Craig Laundy (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This week is Hearing Awareness Week. Deafness or hearing impairment is often described as the invisible disability. The number of Australians who are deaf or hearing impaired is increasing because of long-term exposure to excessive noise, often in the workplace, as well as accidents, the environment and the ageing of the population.

For my family, this is a cause close to our hearts. Ten years ago my youngest daughter was diagnosed with a severe hearing impairment and the work that this country does in this space is nothing short of astounding. We are the world leader on this front.

Today I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the federal Department of Health; Make it Number 10, who aim to make hearing Australia's 10th national health priority; and the Deafness Forum of Australia for the work they are doing not only in promoting this week but in promoting this cause every day—not just for one week at a time.

On a personal level, it would be remiss of me not to thank on behalf of my family Australian Hearing and Cochlear, especially Professor Gibson. Professor Gibson has been so important to my family and the work he does on behalf of this company is nothing short of amazing. Thank you.