Labor Candidate for Braddon, Anne Urquhart today announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest up to $4 million towards building a new child care facility in Devonport.

Federal Labor has already made child care cheaper for more than 1 million Australian families. But we know that families are struggling to find a local child care place.

That’s why Labor’s candidate for Braddon is announcing an election commitment to more than double the number of places available at the Malangenna Children’s Centre in Devonport, to provide early learning and care for around 150 children.

The funding will support the construction of an additional new building at the current location, with the service responsible for providing the land for construction.

Only Labor has a plan to build a universal early childhood education system that is simple, affordable and accessible for every family and where every child is guaranteed access to at least three days of high-quality early childhood education and care.

Labor knows that building Australia’s future is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about investing in people, in skills, and in education.

That’s why the Albanese Labor Government has replaced the Liberal’s unfair Activity Test with a 3 Day Guarantee.

Thanks to the Albanese Labor Government, families will be eligible to access at least three days a week of subsidised child care from January 2026.

We’ve also funded a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators – helping grow the workforce so more children can access early education. We’ll also keep fees low for families by capping fee increases as part of this wage increase.

All of this would be at risk under Peter Dutton, who has said he will reverse Labor’s 3 Day Guarantee.

Labor wants to open the doors of opportunity to all children while Peter Dutton wants to slam them shut, leaving families in Braddon worse off.

Only Labor understands that an investment in quality early education and care is an investment in Australia’s future.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Funding will be provided subject the Devonport Child Care Centres Inc. successfully purchasing the proposed site and securing necessary planning advice and approvals. Consistent with other commitments, the Centre will be responsible for funding the purchase of land.

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart:

“This is all about giving our kids the best start in life and getting them ready for school.”

“There is an overwhelming need for additional child care places in Braddon and this is a first step to meeting needs on the Coast.”

“I will always stand up for our communities and I will work hard to make sure that an Albanese Labor Government delivers better access to child care right across the electorate.”

“Peter Dutton and the Liberal Candidate for Braddon are a risk to universal access to child care for families in Braddon.”

“Investing in child care is an investment in our future – ensuring our littlest residents have the best possible start in life.”

Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart today joined AFL Tasmania's Anthony Osborn and local  AFL members and club officials to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $800,000 in lighting upgrades at three North West AFL club grounds. 

This election commitment will mean these three local grounds will be able to host more matches on game days and extend the hours and field zones available for training. 

The fields, and clubs, that will benefit include:

• Latrobe Recreation Ground, home of the Demons; 
• Ulverstone Recreation Ground, home of the Robins; and
• Pipers Park, Wesley Vale, home of the Kangaroos. 

AFL Tasmania has identified these upgrades as key infrastructure priorities for the North West that will unlock additional access to key venues and create safer, more inclusive facilities.

AFL Tasmania's Community Football Facilities Fund will also make a financial contribution to the upgrades. 

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart:

"I am very pleased to have worked closely with AFL Tasmania on its priorities for the North West. 

“We love our footy and Federal Labor is committed to supporting regional clubs that contribute so much to our communities. 

“It's great that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver $800,000 in federal funding to these three clubs."

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare and building Tasmania’s future, today announcing an investment of $10.1 million to deliver a new health hub for Smithton.

There is a very clear choice at this election: Labor’s plan to keep building or Peter Dutton’s promise to cut everything.

Circular Head Council has worked closely with Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart to develop this significant new election commitment. Labor believes that regional Australia, including residents of Smithton, deserve access to quality health care services.

The Smithton Health Hub will support the relocation of OCHRE Health services from the current premises into one that can accommodate a larger, more comprehensive health service.

The new Health Hub will also have facilities for visiting services and allied health professionals so that residents of Smithton and Circular Head can get the quality care they need, closer to home.

Construction on the Smithton Health Hub is expected to start later this year and be completed in 2027. 

This builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s work to strengthen Medicare for Tasmanians:

• More bulk billing, with 9 in 10 GP visits to be bulk billed by 2030.
• More doctors and nurses, with the largest GP training program ever.
• More Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Tasmania.
• More choice, lower costs, and better health care for women.
• Even cheaper medicines, with a prescription for a PBS medicine to cost no more than $25.
• A new Burnie Health Hub to bring together a wide range of health services.
• A $1 billion investment in free, public mental health care backed by Medicare, including a new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Brighton, a new headspace in Burnie, and a new headspace Plus in Launceston.

This investment is in stark contrast to Peter Dutton, who was voted the worst Health Minister in Medicare history by Australia’s doctors, after he cut $50 billion from public hospitals and tried to end bulk billing with a fee for every GP visit.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Anne Urquhart, Candidate for Braddon:

“We’re building Tasmania’s future with better health services and stronger Medicare.

“If re-elected, we will invest $10 million to deliver the Smithton Health Hub, so that people in the Circular Heads region get the healthcare they need.

“Only Labor is strengthening Medicare, with the largest ever investment in more than 40 years.

“This means more free trips to the doctor, cheaper medicines and more Urgent Care Clinics – where all you need is your Medicare card not your credit card.”

Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart today announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will provide $800,000 for the Ulverstone Kennel Club and the Ulverstone Poultry Club to relocate to new, bigger facilities at River Road, Ulverstone.

This election commitment will support both organisations to continue growing and engaging with members, volunteers and the wider community.

The move is part of the Central Coast Council’s Ulverstone Showground Masterplan.

The organisations support owners to care for their animals and offer activities and events around which locals of all ages can connect.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart:

“The Ulverstone Kennel Club and the Ulverstone Poultry Club bring people of all ages together to celebrate their animals.

“It’s great to see both clubs thriving, and hosting so many wonderful community events.

“From Chook Shows to Rooster Amnesties, Puppy School to Advanced Tracker Training, the clubs play an invaluable role in the local community.

“I’m very pleased that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will support the move to new, bigger premises.”

Labor’s Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart today announced a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will provide $1.65 million in funding to the Somerset Sharks Soccer Club for new club facilities and to help the club grow.

This election commitment will go towards new changerooms for women and girls, encouraging them to join the club, play soccer and stay active knowing there is a purpose-built facility for them.

The club has grown considerably over the last three years, and more growth in membership will be made possible by these dedicated facilities.

The club is committed to implementing policies and improvements that will help the youth girls’ team and a senior’s women team to thrive. 

The Albanese Labor Government supports active communities and the many sporting clubs that form positive connections between individuals and communities.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Senator Anne Urquhart

“The Somerset Sharks Soccer Club is a growing club that provides great support to its players and members to engage positively in the community and stay active.

“The Club plays a very important role developing players and supporting the local community.

“The Club has identified new facilities for women and girls as a priority, and I’m proud that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will support that.”

Labor’s Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart today announced a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will put $1 million towards the Burnie City Council’s playground strategy, which sets out its multi-stage plan for the city.

This election commitment would support Stage 1 of the redevelopment for Wiseman Street Reserve in Shorewell.

The Burnie City Council plan includes a rural themed playground and nature-based play. Large shade trees will be retained.

The reserve is in a built-up residential area and will deliver important open space for play, as well as community markets and events.

The reserve is also an important community connection point accessible from the Burnie Community House, which is a hub for Shorewell Park.

Federal Labor knows that children and young people need the opportunity to be active every day and have safe spaces to have fun with friends and family.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart:

“Shorewell Park is a close-knit community with many young residents and families.

“The redevelopment of Wiseman Street Reserve will mean there is a space where young people can play safely and the whole community connect.  

“I am very pleased that I have been able to secure this election commitment for Stage 1 of the redevelopment, which I know the Burnie City Council has worked hard on and developed in close consultation with the local community.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart today announced 1,200 Tasmanian households will benefit from bill-busting energy upgrades with a new $14.6 million investment under the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI), as Labor ensures all homes benefit from cheaper, cleaner power.

The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future by providing further funding to see more of Tassie’s social housing refitted with cost saving energy upgrades, including solar panels, electric heat pump hot water systems and LED lighting.

