Tom French (Moore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about a condition that affects millions of Australians, often without them knowing—chronic kidney disease. For some, the first symptom is renal failure. They don't find out until they're rushed to hospital and placed on emergency dialysis. I was lucky. My kidney disease was picked up early, with about 35 per cent kidney function, thanks to a simple medical during my electrical apprenticeship. That early detection gave me time—time to make changes, manage my health and stay ahead of what is ultimately a lifelong condition. Early detection is simple. A urine test, a blood pressure check—that's it. If you're in this building today, right here in Parliament House, you can join the 'take a wee for CKD' campaign. Yes, that's the real name, and, yes, it might just save your life.

I also want to recognise the extraordinary work of our nephrologists, including those gathering in Perth this week for the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology Congress. Your research, advocacy and care change lives every day. To Australians everywhere, speak to your GP. These tests are covered by Medicare. The Albanese Labor government is working to ensure that, when you go to your doctor, the only card you need is your Medicare card, not your credit card. So take a wee, save your kidneys, and take care of yourself before it's too late.

See this speech in context