Dan Repacholi's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-05T22:06:04+00:00
items: Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games | Statements | House debates
items: Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Cost of Living | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
items: Myuna Colliery | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Hunter Electorate: Awards and Honours | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Media | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
items: Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
items: Mental Health | Statements by Members | House debates
items: VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Men's Mental Health | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Ethnic Religious Minorities | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Men's Health | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Hunter Electorate: Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, Hunter Academy of Sport | Constituency Statements | House debates

Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games | Statements | House debates
type: item
description: Guess what? Tomorrow is the start of the Winter Olympics, a global celebration of athleticism, courage and—in some cases—an impressive willingness to throw yourself down an icy...
encoded: Guess what? Tomorrow is the start of the Winter Olympics, a global celebration of athleticism, courage and—in some cases—an impressive willingness to throw yourself down an icy mountain at terrifying speeds. As somebody who's had the privilege of representing Australia at the Olympic Games, I feel uniquely qualified to speak on this matter. Admittedly, my Olympic experience involved nice hot summer days rather than snowflakes. The closest I've been to winter sports is grabbing a beer out of an ice filled esky. But once an Olympian, always an Olympian. The Winter Olympics remind us of what makes sport so special: years of training for moments that last seconds, pushing through the pain, doubt and occasional crash—all for the chance to wear the green and gold and make Australia proud. Let's be honest: any Australian who chooses to compete in winter sports deserves an extra bit of respect. We are a country better known for beaches than for blizzards, and most of our athletes learn their craft a very long way from home. That takes grit, determination and a level of stubbornness that we can all admire. To our Australian Winter Olympic team: we are incredibly proud of all of you. Whether you bring home a medal or memories, you carry the hopes of all Australians. I'm not going to say good luck, because luck is for those who haven't put in the hard yards. Stay safe, and remember that, no matter how cold it gets, Australia is fully behind you. Enjoy it.
date: 2026-02-05T13:49:00+00:00

Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to speak in support of the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025. I do so as the member for Hunter but also in my role as the Special Envoy...
encoded: I rise today to speak in support of the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025. I do so as the member for Hunter but also in my role as the Special Envoy for Men's Health. And I want to be very clear from the outset: this bill is not just about workforce reform, it's not just about scope of practice and it's not just about legislation. This bill is about access, it's about prevention and it's about saving lives—particularly the lives of men who too often fall through the cracks of our health system. When we talk about men's health in this place, we have to start with the uncomfortable truth: men are less likely to seek help. Men are more likely to delay care. Men are more likely to put things off until something becomes serious or, sometimes, until it's, unfortunately, too late. We see it in all the statistics. Men die younger than women. Men have higher rates of suicide. Men are more likely to present late with chronic diseases. And men in regional and outer metropolitan areas like the Hunter face even greater barriers to timely care. That is the context in which this bill matters. The legislation enables appropriately trained and endorsed registered nurses to prescribe certain medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, or the PBS. It allows those prescriptions to attract a Commonwealth subsidy and it ensures appropriate oversight through the Professional Services Review scheme. That might sound technical, but, in the real world, the impacts are very simple. It means people can get the medicines they need when they need them and without unnecessary delays. From a men's health perspective, this is critical. I cannot tell you how many blokes I've spoken to that say the same thing to me. They know something is wrong, they know they need help but they can't get in to see a GP for a couple of weeks. Or they live in a town where there is no access to a GP and they're not taking new patients. Or they're juggling shift wo…
date: 2026-02-04T18:41:00+00:00

Cost of Living | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
type: item
description: Here we go again—another day, another MPI from the Nationals, claiming the sky is falling in, families are failing and somehow it's all Labor's fault. It is the same script and the same...
encoded: Here we go again—another day, another MPI from the Nationals, claiming the sky is falling in, families are failing and somehow it's all Labor's fault. It is the same script and the same scare lines from the same people who had nine long years to fix things and chose not to. The truth is that this MPI is not about helping regional Australia. It's about distracting from the Nationals' own record of neglect, of turning up to the regions at election time, taking photos in hi-vis and then disappearing when the hard work needed to be done. When the Nationals were in government, regional Australia did not get relief; it got ripped off. They left us with inflation at 6.1 per cent and rising. They left bigger deficits, no savings and debt heading completely in the wrong direction. They went to the last election with a plan for even more debt and higher taxes to pay for a nuclear fantasy that would drive up power prices and kill jobs in our regions. That is the reality they don't want to talk about. Now, are people doing it tough? Yes. There is no doubt about that at all, and the Labor government has never pretended otherwise. The difference is that this government is actually doing something about it. We are not pointing fingers, not talking Australia or Australians down but getting on with the job of governing in difficult global conditions. We are delivering cost-of-living relief that is responsible, targeted and fair and tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer—three rounds of them. The first are already flowing, with even more to come. From July next year, lower income and middle income earners will pay less tax and, from the year after, even less again. That is real money back into people's pockets week after week. There are cheaper medicines, with PBS scripts capped at $25, the lowest price in two decades, and frozen for pensioners and concession card holders at $7.70. That makes a real difference in regions, where chronic illness is higher and access to healthcare has b…
date: 2026-02-04T16:26:00+00:00

