Jess Teesdale (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to begin by acknowledging the essential role Laurel House plays in supporting our community, providing critical and compassionate services to individuals, families and communities across Northern Tasmania. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Laurel House and meeting with the CEO, Kathryn, spending time learning more about the vital work that they do every day. It was an invaluable opportunity to see firsthand the care, the professionalism and the empathy that underpin their services and to better understand both the impact Laurel House has within our community and the challenges that they continue to navigate.

Laurel House provides specialist support services for people affected by sexual harm, delivering trauma informed counselling, therapeutic services and support, education and prevention programs. Their work supports people of all ages, helping individuals and families navigate recovery while also working proactively to prevent harm and to build safer communities. What stood out to me during my visit was Laurel House's unwavering commitment to dignity, choice and safety. Their approach recognises that healing looks different for everyone and that people deserve to be met with understanding, respect and compassion at every step. Laurel House creates spaces where people feel heard, supported and empowered to move forward at their own pace.

Beyond direct service delivery, Laurel House also plays a vital role in education and community engagement. By working with schools, organisations and the broader community, they help to raise awareness, challenge stigma and strengthen our collective response to sexual harm. This work is essential in ensuring people feel safe, seek help and know that they are not alone. I want to acknowledge the dedicated staff who carry out this work. Supporting people who've experienced trauma requires exceptional skill, resilience and care. The professionalism and compassion shown by the Laurel House team make a profound difference in the lives of those they support and strengthen our community as a whole.

Unfortunately, organisations like Laurel House are an essential part of our social infrastructure at this time, but I am pleased that the federal Labor government has recently awarded $551,000 in federal government funding. This funding will expand their crucial work of responding to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. We are committed to safeguarding Australia's children and supporting the critical services that will deliver this early intervention, this response and these healing and recovery services to stop the intergenerational cycle of violence. I thank Laurel House. I thank Kathryn and her team for their leadership, their professionalism and their ongoing commitment to supporting our community when that support is needed most.