Anika Wells (Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Sport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 22 August, my friend the Speaker of the House joined me at McDowall State School in my electorate of Lilley to deliver the Parliament in Schools program to the year 6 cohort. The visit was six months in the making, with ex-tropical-cyclone Alfred, a federal election and diary clashes conspiring to postpone the much-anticipated visit three times.

But persistence paid off, and we were pleased to join the students to debate the biggest issue of the day: does pineapple belong on pizza? The democratic process delivered a resounding no to that question—much to my chagrin. Everybody knows pineapple is essential on a pizza. I will continue to fight that good fight and, hopefully, change a few young minds in the future with a more convincing argument. The students then peppered us at question time, demanding answers to questions like: How did you become an MP? Why did you run for parliament? Who are some of the famous people that you have met? A special thankyou to Principal Aminta Miller and the staff at McDowall State School for making the visit happen despite the obstacles that were thrown our way. Very best wishes for a beautiful Brisbane day for your spring fair coming up to celebrate 50 years of educating young northsiders.

I visited the Kedron Medical Centre and was able to deliver some good news for my constituents. When I hold regular mobile offices, lots of Lilley residents always want to talk to me about bulk-billing doctors and how to find a bulk-billing doctor. Thanks to the Albanese Labor government's $8 billion Strengthening Medicare commitment, the Kedron Medical Centre is now a 100 per cent bulk-billing clinic. Joining me was Andrew Cohen, the CEO of the ForHealth Group, who said that Kedron Medical Centre is one of the first clinics in their network to transition to 100 per cent bulk-billing. Mr Cohen said the change is a direct result of the Albanese government's $8 billion commitment to lift bulk-billing rates nationally. From 1 November they expect seven in every 10 practices in their network to only bulk-bill patients, up from one in every 10 practices today. These changes will make it easier for northsiders to find a bulk-billing GP, with 90 per cent of GP visits nationally to be bulk-billed by 2030. Add this to our Medicare urgent care clinic in Kedron and the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS and it is clear that the Albanese Labor government is delivering on our promise to tackle the cost of living and ensure Australians are getting the health care they need.

With my remaining time, I know that you, Madam Deputy Speaker Lawrence, the government whip and the member for Griffith will join with me in wishing our beloved Wallaroos all the very best at the Women's Rugby World Cup. I think their next match is against England, which is no small task, but we know that the girls have the valour and they are up for it. I want them to know that Australia stands with them. All the very best for the match.