Myuna Colliery | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to stand with the workers of Myuna Colliery, their families and the Lake Macquarie community being treated as a throwaway item by Origin Energy. For more than three years, I've stood...
encoded: I rise today to stand with the workers of Myuna Colliery, their families and the Lake Macquarie community being treated as a throwaway item by Origin Energy. For more than three years, I've stood with the Mining and Energy Union, demanding that Origin do the right thing. For more than three years, Origin has stalled and dodged responsibilities. Let's be clear about what's actually happening here. Myuna Colliery was built for one purpose: to supply coal to Eraring Power Station. There is no alternative market for them. Origin has locked in Eraring's operation until at least 2029. They are generating power. They are selling electricity. They are making huge profits. Yet they refuse to guarantee the local jobs that make the operation possible. Around 300 direct jobs at Myuna are now on the line, along with over 1,000 jobs and more across the supply chain, not because a mine has failed but because Origin is playing corporate games. This is not the energy transition. This is not inevitable. This is a deliberate commercial decision, shifting risk onto workers, families and the community. Yesterday's short-term offer was a spin, not a solution. It provides no certainty. If Origin keeps Eraring running, it must take responsibility and commit to a genuine long term coal supply agreement. The Hunter has powered New South Wales for generations. The least Origin could do is power these jobs into the future. Sign a deal, and do it now.
date: 2026-02-04T13:53:00+00:00

Hunter Electorate: Awards and Honours | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: I rise today to recognise some truly outstanding Aussies from the Cessnock and Singleton local government areas whose service, generosity and leadership remind us what community spirit really...
encoded: I rise today to recognise some truly outstanding Aussies from the Cessnock and Singleton local government areas whose service, generosity and leadership remind us what community spirit really looks like in the Hunter. In the Cessnock LGA, the 2026 Citizen of the Year award has been presented to Tracey Skene, and it is richly deserved too. Through her tireless work with not-for-profit organisation Kiray Putjung, Tracey has created safe, welcoming and culturally strong spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the region. Her leadership in organising cultural and healing camps, workshops and support programs has provided guidance, connection and opportunity for personal growth for many in our community. Tracey has also played a central role in developing Cessnock's annual NAIDOC celebrations, helping to build understanding, pride and respect for Aboriginal culture across the broader community. Her strengths and connections preserve cultural heritage and ensure people feel seen, heard and supported. Cessnock award recipients reflect the breadth of the community and the spirit of our region. Senior Citizen of the Year Janece Harrison continues to give back with quiet determination. Thank you for what you do. Young Citizen of the Year Taylee Short has made a remarkable contribution through her volunteering and community involvement, giving her time to local events, youth activities and community support initiatives. Taylee's willingness to step up, help others and lead by example shows that community service has a strong future in Cessnock. I also want to acknowledge the team at Nulkaba Parkrun, the Community Event of the Year. I duck in there occasionally. I don't do so well, but I do get there. I acknowledge Castiel Martin for the Environment Award; Valerie Randall for the Heritage Award; and the many Community Award recipients, including Cessnock Women's Connect, Pastor Amanda Francis, Happy Paws Happy Hearts Hunter, Patricia Maybury, Charlie McL…
date: 2026-02-03T16:55:00+00:00

Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering cheaper medicines for all Australians and making life-changing medicines available on the...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering cheaper medicines for all Australians and making life-changing medicines available on the PBS? Why is this so important after a decade of cuts and neglect?
date: 2026-02-03T14:45:00+00:00

