Meryl Swanson
Paterson · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“The Albanese government is also expanding the Help to Buy scheme, which will help even more Australians achieve homeownership. Under Help to Buy, eligible Australians can buy a home with a deposit of as little as two per cent.”
“We're already seeing the difference that the programs we've already initiated are making. Across my electorate, 2,323 people and families have already taken up the first-home guarantee, helping them purchase a home with just a five per cent deposit. That's 2,323 families that are in homes.”
“Today is a landmark day. Today the Australian Labor Albanese government has reinvigorated the great Australian dream, which—let's face it—was becoming a nightmare, particularly for young people. We have stared down the darkness. This is the cold, hard light of day.”
“More people are choosing to live in regional Australia, and that's pushed up house prices and rental costs, creating real pressure for young people and all people trying to get ahead. I regularly hear from young people who work really hard, and they are saving and they do make sacrifices.”
“In communities like Maitland and Port Stephens, we're seeing pressures that come with rapid growth. Almost 96,000 people now call Maitland home, and we welcome around 2,000 new residents every year. By 2041, that number is expected to reach 145,000 people. Our region's growth is a sign of strength.”
“Importantly, support is also available through the family-home guarantee, which helps eligible single parents purchase a home with a deposit as little as two per cent. For single parents balancing work and family responsibility and the cost of living, this support can make a real difference.”
The complete record
Every one of 255 lines we hold for Meryl Swanson, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 6.
“Regrettably, last week, Tomago Aluminium made the announcement that it would go to consultation with its employees about the potential closure of the smelter. Tomago Aluminium is Australia's largest aluminium smelter, producing just under 40 per cent of what we use. It employs around 1,200 people directly, and, indirectly, there are around another 6,000 people impacted by that smelter. The smelter had to go to consultation as a legal requirement of its enterprise bargaining agreement, and I want to speak to those people that were there at a quarter to six last week hearing the news. Your government stands with you. We need to work through this problem in a very sensible, systematic way. We need the New South Wales government to work through it with us as well, and we also need the owners of that smelter to be part of these negotiations.”
“I couldn't be happier or prouder. Everyone in our community is proud of that—their brothers, their husbands, their mates. We're all so pleased to see women playing rugby league. It is a testament to how amazing and fantastic football can be. Today I congratulate each and every player, coach, volunteer, supporter and ref—yes, we do love our refs! Well done, and may the footy be just as great next year.”
“It's also being talked about across the region. For me, it was a battle across the electorate. The Maitland Pickers played the Great Northern Hawks, based in Port Stephens—and what a contest! From the first whistle to the final siren, both teams played with heart, determination and incredible skill. The game was fierce and full of passion. In the end, just a single point separated the two teams. It was just incredible. They played into overtime. You wouldn't have gotten a better game of footy anywhere else in the world. The match wasn't just about sport; it was about progress. It was about the power of women's sport. For years, I grew up with girls playing footy with their brothers in the backyard, dreaming of pulling on the colours for the Pickers or the Hawks or the Kurri Bulldogs. Finally, those women are doing that.”
“That's an incredible achievement and a testament to the strength, depth and community spirit of this proud club. I can't go without mentioning a friendly rivalry that played out in the men's grand final. The member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, had his Cessnock Goannas take on my mighty Maitland Pickers—and, while the Goannas gave it a red-hot crack, they were no match for our Pickers. They played well, but I think the score, 30-8, kind of tells the story there. Well done, Pickers! Keep going, Goannas. Sorry, Member for Hunter. And just to rub salt into their wounds, it was the Picker's fourth consecutive grand final win. We are dominating! Four years in a row—that's not luck; that's hard work, belief and an extraordinary work ethic. I have to say that it was the women's grand final that was really extraordinary.”
“As September came to an end, so did another incredible footy season across our region, and with that, the grand finals, the late-night training sessions, the nerves and the triumphs—and, yes, a few coaches were absolutely hanging on by a thread, not to mention those refs, as the member for Werriwa, who sits beside me, knows as she was a football ref in her time as well. But this year felt different. It was special. It was one of those years that remind you why community football and sport matter so deeply to who we are. The 2025 Newcastle Rugby League final series was a showcase of pure local talent, and right at the heart of it were the mighty Maitland Pickers. The Pickers didn't just compete; they dominated. They were represented in those grand finals in three of the four grades: reserve grade, the women's league and first grade.”
