House debates

Tuesday, 31 August 2021

Statements by Members

Covid-19

1:38 pm

Photo of Fiona MartinFiona Martin (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Last week a young constituent called Kian wrote to me. Kian's father, Dr Kevin Chan, is a respiratory physician. In his email, Kian said: 'There are many healthcare workers in the Reid constituency battling this virus. Unfortunately, most have not been recognised for their actions. One of these incredibly vital people is my father. He works tirelessly, without hesitation or reluctance—day and night—to not only continue to serve his patients, but also provide support to his family endlessly.'

We are being kept healthy and safe through the tireless efforts of our frontline healthcare workers. To Kevin, I say thank you for your professionalism and commitment. To the thousands of nurses, doctors, testing clinic workers, pharmacists, psychologists, paramedics and counsellors, I say thank you. Just yesterday in New South Wales, we heard the emotional plea of Western Sydney paramedic Joe Ibrahim. His story of providing CPR in full PPE and providing care to those with COVID-19 was heartbreaking, but Joe's message was clear: follow the rules; stay at home; get vaccinated. All of us in this place and around Australia owe our frontline healthcare workers a debt of gratitude. Each day they not only put their own health at risk, but the health of their loved ones and yet they keep going. (Time expired)