Media | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Regional media matters because local stories matter. For more than 60 years, NBN News has been part of the fabric of the Hunter. It's been through floods, fires, factory openings, factory...
encoded: Regional media matters because local stories matter. For more than 60 years, NBN News has been part of the fabric of the Hunter. It's been through floods, fires, factory openings, factory closures, footy grand finals, school achievements and community heartbreaks. It's how the people see themselves reflected on the screens all around the Hunter. So it's encouraging to see regional media being invested in. The recent purchase of NBN News by WIN Network is a reminder that local broadcasting still has value. But investment must come with a clear commitment that local content must stay local. People across the Hunter are rightly concerned about what change might mean. They don't want a scaled-back service, they don't want stories replaced with content from somewhere else and they certainly don't want to lose the hour-long local bulletin that has kept communities informed for generations. Regional media isn't a nice-to-have; it's essential. It holds decision-makers to account. It tells the stories that won't make it onto capital city news, and it gives people confidence that what matters in their towns, their streets and their workplaces actually counts. Keeping strong locally-produced news alive means backing local journalists, backing local camera operators and backing local voices. If we care about strong regions, we must care about strong regional media and we must make sure it stays truly local.
date: 2026-02-03T13:55:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
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description: On 14 December, 15 innocent people were murdered at Bondi Beach. They were mums and dads, sons and daughters, friends and neighbours, who had gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, a...
encoded: On 14 December, 15 innocent people were murdered at Bondi Beach. They were mums and dads, sons and daughters, friends and neighbours, who had gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, a moment of faith, family and light, and instead they were met with violence and hate. To their families and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences. No words can ever ease your grief. No speech could undo what has been taken from you, but today this parliament and this nation stand with you in sorrow and in solidarity, united in mourning and remembrance. What happened at Bondi was not random; it was deliberate. It was an act of pure terrorism, and it was targeted at Australia's Jewish community. We must say that clearly. We must not soften it, and we must not look away. Antisemitism is pure evil. It has no place in Australia, not in our streets, our schools, our workplaces, our places of worship or our politics. We condemn it without hesitation and without condition. The attack at Bondi has left deep scars not only on those who were injured but on everyone who witnessed the horror of that night. Men, women and children will carry that trauma for a long time, and some will carry that for the rest of their lives. They deserve our care, our support and our understanding not just in the days after this tragedy but in the months and years that follow, as healing takes time, and support must endure. In the midst of this horror we saw extraordinary courage. We honour the police officers who ran towards danger. We honour the first responders, healthcare workers and surf lifesavers who acted with calm, skill and determination to save lives. Their actions mattered. Their professionalism mattered. Because of them, lives were saved and families were spared unbearable losses. We also honour everyday Australians who showed incredible bravery—people who stepped up and stepped in to help strangers, shield others and try to save lives at great personal risk to themselves. Some were wounded…
date: 2026-01-19T20:43:00+00:00

Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is for the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. What has the Albanese Labor government done to repair and rebuild our aged-care workforce? Why was this necessary?
encoded: My question is for the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. What has the Albanese Labor government done to repair and rebuild our aged-care workforce? Why was this necessary?
date: 2025-11-27T14:47:00+00:00

Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to speak about Mental Health Month and, in particular, the mental health of Australian men. This is an issue that cuts across every part of our society. It affects every community,...
encoded: I rise today to speak about Mental Health Month and, in particular, the mental health of Australian men. This is an issue that cuts across every part of our society. It affects every community, every workplace and every family. No matter where you live, what work you do or what your background is, every community in this country has men who are doing it tough, often without saying a word. The truth is simple, and it's also very confronting: Australian men are struggling with their mental health, and too often they are struggling in silence and also in isolation. Last year alone, 2,529 Australian men died by suicide. That is more than three-quarters of all suicides in our nation. For men aged 15 to 44, suicide remains the leading cause of death. It's ahead of accidents, it's ahead of diseases and it's ahead of anything else. It's an enormous and preventable loss that should give us all the time to pause and reflect on these horrifying statistics, because behind each and every one of those numbers is a real life—a father, a son, a brother, a mate, a co-worker, a neighbour. When a man dies by suicide, it never just affects one person. Families carry that grief for years and years. Children grow up without their dads. Partners lose the person they planned a life with. Mates feel shock, guilt and heartbreak. Communities feel the loss deeply, often for generations. Despite this enormous burden, men remain far more likely not to seek any help. Only around one-third of men experiencing a mental health condition saw a health professional last year. Many waited weeks or even months before reaching out and, tragically, some never reached out at all. Part of the challenge is that men often show signs of mental ill health in ways that can easily be misunderstood. For many men, poor mental health does not always include or look like sadness. It may come out as anger, frustration, disengagement, drinking more than usual, withdrawing from mates, losing interest in activities once e…
date: 2025-11-26T13:13:00+00:00