“They involved themselves in clearing and cultural burning, and, from some of the research I've done and things I've seen over the years, our bush was better maintained then than this wild greenie theory of just letting it be bush. That doesn't work and, let me tell you, you've only got to stare down a bushfire to understand that. We need forestry. We need to manage our bush. It is vitally important. This government understands the balance between environmentally responsible and sustainable forestry and being able to keep this vital industry going on many levels.”
“We're also working hand in hand with forestry through initiatives like the Timber Fibre Strategy, linking forestry to national priorities such as housing and ensuring collaboration with state and territories governments, and we've taken a firm stand against illegal logging, with world-leading laws that give Australians confidence in the legality and sustainability of the timbers they buy. Australia's forestry sector is a living legacy supporting over 51,000 direct jobs, contributing billions to the economy and safeguarding forests of over 134 million hectares. And—let me just say—it is also in very important to our Indigenous estates. More than half of this forest land sits on those Indigenous estates. Let me tell you, our First Nations people were the first foresters of this country.”
“But, at the federal level, we provide a stable national framework, including the regional forest agreements, which balance environmental protection with industry certainty, ensuring our forestry sectors can thrive for generations to come. The Albanese Labor government is investing in the future of forestry with a landmark $300 million package to improve capacity, drive innovation and secure jobs in the long-term. That is very important. There is $10 million alone in forestry workforce training and $8.6 million to extend the national network of regional forestry hubs. These are all really important initiatives. We want to keep our forestry going.”
“This government recognises both native forestry and plantation timber. Native forests provide high-grade products such as flooring and furniture and structural timber—and the fencing, don't forget about that! Without access to these resources, we risk relying on imports from other countries. They have got less environmental control and less stringency in their controls often. It's not just a number; it is so important that we keep this $278 million sector alive in our economy. It sustains communities. It also plays such a role in those other businesses that are reliant on it. Let me be clear, the day-to-day management of native forests is the responsibility of state and territory governments, and it's a big responsibility.”
“In fact, it probably runs a little bit closer to the core than that, because, two years ago, my wonderful husband, Nick, gave up a 33-year career in business to go back to his roots. He started his own rural fencing contract business. He and his young offsider have been out in the heat and the wet and all the conditions for the last two years building rural fences. Let me tell you, I know more about iron bark, stringy bark, white mahogany, tallowwood—all of the hardwoods—because you need that to build rural fences. It is absolutely important to have a good and reliable hardwood supply. We've heard a lot about furniture. We've heard a lot about homes. But please don't underestimate the humble fence. Whether you're trying to keep them out or keep them in, it's very important. Fencing—don't let that go unnoticed.”
“I'm particularly proud to stand here on behalf of the Albanese government and talk about its unwavering and strong support for sustainable and innovative forestry industries in Australia—an industry that is vital not only to our national economy but to the lifeblood of regional communities like the one that I represent in Paterson. In fact, in Heddon Greta, the Cox Bros Timber mill has supplied and is today supplying timber. In fact, in my home I've got the receipts from the house that my grandfather built. He got the timber from that mill in Heddon Greta. As member of the Parliamentary Friends of Forestry, Timber and Paper Products, I take personal interest in the vibrancy of this sector.”
“In accordance with the resolution agreed to by the House on 7 October 2025, I will put the question immediately. The question is that the bill now be read a second time. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time. Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.”
“In accordance with the resolution agreed to by the House on 7 October 2025, I will put the question immediately. The question is that the bill now be read a second time. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time. Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.”
“I know that in this Chamber today there are members who have faced extraordinary weather events in recent months. I'm also a part of that. We've had farmers in my electorate who have been flooded out. I know the member for Gilmore has spoken about her electorate's experiences, and I know the member for Lyne will talk about the terrible experiences just north of my electorate. To all those farmers: like you do every day, keep on keeping on, and we'll be with you every step of the way.”
“These are really important developments, and each of these achievements translates into real income, real money, for our farmers; more secure jobs in rural and regional communities; and a stronger Australian economy. We know that our world-class biosecurity system is the major reason why our trading partners trust us. They know that we care about the detail and we're serious about implementation. That's why we've committed more than $2 billion to keep strengthening our biosecurity defences. This is serious. It's a long-term investment, and we protect our nation with it. While these numbers are exciting, we understand that not every farmer's story is the same, and that's why we continue to work closely with state governments to make sure that support reaches those who need it most.”
