Opened the debate
Claydon argued that the government had created over 20,000 jobs in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, representing a nine per cent increase. Claydon highlighted investments in skills training, including 100,000 annual free TAFE places and a $65 million facility for net zero manufacturing excellence at Tighes Hill TAFE. Claydon noted the delivery of almost $21 million for a future industries facility at the University of Newcastle. Claydon described the progress of the clean energy precinct at the Port of Newcastle, backed by a $100 million upfront investment, which repurposes a 220-hectare site for renewable energy production and export. Claydon stated that high-speed rail planning was advancing, with a business case received after $500 million in initial commitments. Claydon emphasised health improvements, including restored after-hours GP clinics and a new bulk-billed urgent care centre at Charlestown. Claydon also detailed women's health funding exceeding half a billion dollars and student debt relief measures, including a fixed indexation formula and proposed further cuts. Claydon concluded by asserting that households would be significantly worse off under Coalition policies regarding wages, tax, and energy relief.