Fiona Phillips's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-10T22:05:33+00:00
items: Australia Day Awards and Honours | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Housing | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Cost of Living | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
items: Gilmore Electorate: Military History | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
items: Aged Care | Motions | House debates
items: Aviation Industry | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Rex Airlines Pty Ltd | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Medicare | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Regional Australia: Roads | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Aged Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Kiama Municipal Council, New South Wales: Kiama By-Election | Grievance Debate | House debates
items: Women's Health Week | Private Members' Business | House debates

Australia Day Awards and Honours | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: I'm so proud of the six outstanding residents who were recognised on the 2026 Australia Day Honours List for their selfless service to communities right across my Gilmore electorate. Eurobodalla...
encoded: I'm so proud of the six outstanding residents who were recognised on the 2026 Australia Day Honours List for their selfless service to communities right across my Gilmore electorate. Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels president Phillip Armstrong of Broulee was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community. Mr Armstrong has been a member of the Moruya Rotary Club since the year 2000 and, through his roles as treasurer, president and foundation chair, has been involved with drought relief and bushfire recovery efforts. He is a former district governor for Rotary International District 9710 and was named Rotarian of the Year for 2019-2020, the organisation's highest honour. A former international chair and board member of Campbell Page Australia, Mr Armstrong is also a former CEO, state board member and life member of Banksia Villages and has been involved with age and community services in New South Wales and the ACT. Now a resident of Rosedale on the far South Coast, William Baker was awarded an OAM for his service to the community of Queanbeyan. A retired lawyer, Mr Baker is the President of Treehouse Queanbeyan, a charity that supports children with developmental delay or disability, and he founded the Treehouse family fund. He was a founding member and former president of the Queanbeyan Business Council and has held executive roles with the Telopea swimming club, Triathlon ACT and the New South Wales Country Children's Services Association. Mr Baker was chair of the selection committee for the Sydney Olympics Australian triathlon team and has been involved with many children and youth organisations. Decorated former police officer and Rotarian Kenneth Hutt of Berry was awarded an OAM for his service to the community. A member of the Berry Rotary Club, foundation director and former international director, Mr Hutt went above and beyond—literally—to raise funds for Rotary's End Polio Now campaign. The Berry adventurer reached dizzying heights…
date: 2026-02-09T13:25:00+00:00

Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: On Friday I met with Dr Eva Morris and her husband and practice manager, Jason Morris, at the St Georges Basin Medical Centre, who jumped at the chance to register for the Bulk Billing Practice...
encoded: On Friday I met with Dr Eva Morris and her husband and practice manager, Jason Morris, at the St Georges Basin Medical Centre, who jumped at the chance to register for the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program. Dr Morris said they took up the incentive because it's good for their business and good for their patients. They want to make a difference in their community, and they want to help their patients, including older patients, many with multiple health conditions, and young families, who are feeling the cost-of-living pinch. They're also helping to train new doctors in the region, which is fantastic. The St Georges Basin Medical Centre is one of 32 medical practices across Gilmore that have transitioned to fully bulk-billing all patients. I'm so pleased that, since the bulk-billing incentive program came into effect, on 1 November, the number of fully bulk-billing medical practices in my electorate has almost tripled. This is an absolute game changer for local patients, who now have improved access to the health care they need with just their Medicare card, not their credit card. Delivering on this election commitment is a massive help for families living in the smaller towns and villages in my electorate. Doctors in places like Gerringong, Shoalhaven Heads, Culburra Beach, Callala Bay and Sussex Inlet are now fully bulk-billing. People can now see a doctor for free at fully bulk-billed practices in the villages of Mollymook, Surf Beach and Broulee and in the major towns of Nowra, Moruya and Ulladulla. I know this important cost-of-living measure is helping struggling families and older people in my region and right across the country, thanks to the Albanese Labor government's single-largest investment in Medicare since its creation more than 40 years ago. From 1 January this year, we've introduced a whole gamut of health services that are saving the hip pocket and, importantly, saving lives around the nation. We're ensuring Australians can access the medicines…
date: 2026-02-09T11:16:00+00:00

Housing | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to build more houses in the regions and help more...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to build more houses in the regions and help more regional Australians into homeownership after a decade of neglect?
date: 2026-02-05T14:57:00+00:00

