Ms CLAYDON (Newcastle-Deputy Speaker) (12:26): In New South Wales alone, almost one-third of school students have family ties to languages other than English. Community language schools provide important opportunities for schoolchildren to ensure that Australia's diverse traditions, languages and culture can thrive.
Through the Albanese Labor government's 33,600 to support their important language work. I want to give a very big shout-out to all the teachers, students, families and volunteers at that centre.
I also want to acknowledge the seven Newcastle businesses that received support from the Albanese Labor government with the energy efficiency grants to help keep their power bills down. Congratulations go to Maxwell Recruitment, Maxwell Apprentices and Maxwell Training; to Kooragang Water; and to Peter Kilmurray Lawyers. A special mention must go to the two that I was able to visit very recently. The first one is the Mayfield West Kebabs and Charcoal Chicken shop, which is a favourite amongst local tradies-and my office staff, it must be said! They received a grant to upgrade their refrigeration and exhaust system. The second is the Newcastle Theatre Company, who replaced their stage lighting with LEDs, which not only saves on their energy bills but is also a much cooler outcome for performers on stage.
Because today is 1 July, small- and medium-sized businesses like these will also be getting $325 off their energy bills. When cost-of-living pressures are being felt, this government is here to support our community and to support our small businesses, because that's what Labor governments do.
