ALI MOORE, HOST: But that announcement today by the Prime Minister made at the National Press Club was also where he defended the decision by the Government to redraw the stage three tax cuts to redesign them. The Prime Minister said it was the right thing for the right reason. So, a broken promise or an economic necessity? What do you think? 1300 222 774. Katy Gallagher is the Finance Minister, Katy Gallagher, welcome to Drive.

SENATOR KATY GALLAGHER, MINISTER FOR FINANCE: Thanks for having me on Ali.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering a tax cut for every Australian woman taxpayer commencing on July 1.

Labor’s tax cuts will put more money back in the pockets of Australian women to provide cost of living relief and will mean if women want to pick up an extra shift or an extra day of work, they keep a larger proportion of what they earn.

Labor’s tax plan will see Australian women taxpayers, on average, receive a tax cut of $1,649 from 1 July.

This is a special place. Great art resides here. Great Australians are celebrated here. The works of a former Australian of the Year hang here: Arthur Boyd. And the spirit of another lives on here: Betty Churcher. ‘Blockbuster Betty’ as she was known.

The Australian Government has today taken a key step to improving the experience of victims and survivors of sexual violence by asking the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) to undertake an inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence.

The inquiry is an essential part of the Government’s $14.7 million 2023-24 Budget commitment to strengthen the way the criminal justice system responds to sexual assault and prevent further harm to victims through the justice process.

The Albanese Labor Government is supporting more First Nations women, children and families and providing a $23.2 million boost to expand the Healing for Families initiative to a total of 12 locations across Australia.

The Healing for Families program will deliver culturally-based and trauma-informed healing support where it is needed most – such as counselling and therapy, financial support and advice.

This Australia Day, the Australian Government and National Australia Day Council are providing $11.7 million in funding for 668 inclusive events across the country.

Australia Day is about our ever-evolving national story—of our history, our lives and most of all our people.

668 events are being supported by the Australian Government in local communities across Australia as people come together to reflect, respect and celebrate what it is to be Australian.

Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman will today travel to the Republic of the Marshall Islands to represent Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Presidential Inauguration of Her Excellency Hilda Heine.

Assistant Minister Gorman’s visit to Majuro will reaffirm Australia’s partnership with the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Pacific family.

Attending the Inauguration will provide Assistant Minister Gorman with the opportunity to engage with President Heine and Pacific leaders.

It has been two months since we met at Government House in Perth. Already we have seen the WA nominees take their message, their mission, further. Showing that these awards ensure the entire community wins. No matter who the final recipient is.

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the opening of $1.7 million in grants to support local communities and organisations to celebrate 2024 NAIDOC Week and the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Held across the country from 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week will celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.

OLIVER PETERSON, HOST: Joining me in the studios this afternoon for the first time in 2024 is the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and the Member for Perth, Patrick Gorman. Happy New year.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Happy New Year, Oly. And Happy New Year to all of your listeners.

PETERSON: Have you had an enjoyable break? Did you manage to put your feet up over the last few weeks?