Cost of Living | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
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description: People in my electorate of Gilmore put their faith in me once again at last year's election because they know, as part of the Albanese Labor government, I will continue to deliver for my local...
encoded: People in my electorate of Gilmore put their faith in me once again at last year's election because they know, as part of the Albanese Labor government, I will continue to deliver for my local community. I've delivered important community infrastructure, like the Jervis Bay intersection flyover, which is well underway, the new RFS sheds at Manyana and Lake Conjola, a new surf lifesaving club at Gerringong and the reconstruction of the Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council building, which was destroyed in the Black Summer bushfires. The people of Gilmore voted for cheaper medicines, cheaper child care, free TAFE, reduced student debt and tax cuts. They voted for more bulk-billing GP clinics and wage increases for our wonderful aged-care workers, and they voted for Medicare urgent care clinics, with the new Nowra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic due to open very soon. I can't understand on what planet any of these significant local projects or important cost-of-living initiatives equate to reckless spending. Do those opposite want to pull the pin on the new Nowra Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, leaving people in my community waiting hours for medical attention at the overcrowded Shoalhaven Hospital ED? Do they want to slash the $752 million for the Milton Ulladulla bypass, which has been in the 'too hard' basket for more than two decades? Will they tell my community that the Princes Highway duplication between the Jervis Bay road turnoff and Tomerong is a waste of money? Do they want to scrap plans for the revitalisation of the Nowra Riverfront Precinct, which will support local jobs and provide more housing? Or maybe they want to sink the upgrade of the Shoalhaven marine rescue base? Or maybe those opposite can tell the kids at Gerringong that plans to upgrade their clubhouse at Gerry Emery oval have tanked or notify the Batemans Bay Seahawks Football Club that their new clubhouse has been axed? I'm proud that the Albanese Labor government is backing our regions, our families a…
date: 2026-02-04T16:46:00+00:00

Gilmore Electorate: Military History | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: Last week I was pleased to drop into the Nowra Museum and meet with the enthusiastic and dedicated members of the Shoalhaven Historical Society. The local historians work really hard to look...
encoded: Last week I was pleased to drop into the Nowra Museum and meet with the enthusiastic and dedicated members of the Shoalhaven Historical Society. The local historians work really hard to look after and showcase the history of our region. As a proud defence town, it's really important to ensure our military history is preserved. That's why I was delighted to announce that a very special Red Ensign flag will be restored, thanks to a federal government Saluting Their Service commemorative grant. The flag was presented to World War I volunteer recruits as they departed Nowra as part of the 1915 Waratahs march. The flag represents a significant day in our town's history, so I was happy to support the Shoalhaven Historical Society's application for $2,420 to preserve it. The Waratahs march Red Ensign is such an important piece of local military history. It represents the sacrifice that so many young men from right across the Shoalhaven made in World War I. The grant will ensure the restoration of the fragile flag so that it can be safely stored and displayed on special occasions at the Nowra Museum. The Nowra Red Cross president, Mrs Rodway, presented the Red Ensign to Captain Blow when the Waratahs march left Nowra on 30 November 1915 bound for Sydney's Centennial Park. According to the Shoalhaven News at the time, an enthusiastic demonstration was held outside the Nowra post office in Junction Street—which is just outside my electorate office—as the 70-strong group heeded the call of the Empire. The Waratahs recruited men as they marched north along the coast through Bomaderry, Berry, Gerringong, Kiama and Jamberoo, and 120 volunteers had enlisted by the time they arrived in Sydney on 18 December 1915. Most of the Waratahs served as 1st Battalion reinforcements on the Western Front and, sadly, 28 of those young men never returned home. It's so important that stories of military service are commemorated and shared in a defence town like Nowra. The Saluting Their Service C…
date: 2026-02-03T16:15:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
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description: At 9 am on 20 December, the waves lapped gently on the sand, and the morning sun warmed the solemn faces of hundreds of surf lifesavers who stood shoulder to shoulder on beaches right along the...
encoded: At 9 am on 20 December, the waves lapped gently on the sand, and the morning sun warmed the solemn faces of hundreds of surf lifesavers who stood shoulder to shoulder on beaches right along the New South Wales South Coast and far south coast. For three minutes, lifeguards, volunteer surf lifesavers, young Nippers and community members stood side by side in silence to pay respects to those who lost their lives at Bondi Beach one week earlier on 14 December, a day that changed our nation forever. It was heartwarming to see lifesavers from 10 local surf clubs in my electorate, from Kiama in the north to Moruya in the south, come together for this quiet moment of reflection, unity and solidarity. Today, on behalf of everyone in Gilmore, I pay my respects to those who are no longer with us because of the atrocious, antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi. We will never forget the victims, their families and the heroes who risked their own lives and who worked so hard to save complete strangers during the worst terrorist attack we've ever experienced in Australia. I want to thank all first responders, including the police, paramedics, lifeguards and volunteer surf lifesavers, who heroically put themselves in danger to protect and save others. The three minutes of reflection on local beaches was such a moving tribute to the victims and to acknowledge the Bondi lifesavers, many of whom are regular visitors to the South Coast and who came to the aid of our local community during the Black Summer bushfires. They are truly selfless and extraordinary human beings. When lifesavers around the nation held their faces up to the morning sun, they shone a light on what it means to be Australian, to be united, to be courageous and to be there for each other. I am so, so proud of each and every one of them for the courage and the incredible Aussie spirit they demonstrate every day. I know the shock, pain and grief of the Bondi attack are still so raw for those directly impacted, and the …
date: 2026-01-19T17:51:00+00:00

