Matt Keogh (Burt, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

There is great news in the electorate of Burt in Perth's south-eastern suburbs, where now over 40 per cent of GP clinics have moved to be fully bulk-billing for all patients. Since our bulk-billing incentive payment came into effect in November, we've seen bulk-billing rates on the rise, with the largest quarterly increase of bulk billing in more than 20 years, outside of the COVID pandemic. Our record $8.5 billion boost to Medicare is working, making it easier for you to find a bulk-billing doctor close to home.

We're also seeing the benefits of the Albanese Labor government's Medicare urgent care clinics. They're open seven days a week for extended hours. They're fully bulk-billed. I even used the Medicare urgent care clinic in Gosnells when I dislocated my toe last year. I was campaigning too hard!

Last week, I had the pleasure of opening the Albanese government funded Armadale University Study Hub. For students in my community, getting to university can often be an hour or more on public transport each way. With the new study hub, you can access support, internet, study areas and meeting rooms all close to home. This is so important because across Australia nearly half of young people have a degree, but not in Armadale. Hubs like this make education more accessible so that you can reach your academic goals without having to leave your community. Located on Jull Street, the hub is close to the train and bus stations and the shopping centre. University has never been more accessible in our south-eastern suburbs than now. The Armadale hub is also unique in offering a soon-to-open creche, perfect for those parents that are studying. So, if you're at uni or you're just thinking about it, you can find out more about the Armadale University Study Hub at the City of Armadale website.

Our Veteran's Haven in Forrestdale is now officially open. It's a beautiful space for our veteran community. They support the mental health and overall wellbeing of veterans in our south-eastern suburbs. They look at a veteran as a whole person, not just through the lens of their service. The haven offers connection, a social network. It offers hobbies and an opportunity to share a laugh. I really want to congratulate Cath, Iain and their amazing team, who came together to build this unique facility. I'm proud to have officially opened the haven, not just as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs but as their local federal member for Burt. It's fantastic to see this support for our veterans in our community.

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