Emma Comer (Petrie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I recently had the privilege of attending the Quota Club of Redcliffe's fundraiser supporting The Forgotten Women. This initiative is shining a light on a group too often overlooked: older women experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This organisation supports over 40,000 Queensland women aged 55 and over who are facing financial hardship. These women struggle due to difficulty finding employment, limited to no superannuation and a lack of affordable housing options. The number of these 'hidden homeless' are expected to double by 2036. Our community came together not just to raise money but to raise awareness, because the truth is no woman should spend her later years worrying about where she will sleep at night. I want to thank the Quota Club of Redcliffe for putting a spotlight on this important cause. Together, we're making sure these women are seen not forgotten.

I'm proud to be a local in Petrie, a place where thousands of people dedicate their free time to giving back and supporting the community. I recently attended a volunteers thankyou event at the U3A Redcliffe. With over 1,500 members, U3A provides learning and social opportunities to retired or semiretired people over the age of 50. They host over 100 classes, all run by a hardworking team of volunteers committed to connection and ongoing learning. U3A shows us that you're truly never too old to learn.

Housing is one of the biggest issues facing families in Petrie. House prices have skyrocketed. In suburbs like Scarborough, Redcliffe and Deception Bay, prices have more than doubled since 2019. In Newport, the median house price has surged past $1.4 million. Home prices are skyrocketing, and renters are struggling. This is not sustainable. It is why I am so glad that we have committed to almost 250 new social and affordable homes, being built in Carseldine, Margate and Deception Bay. Thanks to the Albanese Labor government's Housing Australia Future Fund, we are building Australia's future, where every Australian has a place to call home.

Health care is one of my top priorities and is an issue that Petrie locals care deeply about. That's why I'm proud to support the bill to cap medicines on the PBS at $25, beginning 1 January next year. For general patients, medicines haven't been this cheap since 2004. For pension and concession card holders, we've already frozen medicine prices at a maximum of $7.70 until the end of the decade. My community has over 20,000 people on the age pension, and this is changing lives. I've spoken to many locals who go without these vital scripts because of costs. These changes mean people in Petrie can prioritise their health without sacrificing the essentials like food, rent or electricity.

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