“What's more, our export markets are now more varied than ever before, which helps protect us from the ups and downs of the global economy. Farmers know this better than anyone. They face not only the ups and downs of weather and climate and local and domestic economies but also that ever-present global economy fluctuation. When we came into government, we faced $20 billion worth of barriers that were holding back trade, including stalled access to key markets. But, since then, we've opened the doors to new opportunities in more than 230 cases, whether that's Australian honey now heading to Vietnam, better access for our table grapes in Japan, crayfish going into China or queen bees being exported to Canada.”
“It's not just about being able to ship out the goods and the incredible produce that we have; it's about some of the trade barriers, some of the technical things and the measures that get in the way. We have been able to deal with those as well, and that's an important thing. Those barriers are sometimes a bit difficult to work out, but, when you crack that nut, it's a sweet nut indeed, and we've done that. We've also focused on growing the agricultural workforce, helping farmers build resilience against climate change, and supporting the research and innovation needed to keep our industry competitive and biosecure. This year our agricultural exports are expected to hit around $75 billion, which will be the third highest on record.”
“This success didn't happen by chance. It's the result of genuine partnership between an agricultural sector that continues to deliver exceptional results and a government that listens and delivers. Our farmers, fishers and foresters are amongst the most productive in the world, and we stand behind them all the way. We've been opening up new markets overseas and making sure our trade relationships are stronger and more diverse than ever. I was talking to the minister moments ago about the incredible comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates that has just been delivered. In the first 12 months, that partnership agreement, also known as a free trade agreement, is going to deliver $50 million in savings to our agricultural sector and close down some trade barriers.”
“We're here talking about agricultural sector in Australia, a sector that truly is the backbone not only of our economy but many of our regional and remote communities. It's great to have the minister in the chamber, and I want to commend her on the work she's done since taking up the portfolio. We set ourselves a bold target a few years ago to grow the value of our farm production to $100 billion by 2030. Today I'm proud to say that we're closer to reaching this than ever before. In fact recent forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences show that this financial year the value of what our farmers produce is expected to reach $95 billion. Congratulations to them. That's a huge leap forward and proof that the hard work of our farmers, supported by sensible government, is paying off.”
“My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. How will the free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates expand opportunities for our farmers and producers? How do regional communities benefit from this improvement to Australia's standing and our trade relationships?”
“We're extending skills development in the scheme so that workers return home with not just income but new capability and new absolute determination. It's soft diplomacy in action, and it's making our world a better place.”
“Right across the Hunter I see the contribution of these workers not just in economic terms but in heart and spirit. Let's be clear. When PALM workers are safe, supported and valued, we all benefit. That's why we've brought the scheme's delivery into the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, to ensure there are proper safeguards and protections in place and to prevent exploitation. This government doesn't just talk about fairness; we deliver it. The benefits of this scheme extend well beyond our borders. On average, PALM workers send home $1,500 a month. That money helps pay for food, education and medicine and often helps start small businesses back in workers' home countries. It's not aid; it's development that works.”
“This is the reason we've seen that big uptick from 8,000 workers in 2020 to 31,000 just five years later. Since July last year, more than 130 new employers have come on board as well, bringing the total to around 514 employers involved in the scheme. That means more local businesses can stay open, they can meet food supply demand and they can keep local Australians in jobs, because they've got the support that they need. This scheme does more than just fill jobs. It builds communities. PALM workers are becoming part of the social fabric of our towns, particularly in regional and rural areas. They're scoring tries on the footy field, they're joining our churches, they're volunteering with the firies and, in the process, they're becoming our friends and our neighbours. We're creating bonds that will last a lifetime.”
“But under Labor we've acted. We've expanded the PALM scheme from around 8,000 workers in March 2020 to over 31,000 as of June this year, 2025. Of those, more than 28,000 are working in agriculture and meat processing, industries that are the lifeblood of our region. It's great to have the member for Hunter here tonight with us in the Federation Chamber, because just across our electoral boundaries he's got the terrific Kurri Kurri abattoir and I know that there are PALM workers in that abattoir—and let me tell you it has some of the best meat you will ever eat; I recommend it. This is no accident. It is the result of having a coordinated policy, listening to our communities and backing it up with $440 million in investment to grow and improve the scheme.”