Aged Care | Motions | House debates
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description: Gilmore has an ageing population. In fact, compared to other electorates, Gilmore has one of the highest numbers of age pensioners, so I am acutely aware of the many issues facing our older...
encoded: Gilmore has an ageing population. In fact, compared to other electorates, Gilmore has one of the highest numbers of age pensioners, so I am acutely aware of the many issues facing our older residents. Almost daily, my office receives emails and calls from older constituents or their family members, seeking support for their aged-care needs, whether that's arranging lawnmowing, meals, help around their home or access to health services, or assisting with the transition to residential care. I know that for too long older residents in Gilmore and right around Australia have been left waiting for the care they deserve. Under the previous government the system wasn't fit for purpose, and that's exactly why we're rebuilding our aged-care system from the ground up. We want to ensure older people in our communities get the care they need, when and where they need it. Every Australian deserves dignity, respect and quality care as they age. Saturday 1 November was a historic day for aged-care reform in this country with the start of the new Aged Care Act. I'm so proud to be part of a Labor government that is turning things around. With our overhauled Aged Care Act now in place and the new Support at Home program providing a higher level of care for people in their homes, this is great news for our most vulnerable citizens. A higher level of care available at home means that more older Australians will be able to get the support they need without going into a clinical setting. Importantly, it means they'll be able to stay at home as they recover, without bouncing back into hospital. While the Commonwealth has responsibility for the aged care system, we're working closely with the states and territories, who manage our hospitals, because we know too many older people are spending far too long in hospital when they should be in a more appropriate care environment. This has been an ongoing issue in our aged-care system, and the pressures are being felt particularly in regional ar…
date: 2025-11-24T17:26:00+00:00

Aviation Industry | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: Moruya Airport is the only passenger airport in my electorate of Gilmore on the New South Wales South Coast in the Eurobodalla. It is of course in the southern part of the Gilmore...
encoded: Moruya Airport is the only passenger airport in my electorate of Gilmore on the New South Wales South Coast in the Eurobodalla. It is of course in the southern part of the Gilmore electorate—a very long, long drive to either Sydney or Canberra. Importantly, it provides a vital link for local people to access medical treatment and education opportunities in the city and to stay connected with family and friends. It also helps our many local food producers get their products to national and international markets. My friends, colleagues and community fly from Moruya to Canberra, Sydney and other regional areas in New South Wales. I know how important regional air services are for local people, businesses and communities like mine, which is why I'm thrilled that the Albanese Labor government stepped up to support Rex Airlines through a voluntary administration process. We've been working with the administrators of Rex to ensure crucial regional aviation services can remain in the air. We are committed to maintaining access to aviation services for regional and remote communities and recognise the critical role Rex plays in supporting local economies. The Albanese Labor government continues to back regional aviation just like we back regional telecommunications, because we know our great country towns and villages deserve quality services and connectivity just like our cities. This government has also stepped up to support regional airport upgrades, because we know they matter. We're investing almost $12 million to upgrade regional airports across New South Wales, including at Moruya. This funding, under round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, is delivering essential upgrades, such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage, which will improve safety, enhance accessibility and boost capacity at our regional airports. Work is underway to reseal the runway, taxiways and apron pavement and replace the apron lighting at Moruya Airport. This work ensures the cont…
date: 2025-11-24T13:11:00+00:00

Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: In good news, from 1 November more people in my electorate of Gilmore will be able to see their general practitioner for free. I know that, for too long, too many people have been paying too much...
encoded: In good news, from 1 November more people in my electorate of Gilmore will be able to see their general practitioner for free. I know that, for too long, too many people have been paying too much out of pocket when they go to their doctor, and that's why I welcome the Albanese Labor government's expanded bulk-billing incentives for GPs. Labor are making the largest investment in Medicare since its creation to ensure people can afford to see their GP. The expanded bulk-billing incentive for all Australians plus the creation of an additional new incentive payment for medical practices that bulk-bill every patient mean nine out of 10 GP visits will be bulk-billed by 2030. I'm really thrilled that more than 20 GP practices in Gilmore have already switched to being Medicare bulk-billing practices; 11 were mixed-billing practices. I've spoken to lots of local doctors on the South Coast who are making the choice to switch their practice to be fully bulk-billing clinics. They are taking up the incentives because it's good for their business and, of course, good for their patients as well. Grand Pacific Health in Nowra and the Queen Street Medical Centre in Moruya were among the first on the South Coast to sign on to become fully bulk-billing practices. They want to make a difference in the community and want to help their patients, many of whom are older with multiple conditions or are young families feeling the cost-of-living pinch. Grand Pacific Health Nowra Practice Manager Charise Morris said, 'Being sick was not cheap, especially for families and the chronically ill.' She told me that the change would make a huge difference, because, when people don't have to pay a gap fee to see their doctor for a general consult, that's money that can put food on the table. In three weeks since its introduction, I can see that Labor's investment in bulk-billing incentives is working. It had already been working for pensioners, concession card holders and families with kids, and now i…
date: 2025-11-24T11:47:00+00:00

Rex Airlines Pty Ltd | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government helping regional communities stay connected by...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government helping regional communities stay connected by keeping Rex Airlines flying? What has been the response?
date: 2025-11-05T15:10:00+00:00

Rex Airlines Pty Ltd | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government helping regional communities—
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government helping regional communities—
date: 2025-11-05T15:10:00+00:00

Medicare | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government's record investment in bulk-billing making it easier for Australians to see a GP for free after a decade...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government's record investment in bulk-billing making it easier for Australians to see a GP for free after a decade of cuts and neglect? What has been the response to these changes?
date: 2025-11-04T14:54:00+00:00

Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: The first day of November 2025 was a great day. It was, of course, when the Albanese Labor government's expanded bulk-billing incentives kicked in, expanding bulk-billing incentives to all...
encoded: The first day of November 2025 was a great day. It was, of course, when the Albanese Labor government's expanded bulk-billing incentives kicked in, expanding bulk-billing incentives to all Australians and also with an additional new incentive payment for practices that bulk-bill every patient. It follows on from our very successful tripling of the bulk-billing incentive two years ago in 2023 for pensioners, concession cardholders and students. That proved very, very popular. We saw bulk-billing rates increase in particular for this cohort of people. I can honestly say that this makes a huge difference in people's lives. People are doing it tough, and we have always said that we will provide cost-of-living relief where we can. The changes on 1 November did just that. They are being welcomed by a whole host of GP practices in my electorate of Gilmore that are keen to also provide some relief for patients. I visited Grand Pacific Health in Nowra, one of the first medical practices in Gilmore to sign on to become a fully bulk-billed practice. This is what practice manager Charisse Morris had to say: This will make a huge difference. If people don't have to pay that gap for general consults, that's food in their mouth. When you have to prioritise food or health, that's a problem. I couldn't agree more. This is much-needed, real relief for people. Just before 1 November, posts started popping up on Facebook by GP practices in Gilmore and our Facebook community groups, like this one from the Sussex Doctors at Sussex Inlet on the New South Wales South Coast. They said: Healthcare made more affordable at Sussex Doctors! We're proud to be a Fully Bulk Billing Clinic, ensuring everyone in our community can access quality medical care. … … … … … … From general consultations to care plans, we're here to support your health at every stage without financial stress. At Sussex Doctors, your health is our priority and now, it's more accessible than ever. They said: More access. Less …
date: 2025-11-03T17:56:00+00:00

