Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to talk about a wonderful volunteer organisation in my electorate of Mallee called CHAILIS. It stands for Children Having an Illness Living in Sunraysia. Although it was officially established in early 2015, it was borne out of the incredible work over many years of its chairman, Mr John Burfitt. John is a man who would give you the shirt off his back.

CHAILIS supports families of sick children as they undergo treatment, with 100 per cent of funds raised going to families. CHAILIS came to the rescue this week of two-year-old Octavia, who is not thriving due to her desperate need for a tonsillectomy, which, due to her underdevelopment and being in a regional seat, cannot be achieved.

Her surgeon urged her parents to secure her operation through a private hospital in Melbourne because the public health system is so overwhelmed and underperforming. I asked CHAILIS if they could rescue this little girl and pay the $6,000 necessary, and they are doing so.

Volunteer organisations like CHAILIS save lives when the Victorian health system is failing. My friend and colleague Jade Benham, the member for Mildura, questioned the Victorian health minister regarding Octavia last week, and could not get a straight answer.

In closing, I wish to acknowledge CHAILIS again for their great work—

Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Chisholm.