Question Time AU

General Debate

Parent Pathways, Cybersafety, Bonner Electorate: Community Events

House of Representatives · Tuesday 30 June 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Kara Cook delivered a speech covering three distinct topics under the grievance debate format. She highlighted the success of the Parent Pathways pre-employment service for parents, citing participation figures and personal anecdotes. She also discussed government measures to protect children online and improve telecommunications transparency. Finally, she shared updates on local community engagement, including a yacht race, school visits, and volunteer work in her electorate.

Outcome

The speech was delivered as part of a general grievance debate with no further debate or vote recorded in the transcript.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Cook argued that the Parent Pathways program provides essential voluntary support for parents seeking employment, helping them build confidence and access resources like childcare and driver's licences. Cook cited that over 30,000 parents nationwide and more than 200 in Bonner have participated, sharing stories of individuals regaining dignity and securing work. Regarding cybersafety, she stated that social media legislation protects children by removing under-16 accounts and increasing penalties for non-compliant companies to $99 million. Cook also noted new standards requiring telecommunications providers to publish clearer coverage maps and outage information. Cook concluded by describing her recent visits to local schools to discuss civics and acknowledging the work of volunteers at the Wynnum Manly Red Cross.