Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence Industry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I'd like to talk about someone who's very important to the people of Petrie, in particular the people in the postcodes of 4017, 4034 and 4036, and someone I've known since I was three years of age. The person I'd like to talk about today is my GP, my doctor, Dr Kerrin Curtin, also known as Kerry Curtin. Not only is he my GP but he's been the GP for literally thousands of people in the Bracken Ridge, Bald Hills, Carseldine and Brisbane City Council region. Dr Curtin grew up in the Petrie area, in Moreton Bay. He graduated from the University of Queensland back in 1971 with a bachelor of medicine and a bachelor of surgery. For over 50 years, he has worked as a GP. He first opened his own practice in Bracken Ridge way back in 1975 and, for more than 40 years, he worked there before selling the practice and moving to SmartClinics at Carseldine.

He's married to Nicole and together they've had three children. One of his daughters, Dianne, is a doctor, and they have six grandchildren. He's got a great bedside manner. Not only is he a good doctor but I remember when he was younger he'd ask me about my work, what I was doing. He'd talk about when he had time off and when he was off to Fraser in his Landcruiser. Today, of course, it's all about his grandchildren and making sure he's looking out for them and helping them.

Franka, who's been one of his long-term workers at Bracken Ridge and now at Carseldine, said: 'Dr Curtin is just a fantastic GP. He will do anything to make sure his patients receive quality and thorough care. He has always worked very hard and puts in long hours to make sure that no-one that needs his care is missed. He takes care of his staff and has always been a good boss.'

Melinda, who is the practice manager at SmartClinics, Carseldine, said: 'Not only is he a great GP, but he is a great friend and a great colleague, and we all want that in our work colleagues. He's a lot of fun. He's knowledgeable, always considerate and all-round a great guy.'

The relationship, as you'd know, between GP and patient is one that is fundamental to good long-term health care. I can attest to having the same GP since I was a doctor. He's been a brilliant GP. Not only has he helped me; he's helped many people in my electorate. I want to thank him for working for so long. He could have retired years ago. In the new year, he'll be switching to part time, but he will certainly be missed when he retires. I want to speak on behalf of everyone and say thank you, Dr Kerrin Curtin.