“They pay taxes and help strengthen Australia's revenue base, yet they often do this without the same entitlements and benefits many Australians take for granted. If it rains and there is no work, they don't get paid. There is no guaranteed income or safety net. Despite this uncertainty, they continue to show up with determination and good spirits. Their contribution deserves recognition and respect. This scheme is delivering for regional Australia, for our Pacific neighbours and for the communities I'm proud to represent in the Hunter region. When we came into government we inherited a system that was under strain. Critical labour shortages were holding back our productivity in agriculture, meat processing and other essential services. Businesses in the Hunter were crying out for workers, and they were being let down.”
“Tonight I rise to speak about one of the great success stories—the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme or PALM. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible contribution of Pacific Islander people to our nation. They are amongst the friendliest and most resilient individuals I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Many leave their families behind for extended periods, making significant personal sacrifice in the hope of creating better opportunities for their children and loved ones back at home. These workers come to Australia, the best country in the world, not just to seek opportunity but to contribute meaningfully to our agricultural sector and other sectors like the care economy through seasonal work. They take on physically demanding jobs that are critical to our supply chains.”
“We also stand with our incredibly professional childcare educators, who are facing some pretty torrid times at the moment. We are not just offering words; we are taking action. Just last night we saw the minister, Jason Clare, on 7 . 30 deliver a calm, serious and heartfelt response. It is worthwhile, so thank you so much for that, Minister. We care about children. Child care matters. It impacts us all, and this government is passing laws to ensure that. (Time expired)”
“During the campaign I spoke to an elderly gentleman in my electorate about the things we were delivering as a government. I mentioned child care and he said, 'Oh, love, my kids and my grandkids are all grown up, so it doesn't affect me. Anyway, I'm off for a blood test.' I stopped and I thought: I wonder if the blood collector or the pathologist has a child in child care? The thing is that child care impacts us all, every single one of us. Even for someone like me with a media background who hears the tough stories, the allegations out of Victoria were truly shocking. Our thoughts are with those families affected, those parents who trusted a service with their most precious things, the lives of their children, only to feel betrayed. Let me say that your government stands with you.”
“My question is to the Minister for Resources. How is the Albanese Labor government ensuring that Australian households and businesses have access to affordable and reliable gas supply, and how does this compare to other gas policies?”
“I know, in my area, which is one of the fastest growing areas in New South Wales, young families and older people care about their health. Last night, we made the biggest investment in Medicare since its creation over four decades ago. As part of that, we are investing in our hospitals and in training more doctors for regional areas like ours. The most exciting thing is that we are bringing an urgent care clinic to Maitland. We've got one in Cessnock. We've got one in Charlestown. Maitland, an urgent care clinic is coming to you. You will get it. It'll be bulk-billed. You won't need an appointment.”
“As my wonderful colleague the member for Reid, Sally Sitou, said last night about the budget, 'It's like a fourth child.' It was unexpected but a very pleasant surprise. I tell you, last night Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivered for our nation. He delivered a tax cut for every single working person in Paterson. He delivered more energy bill relief for every single household and business in Paterson. He delivered more homes, help for people to buy their first one and a $10,000 bonus for the apprentices who are signing on to help build those houses. While we're talking apprentices, we've made free TAFE permanent in Australia. Finally, we've funded public schools properly. But the biggest ticket on my list last night listening to the Treasurer was health.”
“My question is to the Minister for Health and Aged Care. How is the Albanese Labor government making medicines cheaper for Australian women by listing the first new contraceptive pills and menopausal hormone therapies on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme? How is it that these medicines have been left off the PBS for so long?”
“The other thing that I would really love to mention here is that Labor has been delivering for Australian farmers and producers by helping our nearly $100 billion agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector grow, and that is key. We need our ag sector to be growing. We recorded 169 market access achievements, and that is such a vital thing. The other point that I want to make is that ag is an incredibly dynamic sector. We are attracting young people to it. It's very high tech these days. The level of skill that's needed in agriculture these days is second to none and constantly evolving. I couldn't be prouder of being part of a government that is delivering for the ag sector and knows that we need to keep moving into the future to ensure that we do all have enough food and that we continue to feed the world as well.”
“I also want to thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, who is working so tirelessly to develop the first Agriculture and Land Sectoral Plan to chart the path for the industry to actively contribute to net zero, investing $1.1 billion in the current round of the National Heritage Trust and also investing $68.3 million to support the sector to act on climate and reduce emissions. I know a lot of young farmers want to do this. They're leading the way. They're into regenerative agriculture. That is such an important part of not only building our ag sector but also making it sustainable for the future.”