Mental Health | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: Too many Australians are dying in silence, and we need to be honest about the scale of this crisis. Every day, seven men take their own lives. Every year, more than 2½ thousand families get...
encoded: Too many Australians are dying in silence, and we need to be honest about the scale of this crisis. Every day, seven men take their own lives. Every year, more than 2½ thousand families get that knock on the door that changes their world forever. This isn't just a statistic; it's a national emergency. Today, on the lawns of Parliament House, that reality was laid bare: 2,550 empty shoes were lined up on the grass, each shoe representing a man or a boy we lost in just one year—no names, no faces, just silence, a silence that speaks louder than any speech delivered in this place. The Zerosuicide community awareness program, alongside Dads4Kids, brought together community advocates, frontline workers, lived experience speakers and parliamentarians across two days to confront this crisis head on. Through remembrance walks, ribbon tying and deeply personal stories, they remind us that suicide is not inevitable, but preventing it takes all of us. Zerosuicide's messages are simple but powerful: connections save lives, early support saves lives, and a system that refuses to let people fall through the cracks saves lives. I want to especially acknowledge Paul Withall and his incredible team for their leadership and the tireless work that they do. Your courage in bringing these stories, these shoes and this message to the nation ensures that the men we lost are not forgotten and that those still struggling are not left behind. Thank you very much, Paulo, for what you do. Keep up the great work.
date: 2025-11-26T13:52:00+00:00

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: I'm really proud to stand here today to speak about the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025. It might sound like a mouthful, but it is a simple, commonsense fix that makes sure...
encoded: I'm really proud to stand here today to speak about the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025. It might sound like a mouthful, but it is a simple, commonsense fix that makes sure our vocational education and training loan system works the way it was supposed to. This bill is about making sure students and training providers have certainty. It's about cleaning up the technical issues in the law so that everything's being done to help students get their training loans properly and lawfully. It's about making sure our system continues to be safe, secure and fair. Now, this isn't one of those flashy bills that gets all the headlines. It doesn't come with a big new announcement or a big funding package, but it is still important because, when you're dealing with something as serious as people's education and personal information, you've got to make sure the system is rock solid. If you're a student taking out a VET student loan, you want to know your personal details are protected. If you're a training provider, you want to know that your rules are being followed and that you're following them. And if you're a taxpayer, you want to know that the system is fair, transparent and being managed correctly. That's exactly what this bill delivers. To understand what this bill does, it helps people to look back at how the system started. Back in 2008, the government introduced a scheme called VET FEE-HELP. It gave vocational education students access to income-contingent loans, meaning they could study now and pay later when they were earning enough. It was supposed to be a good thing, and it ran under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, the same law that runs student loans for university students. Under that old scheme, training providers were allowed to handle students' tax file numbers, or TFNs, because they was needed to set up the loans and link them to the students' Australian Tax Office accounts. But, as we all remember, that scheme went badly off the ra…
date: 2025-11-25T18:38:00+00:00

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I've got a few more to run in for the member for Bruce. This bill gives pubs breathing room, it helps them manage costs and it makes it less likely that price rises get passed on to customers....
encoded: I've got a few more to run in for the member for Bruce. This bill gives pubs breathing room, it helps them manage costs and it makes it less likely that price rises get passed on to customers. That's good for small business, good for workers and good for anyone who enjoys an affordable drink at their local. This is what good government looks like: listening, understanding and acting. When I first raised this issue with the Treasurer, I told him what I was hearing on the ground from everyday Aussies around the Hunter and around the pubs in Cessnock, Singleton and Greta. I said: 'Mate, when I walk into one of those pubs in Cessnock, Toronto, Morisset, Greta, Lake Macquarie or Weston—there are so many to choose from because we do have a few pubs—I see the same thing. Small-business owners are doing everything they can to keep the prices fair, to keep locals coming through the doors and to keep staff in work. But, every time that indexation clock ticks over, they're the ones paying the price.' I said: 'Let's take a bit of pressure off. Let's show some common sense.' And he listened, which is good. Earlier this year, the Assistant Treasurer moved a motion in this House to freeze beer tax. I do like a nice, ice-cold beer, but I can tell you that the one I had in August when this freeze came in was one of the coldest beers I've had, cause I knew—do you know what it was? It was a Stone & Wood and it was delicious. I really enjoyed it. I followed it up with a Carlton Draught and had a good, enjoyable time with a few of my mates knowing that that price was not going to go up with indexation for two years. Motions like that are great for signalling intent, but, to make it law, you need legislation. That's why we're here today—to make sure we're getting this legislation right. And that's why we're talking about this. This is a government putting action behind the chat and behind the talk. Some people might ask, 'Why not just cut the beer tax permanently?' I definitely get where…
date: 2025-11-25T19:19:00+00:00