Regional Australia: Roads | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: I love to talk about regional roads because I know how important roads are to people in my regional community. Everybody is talking about roads, even Cliff Hofman, who is a year 7 student at...
encoded: I love to talk about regional roads because I know how important roads are to people in my regional community. Everybody is talking about roads, even Cliff Hofman, who is a year 7 student at Bombaderry High School. Cliff won the Raise Our Voice competition in Gilmore, and last week I read out Cliff's speech in the Australian parliament. And you guessed it: Cliff's topic was about potholes and how he wants the local roads in the Shoalhaven to be fixed. I couldn't agree more with Cliff. That's why, after a decade of neglect by the former coalition government, the Albanese Labor government is delivering record investment funding for regional roads. Since coming to government, we've doubled the Roads to Recovery Program from $500 million to $1 billion. This has already been baked into the budget and will remain at a high level into the future. This is a significant change which will provide more funding to local councils. I know that, in Gilmore, the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Kiama councils rely on this funding—and now it's increased funding—to help fix local roads. What I like about the Roads to Recovery Program is that councils determine which local roads are to be funded under the program, and there are some beautiful and important roads that have been fixed and are set to be fixed into the future. Just last week Eurobodalla council staff sent me their list of roads for 2025-26, and I can say it is an extensive list of local roads that is benefiting from this program. Well done, Eurobodalla council. I know locals in the Eurobodalla shire will be eagerly awaiting and thankful for those local roads being fixed with additional funds. Despite writing to Shoalhaven City Council in July this year, requesting to be provided with regular updates on the $40 million Shoalhaven local roads package—funding that I secured as an election commitment and delivered in the October 2022 federal budget—I remain disappointed that Shoalhaven City Council has not provided me with that in…
date: 2025-11-03T17:00:00+00:00

Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How are people in rural and regional Australia taking up the opportunities of clean, reliable energy? What are the threats to the...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How are people in rural and regional Australia taking up the opportunities of clean, reliable energy? What are the threats to the best interests of rural and regional Australians?
date: 2025-11-03T14:22:00+00:00

Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: Just a week ago I was standing at the Jervis Bay Road turn off marvelling at the deck of the new flyover where 11 massive super T girders had been installed. It was an awesome sight to see the...
encoded: Just a week ago I was standing at the Jervis Bay Road turn off marvelling at the deck of the new flyover where 11 massive super T girders had been installed. It was an awesome sight to see the 28-metre long concrete girders, each weighing 47 tonne, that had been transported from Newcastle and craned into place during a week of night works. The bridge deck marks an exciting milestone for this intersection, which sees the highest volume of traffic on the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian border. The intersection upgrade and overpass will transform travel along the New South Wales South Coast and provide a key link to Huskisson and surrounding villages. The milestone installation will allow the construction of the bridge to take shape with a mid-2026 completion target, and the project is on track for completion in 2027. I pounded the pavement with local residents, petitioned, lobbied and worked with Vincentia Matters and I am proud to have delivered $100 million for this important infrastructure project. I have also secured $400 million to continue the Princes Highway upgrade to dual lanes from Jervis Bay Road South to Tomerong. I drive country roads every day as I travel the length and breadth of my electorate. It takes me over four hours to drive the hundreds of kilometres from one end of Gilmore to the other, with dozens of long winding local roads into 180 odd coastal and inland villages across the three local council areas of Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Eurobodalla. I know how important regional roads are, and I know the Albanese Labor government is committed to working with state and local governments to build and maintain them. Building better roads takes time, and work on our rural and regional roads is never really complete. Just as one project is finished, another one gets underway. In my electorate, I was pleased to secure a special $40 million Shoalhaven local roads package to upgrade six key local roads in the region. That was in October 2022, …
date: 2025-10-27T17:52:00+00:00

Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: I rise to speak on the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025. The member for New England has described this government's goal to reach net zero by 2050 as 'a lunatic crusade' and 'treacherous'. I think he...
encoded: I rise to speak on the Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025. The member for New England has described this government's goal to reach net zero by 2050 as 'a lunatic crusade' and 'treacherous'. I think he needs to take a good look in the mirror, because that's where he will see someone that is, quite frankly, completely out of touch with regional Australia. This government's ambitious plan to tackle climate change will help all Australians, no matter where they live. The member for New England says that regional people are furious, but I say that he needs to open his eyes and look at the impact that climate change is having, with fires, floods and drought. Yes, people are hurting. Yes, farmers are hurting. Yes, small businesses are hurting. That's why we need to take action right now. Climate change has had an absolutely devastating impact on my electorate of Gilmore. Lives were lost and hundreds lost their homes, businesses and livestock when the horrific Black Summer bushfires decimated the New South Wales South Coast in 2019-20. I challenge the member for New England to tell the people of Gilmore, who are still recovering, still rebuilding and still reliving those horrific weeks and months, that climate change and the road to net zero are a lunatic crusade. In recent years, we've not only been hit by fires; we've experienced record levels of rainfall and storm activity, resulting in flooding around our waterways and farmland. Homes have been inundated, crops and livestock have been destroyed, and farmers are still counting the costs from the relentless rain. Dairy and beef farmers, oyster growers and fruit and vegetable producers are all struggling after being hit by a string of fires, South Coast lows and rain bombs. Tell these farmers that the road to net zero is a lunatic crusade. Tell them our plan to reduce carbon emissions and reduce their energy costs by transitioning to renewables is treacherous. Record rainfall has led to dozens of landslips, closing roads and cutti…
date: 2025-10-27T10:36:00+00:00