“Again, I am so delighted to be part of a government that has been able to open up trade again for our ag sector, getting us back into China and opening up the South-East Asian market. We are working incredibly hard on doing that—on ensuring that there are places for our agricultural products to be sold and that our farmers have access to them. It is just incredibly important in a world where trade is vital that we continue to forge ahead with getting our products to market, particularly in South-East Asia. I again commend Senator Farrell, the Minister for Trade and Tourism, who has done such a remarkable job.”
“Some of the other recommendations that we made were having a food plan for Australia and also having a minister for food. We've also made a recommendation that we need to enforce the grocery code of conduct and make it mandatory. That is one of the recommendations that the government has put in place, and I am very pleased about that. So this report is a seminal text according to the industry, who backed it, and I again want to say that I do hope that we get to take more action on this report. The other report that we managed to do in the ag committee this year was T rading north , and it came off the back of Sir Nicholas Moore's report, which said that we really needed to lean into our South-East Asian markets.”
“Despite being one of the most food-secure countries in the world, recent developments, both here and overseas, have shown us that food security presents real and growing challenges for our nation. We need to be focusing on that food security, and I again want to thank everyone who made a contribution to that report. A couple of the recommendations in that report which I think are worth speaking about are that we need a food plan in Australia and we need to pay close attention to biosecurity, which our government is doing. We've in fact turned it around and protected our nation from things like lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease and avian flu. I know that biosecurity is at the top of the government's list when we think about agriculture because we have to protect our sector at all costs.”
“I am absolutely delighted to second this motion on agriculture today. I just want to start out by saying thank you to members of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture—the government, the opposition and some Independents—who have worked very well together to produce two really great reports in relation to agriculture. The first one is Australian food story: feeding the nation and beyond ,with apologies to Buzz Lightyear. It was an inquiry into food security. It took us over 12 months to complete this report, and it made 35 recommendations. Whilst we have an incredible agriculture sector here in Australia, food security is something that we need to turn our attention to.”
“I know the previous government and governments before that have treated our manufacturing industry very poorly. This government is backing in manufacturing. It's backing in industries like the aluminium industry. It's backing in Tomago Aluminium. That's what a future made in Australia really means when we talk about it. We've got this plan to back in local manufacturing, local jobs, and to invest in the future. Tomago Aluminium wants to run on renewable energy, but it's going to take some time. This $2 billion incentive is going to help bridge that gap. I back it every day of the week, and I back the jobs of aluminium workers and Tomago Aluminium.”
“And I couldn't be prouder to back in those workers. I know what it's like to go into those potlines. I haven't worked in a potline, but I've spent a lot of time in potlines. They are hot; they are places where you're breathing air that has lots of things in it. Basically it's really hard work to work in an aluminium smelter, but it's critical work. It's work that we need Australians to be doing. They're good, well-paid jobs, they're smart jobs and we must continue to support those workers and their jobs. The other interesting part about this big announcement is it's going to back in this critical metal into the future. When we talk about a future made in Australia, and you hear that talked about a lot here, this is what this is. It's backing in our manufacturing. We learnt during COVID that we'd stopped making a lot of things.”
“It is in our military aircraft and our naval vessels. It is in specialised equipment. It is a key industry that's also forming our renewable future. It is part of electric vehicles and it is certainly important in batteries. There is no facet of modern life that aluminium doesn't touch. That's why I am so pleased to say that our government, the Albanese Labor government, is backing aluminium in Australia. The Prime Minister came to my electorate a couple of weeks ago to make a $2 billion—billion with a 'b'—aluminium announcement. It is an aluminium production incentive and it's going to ensure investment in this industry is secure. And this $2 billion investment in the aluminium industry right across Australia is going to ensure the jobs of aluminium workers in seats like mine and in places like Tomago.”
“Tomago operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year producing 37 per cent of Australia's primary aluminium. Aluminium is our fifth-largest export commodity. Tomago Aluminium is pivotal to that export. A thousand-plus people work at Tomago, plus 200 contractors, and indirectly around 5,000 local people depend on Tomago Aluminium. Across the country 13,000 people depend on the smelting of aluminium in our country. But it's bigger than that and aluminium is bigger than wrapping up the leftover sausages from a Saturday barbecue. Aluminium is the future. It is in everyday products like the solar panels on our roofs. It is in our smart phones. Pretty much everyone in this place has a piece of my electorate in their phone, I'm guessing, because the aluminium that goes into these smart phones comes largely from Tomago Aluminium.”