Public housing homes are among the least energy efficient in Tasmania, with most built long before minimum build standards were introduced.

Simple and effective upgrades will enable households to reduce energy consumption, save money on their energy bills and cut emissions, while making homes more comfortable to live in.

Under Peter Dutton, this program is at risk of being cut to pay for his $600 billion nuclear reactor scheme, the most expensive form of energy and the slowest to build.
 
While the Liberals are asking Tasmanians to wait two decades and pay  for the most expensive form of energy, Labor is making a difference now by building on an earlier $16.6 million co-investment by the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments.

This highly successful energy upgrade program is a partnership between the Albanese Labor Government and state and territory governments. The recent funding expansion was announced in November 2024 and funded in the 2024-25 MYEFO and takes the Commonwealth’s total funding to $800 million.

Quotes attributable to Senator Anne Urquhart

“Public Housing tenants right across Tasmania will benefit from improvements that will reduce energy consumption, make houses more comfortable and deliver cost of living savings to residents.”

“This is good for households and good for the community. Everyone should be able to benefit from new energy saving measures, including public housing tenants. Labor is backing better housing and cost of living savings for Tasmanians.”

Senator Murray Watt and Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart have today announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will put $320,000 towards improving the environmental health of waterways in Waratah-Wynyard.

This election commitment will support the Waratah-Wynyard Council to upgrade community infrastructure in river-side reserves and improve environmental health in sensitive water ways. It will also help protect critical habitats for the diverse species that live in the riverine environment.

The work will improve public access and encourage community participation in protecting and maintaining the reserves into the future.

Locations that will benefit from this project include:

• French’s Road Nature Reserve;
• Inglis River;
• Camp Creek; and
• Ballard Avenue.

The work is part of the Waratah-Wynyard Council’s plan for better sustainability, a healthier environment and more accessible open spaces for public use and recreation.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart:

“We live in a wonderful place, with incredible natural beauty that we must protect. 

“The Waratah-Wynyard Council has prioritised this important work, and I am thrilled that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will provide the funding the Council needs to look after these riparian reserves, improve water health and increase public accessibility.”

Labor Candidate for Braddon Anne Urquhart today announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver significant funding to bring the much-loved Coastal Pathway closer to completion.

This $1.3 million election commitment will also make sure the Coastal Pathway is on the bucket list of locals and tourists alike through better marketing and promotion, enhanced usability, increased safety and an app that will deliver real-time interactive maps and pathway information to users.

The North West Coastal Pathway project commenced with Federal Labor funding in 2009 and, while most of the pathway has been built, gaps remain.  

These gaps are in some of the most challenging locations from an engineering perspective, and a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will fund the feasibility and design studies that need to happen before work can be completed.

The Cradle Coast Authority which represents most North West Councils will manage the project.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Anne Urquhart, Labor Candidate for Braddon:

“I love the Coastal Pathway, and I am very pleased that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will bring it closer to completion.

“It’s well used by local cyclists, runners and walkers and is an important tourist attraction.

“It also plays a role in protecting our coastline, with sections incorporating fencing to protect little penguins and reinforcements to prevent coastal erosion. “It’s a great project that started in 2009 with Federal Labor funding, and it has my full support.”

Anne Urquhart is on King Island today to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver additional funding for Phoenix Community House.

The $81,123 election commitment will fund new play equipment, and a new public amenities block attached to the community gardens.

Phoenix House offers a wide range of important services and support to the King Island community. It hosts the King Island Men’s Shed, King Island Community Garden, Parents’ Group and health and wellbeing activities for the King Island community.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Senator Anne Urquhart

I am a regular visitor to King Island and to Phoenix House. It’s a great service and is very important for the King Island community. House Manager Sally Haneveer has recently been recognised as the King Island Citizen of the Year, which is a testament to the hard work that she and her staff put into caring for the King Island community. I am very pleased to be able to announce a re-elected Albanese Government will extend the services the House is able to offer.