The federal election is over and a Labor government led by Anthony Albanese as Prime Minister has been elected. We know this is only the start of the journey: there’s a lot of work to be done to ensure that Tasma­nians can share in a better future for Australia. I am delighted and humbled to have been re-elected as your local Federal Member for Lyons. It is a privilege I have never, and will never, take for granted.

Australia is heading into tur­bulent waters on a number of fronts, especially the econo­my and internationally. The Albanese Labor government will seek to get the balance right, to ensure the national accounts are put into good order while ensuring people are not left behind.

During the election campaign I was able to secure a number of commitments in the event of Labor’s election to govern­ment, and I look forward to working with local councils, including Brighton, to deliver on them over this term. The commitments I secured for Lyons followed extensive consultation with stakehold­ers, including community and sporting groups and local councils.

Here in the Brighton mu­nicipality, I look forward to delivering on the $2.3 million commitment towards devel­oping the Ted Jeffries Memo­rial Park in Seymour Street, and $1.5 towards a Brighton health hub, which will sig­nificantly improve access to health care locally.

Other Labor commitments that will benefit people in the Brighton and surrounds include cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines, lower power prices and a plan to lift wages. And of course, Labor plans to make more things in Australia and we will finally end the climate wars.

A huge issue is the lack of affordable housing across Tasmania so having my friend and colleague, Tasma­nian federal Labor MP Julie Collins, as the new Housing and Homelessness Minister in the Albanese Cabinet is terrific news. Julie will put her heart and soul into it.

In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to resuming my regular inter­actions with the community across Brighton and conduct­ing Mobile Member offices across the municipality. I would like to thank the many people across Brighton who have reached out to me over the past month, expressing their support and best wishes. It’s been wonderful to hear from you.

Never forget – I am YOUR local federal member, and I am always available to hear what you have to say, and to ensure your concerns are heard by the new Albanese Labor Government.

Best wishes and thank you again for putting your trust in me.