty rates for 2.6 million workers
• cut the maximum cost of PBS
• strengthen child safety in early childhood education
• pause the indexation of beer excise.

This legislative agenda follows on from the Labor promises that took effect on 1 July, including:

• an increase in the minimum wage and award wages for over 3 million workers
• two weeks increase in Paid Parental Leave and superannuation on payments
• $10,000 bonus payments for construction apprentices
• paid pracs for teachers, for nurses, for social workers
• superannuation increases to 12 per cent for all workers
• further energy bill relief and discounts on home batteries.

Last month also saw the opening of the Tuggeranong Mental Health Medicare Clinic – services on the ground to support the wellbeing of our community in the south.

On an international front, Australia and 14 countries released a New York Call, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of hostages and unhindered humanitarian access.

The joint statement reiterates Australia’s commitment to a two-State solution where Israel and Palestine live side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders, consistent with international law.

There’s lots to do, and as your federal representative in Canberra’s south, I’ll keep working hard to deliver for our community.