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: We're going good. We're going very well.
encoded: We're going good. We're going very well.
date: 2025-11-25T19:19:00+00:00

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: There's one thing you learn quickly as the member for Hunter: it's that a good conversation usually starts over a beer. Not in the office, not in a formal meeting—you're standing at the bar...
encoded: There's one thing you learn quickly as the member for Hunter: it's that a good conversation usually starts over a beer. Not in the office, not in a formal meeting—you're standing at the bar of one of our fantastic pubs and clubs right here in the Hunter. Whether it's the Bellbird Hotel, the Aussie in Cessnock, the Horse and Jockey in Singo, the Morisset Hotel down in Lake Mac, the Kurri Kurri Bowling Club or the Western Workers—that's where you hear what people are really thinking. I've had hundreds of chats in those places, with publicans, bar staff, brewers and locals just trying to relax after a good long week at work. One thing that comes up time and time again is that the cost of everything just keeps going up. That includes the cost of pulling a beautiful beer. When I talk to the publicans and club managers, they tell me the same thing: the twice-yearly indexation on beer excise is killing them. Every February and every August, prices go up and they have to make a call. Either they absorb it and cop the hit, or they pass it on and risk losing the punters. That's why the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 matters. It's not about fancy economics or Canberra jargon. It's about keeping the doors open in pubs, keeping people in jobs and giving locals a fair go. When you live in the Hunter, you know how important the local pub is. It's more than just a place to go grab a cold one. It's where fundraisers are held, where footy teams celebrate, where mates catch up after a shift and where communities come together. In Branxton I've been to raffles that have raised thousands and thousands of dollars for local kids. In Kurri I've seen the pubs chip in to sporting clubs when the season's gone a fraction over budget. In Toronto I've met the bar staff who know every customer by name and know who's doing it tough. But running a pub or club isn't easy. Costs are going up everywhere: power, wages, insurance, supply. Every six months the tax on beer quietly ticks …
date: 2025-11-25T19:19:00+00:00

Men's Mental Health | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I move: That this House: (1) recognises that men's mental health remains one of the most pressing and under-discussed health challenges in Australia; (2) notes that every day, an average of seven...
encoded: I move: That this House: (1) recognises that men's mental health remains one of the most pressing and under-discussed health challenges in Australia; (2) notes that every day, an average of seven Australian men take their own lives, lives that could have been saved with earlier support and connection; (3) acknowledges the ongoing stigma that too often stops men from reaching out for help when they are struggling; (4) calls on all levels of government, business, and community leaders to continue promoting awareness campaigns, education, and workplace initiatives that make it clear that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness; (5) encourages men everywhere to check in on their mates, their workmates, and themselves and to make use of the great services available; and (6) affirms that mental health is not just an individual issue but a community one, and that when men are supported to speak up and seek help, families and communities right across Australia are stronger for it. Deputy Speaker Lawrence, before I begin, you might be wondering why I'm standing here today in what is probably the brightest and boldest suit parliament has ever seen. I want to assure you that I didn't lose a bet and I'm not on my way to a fancy dress party. I'm wearing this TradeMutt and TIACS suit because it's designed to do exactly what it's done all day. It makes people stop, it makes them look and, most importantly, it makes them talk. This suit is part of a movement called TIACS, which stands for This Is A Conversation Starter. Today I'm proud to wear it so we can start a very important conversation about men's mental health. TIACS was created by two tradies, Dan and Ed, who are here today, who lost a mate to suicide. They wanted to make sure other men did not slip through the cracks, so they built something simple and practical. TIACS is a free mental health support service for tradies, truckies, miners, farmers, apprentices, hospo workers and, really, anybody doing it tough. …
date: 2025-11-24T19:12:00+00:00

Ethnic Religious Minorities | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
encoded: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
date: 2025-11-24T18:52:00+00:00

