Today I participated inthe Anti-poverty rally in Newcastle's Civic Park. The rally marked the end of National Anti-Poverty week. While it was inspiring to hear from people who are passionate about eliminating poverty, it was also a devastatingreminder of just how much of a problem it is in this "Lucky Country" of ours.

Over three million Australians are living in poverty, and the Liberal Government's policy priorities are doing nothing to bring about the much needed change.

My Labor colleagues and I are committed to putting people first.As was said many times today, we will not stop fighting the good fight. We must work together to make poverty history.