Aged Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. How are the Albanese Labor government's generational reforms rebuilding our aged-care system and delivering better care to more older...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. How are the Albanese Labor government's generational reforms rebuilding our aged-care system and delivering better care to more older Australians?
date: 2025-09-04T14:23:00+00:00

Kiama Municipal Council, New South Wales: Kiama By-Election | Grievance Debate | House debates
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description: I support the motion that grievances be noted, and I do have a grievance. It's a grievance that I really wish I didn't have to make, but I am at my wit's end. Kiama Municipal Council, it seems,...
encoded: I support the motion that grievances be noted, and I do have a grievance. It's a grievance that I really wish I didn't have to make, but I am at my wit's end. Kiama Municipal Council, it seems, has just not learnt anything from sticking its nose into the federal election campaign. Now it's moved into what can only be described as political meddling in the Kiama state by-election. Many will not know that, during the final weeks of the federal election, Kiama council was engaging in the strangest behaviour. I was hounded by the deputy mayor, Melissa Matters, demanding to meet. There were bizarre advocacy videos by the deputy mayor for projects that weren't shovel-ready, along with some incorrect facts, while the mayor, Cameron McDonald, was away. They looked more like Liberal and Dutton promotional pieces. Beforehand, there were even photos of the mayor, Cameron McDonald, with pro-nuclear Peter Dutton. The CEO, on behalf of council, threatened me with legal action. There were unusual and harshly toned letters from the CEO. It was not the kind of council I knew. Something was very, very wrong, and I could not quite put my finger on it. Needless to say, I kept going, and thankfully, with the many positive policies of the Labor government and my track record of delivery, that's what people voted for. As a result, people in Kiama will benefit from Labor slashing 20 per cent off student debt, introducing five per cent home deposits for first home buyers from 1 October, protecting penalty rates and providing cheaper medicines. We already know that Gilmore has the highest take-up of solar home batteries in New South Wales, which people in Kiama are benefiting from as they help drive down power bills and support local businesses and jobs. I gave Kiama council the benefit of the doubt after the federal election. I have always considered myself to be very fair, and I honestly thought things were better. So you can imagine my surprise when Mayor McDonald, all of a sudden and mul…
date: 2025-09-02T13:00:00+00:00

Women's Health Week | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: I am really proud to stand up today to talk about some of the incredible women's health initiatives that the Albanese Labor government is backing in my electorate of Gilmore. The South-Eastern...
encoded: I am really proud to stand up today to talk about some of the incredible women's health initiatives that the Albanese Labor government is backing in my electorate of Gilmore. The South-Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, located in Milton, is an essential health service that is changing the lives of women. Since the doors opened in September 2023, hundreds of women whose symptoms have been ignored for many years or even decades have gained a new sense of hope. I've spoken with women of all ages who have told me that for the first time their symptoms have been taken seriously by the wonderful Milton team, led by Dr Katie Macartney and specialist women's health nurse Susan Wilford. The team provides accessible specialist health support in a safe place. They take the time to really listen to and validate women. As a wife and mother of four, I understand how women can struggle with a range of health conditions. We are so busy with work and families that we often put ourselves last and just put up with the pain. As we kick off Women's Health Week, I encourage all Australian women to slow down and take the time to look after yourselves. Check your boobs, have that pap smear and talk to your health professional. Don't give up if you don't get the answer you're looking for straightaway. One woman aged in her 40s went to see the team at the south-eastern New South Wales clinic, and she was given fresh hope after living with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, bowel changes and sleep disturbance for 30 years. She required surgery, and is now receiving ongoing care to assist with pain management, including pain reprocessing therapy, pelvic floor function, defecation dynamics training, and strategies to unwind the body and mind, such as yoga. She has returned to work, has a better relationship with her partner, and is feeling healthier and happier than she has for three decades. It's essential that women with endometriosis symptoms receive good support and a timely diagnosis…
date: 2025-09-01T11:15:00+00:00