Men's Health | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: I never thought I'd come into the parliament and talk about semen, but here we are, and I'm thrilled to rise to the occasion because, while it's a topic that gets a few giggles, it's actually one...
encoded: I never thought I'd come into the parliament and talk about semen, but here we are, and I'm thrilled to rise to the occasion because, while it's a topic that gets a few giggles, it's actually one that we need to take far more seriously, preferably before things go flaccid on us as a nation. Right now, one in six couples needs help to start a family. Even though male factors are involved about half of the time, blokes have somehow managed to dodge this for decades—but not anymore, because in Newcastle we have an absolutely world-class team turning this whole field around. And, yes, they really are the masters of the reproductive arts. I'm talking about Leanne Murray, Geoff De lulliis, Rich Kahl, Eddie O'Reilly, Neredah Goodwin and Dr John Schjenken—researchers who are genuinely leading the world in understanding sperm health, environmental impacts and what actually makes a healthy baby. They are tackling everything from heat stress, PFAS, diet, stress and all the things that can shrink a bloke's—chances! Their work means earlier advice, better IVF outcomes and fewer couples going through the heartbreak of not being able to get pregnant. Here's the big message. Male reproductive health isn't a joke, but, if a few cheeky lines from us helps get young blokes paying attention, then I'm more than happy to have them keep coming. To the team at Newcastle: keep up the hard work and make sure our swimmers get to that goal. Cheers.
date: 2025-11-24T16:32:00+00:00

Men's Health | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: Yes, for those wondering, I am wearing a very bright trademarked TIAC suit. No, your television is not broken and, yes, your eyes will recover. But I am wearing this loud get-up for a loud...
encoded: Yes, for those wondering, I am wearing a very bright trademarked TIAC suit. No, your television is not broken and, yes, your eyes will recover. But I am wearing this loud get-up for a loud reason: to start conversations about men's health and men's mental health because too many blokes are suffering in silence. Australia has some of the healthiest men in the world, who also happen to be world-class at avoiding the doctor. Sixty per cent of blokes wait more than a week to get checked and one-third wait over one month. We service our cars every 12 months or every 10,000 kilometres, but try getting a bloke to book a GP appointment—good luck. The stats are no joke: seven men per day die by suicide; 40 per cent more men die from cardiovascular disease than women. More than 3,500 men lose their lives to prostate cancer every year, one of the most treatable cancers if we get on top of it early. In male-dominated industries like the construction and mining workforces across Newcastle and the Hunter, the mental health risks skyrocket and yet nearly one-quarter of men say they would not seek help from anyone. So if a loud suit like this can start one conversation, nudge one mate to speak up or get one bloke through a tough patch, I will happily look like a hi-vis packet of skittles in this House any day of the year. Let's keep on talking. Let's keep blokes alive. Thank you to Dan and Ed up in the gallery. Thank you for what you do for men's health.
date: 2025-11-24T13:40:00+00:00

Hunter Electorate: Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, Hunter Academy of Sport | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: I had the pleasure of attending this year's Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, a night that celebrates the people and the businesses that keep our community moving. These are locals who...
encoded: I had the pleasure of attending this year's Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, a night that celebrates the people and the businesses that keep our community moving. These are locals who are open early, who close late and who back our region every single day, creating jobs, supporting families and helping our towns thrive. A shout-out to this year's winners: the outstanding employee award went to Jade Gray from Flying Colours Education; outstanding young business leader was awarded to Quyen Nguyen from Dental Folk; outstanding business leader went to Peter Haynes from Northern New South Wales Football—well done, Haynesy; outstanding visitor experience was awarded to Matt Hall Racing; employer of choice went to Move About Therapy Services Warners Bay; excellence in innovation went to Fire Response; excellence in sustainability went to Northern New South Wales Football; outstanding new business went to Showtime Kayaking; excellence and diversity and inclusion went to Dynamic Business Technologies; outstanding community organisation went again to Northern New South Wales Football—they cleaned up that night; excellence in micro business went to Psyborg; excellence in small business went to Yard Kings Brewing—and it is beautiful beer, may I say; excellence in large business went to Agility Professional Tree Service; Origin Energy's people's choice award went to 8 at Trinity—congratulations to Keith and Natalie; and the big one, business of the year, went to the amazing Matt Hall Racing. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. It's groups like you that keep the Hunter what it is. Thank you. Speaking of local pride, it's not just our businesses that are kicking goals. The same drive and determination we see in local entrepreneurs can also be found in our young athletes. I want to recognise some outstanding young sports stars from the Hunter, recently celebrated by the Hunter Academy of Sport. Every year, the academy's Athlete of the Year and Rising Star aw…
date: 2025-11-05T09:33:00+00:00