Sam Rae (Hawke, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the dedicated team at Melton Medical and Dental Centre to mark their transition to 100 per cent bulk-billing for every patient. This is a direct result of the Albanese Labor government's Medicare reforms, which are delivering on our commitment to making it free to see the GP again, with more clinics across Hawke moving to fully bulk-billed care so our community can access the local services that they need without worrying about the cost. This is a major step forward for families in my community, and it builds on the work we've been doing to ensure that people in Hawke can access affordable local health care that they can rely on. This includes the fantastic Medicare urgent care clinics in both Sunbury and Melton. These clinics provide free walk-in care for injuries and illnesses that would otherwise end up in hospital emergency departments and have made a world of difference in our community. They're taking pressure off our hospitals while ensuring that locals can get timely, high-quality care close to home.

I recently had the privilege of joining the Hume Men's Shed in Sunbury for their 15-year anniversary—a remarkable community organisation that has grown from a small volunteer effort into one of the country's leading men's sheds. Through dedication and countless volunteer hours, the shed has become a place of connection, wellbeing and purpose in Sunbury, supporting men's mental and physical health while strengthening our local community. Thank you to President Ian Phillips and Secretary Albert Achterberg for all that you do.

I want to acknowledge the tireless and courageous efforts of our local CFA brigades throughout another difficult bushfire season. CFA brigades from across Hawke, including Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Blackwood, Melton, Toolern Vale, Myrniong, Greendale, Coimadai, Diggers Rest, Parwan, Rowsley, Eynesbury, Wildwood, Bulla, Balliang, Mount Wallace and Sunbury left their families, many over the holiday period, to defend lives, homes and livelihoods in extreme and dangerous conditions. They worked around the clock, often in searing heat and unpredictable winds, showing extraordinary bravery and an unwavering commitment to protecting their communities and others across Victoria. Their sacrifice, resilience and dedication reflect the very best of the spirit of service that defines our volunteer firefighters. I particularly acknowledge Toolern Vale CFA, who marked 100 years of service last year—a century of courage and service to community safety.