“They might say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but I am an aluminium woman. It is interesting how themes run through your life. Aluminium does have a very special place in my heart. When I was just 14, I won a scholarship to live in northern England. It was sponsored by Cessnock City Council, our local council, and Alcan, which ran the smelter in Kurri Kurri. I lived with a wonderful English family. I went to school there and I visited British Alcan in Lynemouth many times as part of my scholarship. I learned a lot about how aluminium was made and its importance. It was a big deal for a kid from Heddon Greta who hadn't really travelled the world at all. Fast forward 40 years and I now represent Tomago, and Tomago is the home of Tomago Aluminium. Tomago is located pretty much right in the heart of my electorate of Paterson.”
“When I talk to people in my seat, when I knock on their door, they say: 'Meryl, I care about the health of my kids, my parents and myself.' We get that health care is the No. 1 priority for most Australians. We are taking it seriously because this is a serious government that puts serious policies in place. We want all Australians to be healthy from the cradle to the grave, and we are investing in your health. We care about your health, not like those opposite who wanted to impose GP taxes and rip the money out of health. We're putting it back in right now.”
“I'm a bit sleep deprived. I woke up 2.30 this morning, fell back to sleep at about 5.30 and then the alarm went off at six. Thank you, menopause. I'm not on my own. Thousands of women are like me right across the country. For generations we've been sucking it up and putting up with it. We're saying, 'No more!' Finally, we've got a government that cares about women and their health. We are going to be more productive. We are going to make it easier and cheaper to get health care for women, and that's a good thing. The other reason I'm a little bit tired is I had about a hundred 21-year-olds at my house on Saturday night, and those young women and young men can party. But, let me tell you, they care about their health care too.”
“We're going to keep putting money into our hospitals, and we're going to keep supporting our doctors. We support our nurses and know that they need to be well paid. Health care is the thing that people absolutely value, and so do we as a government. We're not going to let people down, we're going to continue to support them on their health journey, and they can rely on an Albanese government to put health first, second and third.”
“So many people were just aghast at the thought of a GP tax, of cutting funding for hospitals and making it harder to see a GP. Well, the government that you have now wants to support your health ambitions, we want people to be healthier and we are putting money into health care. The other point I want to make is that in my seat of Paterson, since we've been in government in the last three years—I hear this: 'Are you better off?'—I know that nearly 70,000 more people have been able to be bulk-billed. It's up three per cent in my seat. Around Maitland and Port Stephens we are seeing bulk-billing on the rise, and I'm really grateful and pleased for that. We're going to keep campaigning and keep fighting for our urgent care clinic, so that more people will be able to be attended to promptly.”
“The other part of this is that we have been working to strengthen Medicare. We've been working to support our doctors. We've just made an enormous announcement: billions of dollars going into our hospitals. We know that our hospitals need to be better funded, so we are entirely pleased to put the money into the hospital system. We've made those announcements; it is happening. Labor gets that Australians want to be healthy from the cradle to the grave. We understand that a healthy life is the fullest life you can live, and we're prepared to fund that, unlike those opposite. When the Leader of the Opposition was the minister for health, he was rated one of the worst. I think he and Tony Abbott shared the crown there.”
“You can go there with your Medicare card, not a credit card, and that is so important. That's why I have been campaigning and I am now running a terrific petition with my community, who are backing it in, saying, 'We want an urgent care clinic in Paterson.' Paterson is one of the fastest-growing areas in New South Wales. We have had so many people come to live in our beautiful part of the world, but we know the health care hasn't kept up. I'm so pleased to have the member for Newcastle sat beside me today, because she has been championing the new urgent care clinic that's just opened in Charlestown, that's helping take the pressure off the John Hunter Hospital. When we get our clinic in Paterson, in Maitland, it is going to help take the pressure off the Maitland Hospital as well. These things are just so important.”
“You know exactly what I'm talking about, and so do Australian women. This is why we take health care seriously. In the last 24 hours, we have announced over $500 million to help Australian women with their health. When I'm out in my electorate of Paterson, talking to people, and talking to women in their homes, health care is the No. 1 issue they raise with me. Whether they raise it for their children, for their parents or for themselves, health care is first past the post, every time. That's why I am so pleased to be part of a government that's taking health care seriously, and not just for women but for all Australians. We've launched our urgent care clinics, and they are making a marked difference. When you need care that may not require you to go to a hospital, but it is urgent, the urgent care clinic is the place to go.”