Anne Stanley
Werriwa · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Time today does not permit me to speak on the other parts of our health system, particularly the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and this government's support for our public hospitals across the country, but suffice it to say that, along with the pillar of bulk-billing, the picture looks wonderful.”
“Previously, more than 1,400 of these were mixed billing practices. The upshot of this means that approximately 97 per cent of the population is now within a 20-minute drive of a bulk-billing practice.”
“My parents and our country were excited for Medibank; there would be no more bankruptcy to stay healthy. The disdain for the universal healthcare system from those opposite was established from the outset, as far back as 1975.”
“Indeed, Medicare and the PBS are among the most trusted federal public services in the country. Medicare is central to Labor's philosophy and DNA. We will always defend it and strengthen it. To that end, the matter before us today is yet another step in the Medicare story.”
“By introducing these amendments, the government will strengthen the way it provides financial incentives to primary care providers and ensure the integrity of existing and future incentive programs.”
“Since the urgent care clinic network commenced in 2023, there have been more than 623,000 bulk-billed visits in New South Wales. In Werriwa, the newly opened urgent care clinic in Austral has seen thousands of patients, which both helps those who need to see a GP and takes the pressure off our stretched public hospitals.”
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“I would like to give a shout-out to all the GPs in my electorate who've embraced the incentive program and, in doing so, are now supporting bulk-billing. To stand here as a member for Werriwa to speak about this bill and Medicare is a privilege. The cost-of-living pressures in the electorate are real, but the Medicare incentive program makes a real difference to thousands in my electorate, and it means they don't have to think twice about seeing their GP if they're unwell. I commend the bill to the House and thank the minister for bringing it forward.”
“Time today does not permit me to speak on the other parts of our health system, particularly the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and this government's support for our public hospitals across the country, but suffice it to say that, along with the pillar of bulk-billing, the picture looks wonderful. Australians look to their government and especially this parliament to support them with the services and programs they need. Most of these, perhaps none is more dear to Australia's heart than Medicare and bulk-billing. The bill supports the provision of this most important program. It should be noted that the Medicare incentive program also supports our primary healthcare professionals, most notably GPs. After years of neglect, the incentive program ensures that our GPs are appropriately remunerated for their skill and dedication.”
“The Austral clinic was excellent in treating me—short wait time, great staff and a successfully stitched finger. Follow-up care was provided by my GP clinic. I'm writing to give feedback that these urgent care clinics are a great initiative and, at least for me anecdotally, provide a great service to the community. I'm happy that Labor put forward these clinics and will support them going forward, and that's a solid win for this policy and our government in my eyes.' The upshot of the Medicare incentive program is that our universal healthcare system has never been stronger or more popular.”
“Since the urgent care clinic network commenced in 2023, there have been more than 623,000 bulk-billed visits in New South Wales. In Werriwa, the newly opened urgent care clinic in Austral has seen thousands of patients, which both helps those who need to see a GP and takes the pressure off our stretched public hospitals. I received feedback over the last weekend about how well the Austral urgent care clinic is working. Chris is a constituent who has used the Austral clinic and who wrote to me with the following feedback: 'I used the Austral urgent care clinic around six weeks ago as I had a severe cut to my finger—not enough for hospital but more than I could take care of myself. My local GP was booked out and may not have been able to treat it even if they weren't.”
“Previously, more than 1,400 of these were mixed billing practices. The upshot of this means that approximately 97 per cent of the population is now within a 20-minute drive of a bulk-billing practice. Across New South Wales, the bulk-billing rates stand at 85.4 per cent, which is up four percentage points, but in Werriwa the numbers are even better. There are 32 bulk-billing practices in Werriwa, which is an increase of seven. This means that well over 90 per cent of all GP consultations in Werriwa are bulk-billed. Personally, I find it extremely gratifying to travel through the electorate and see the distinctive green-and-gold Medicare bulk-billing signs which identify a fully bulk-billing practice. Complementing this huge lift in bulk-billing is the additional number of Medicare urgent care clinics across the country.”
“By introducing these amendments, the government will strengthen the way it provides financial incentives to primary care providers and ensure the integrity of existing and future incentive programs. At its heart, this bill supports the Albanese Labor government's $8.5 billion commitment to expand bulk-billing for all Australians, which includes the incentive programs for practices that bulk-bill every patient. The success of this initiative has been nothing short of phenomenal. The latest quarterly bulk-billing data shows the national bulk-billing rate at 81.9 per cent for the January to March quarter. This is a 4.6 percentage point increase on the same period last year. Further, as a result of this initiative, there are more than 3,800 bulk-billing practices around the country.”
“Indeed, Medicare and the PBS are among the most trusted federal public services in the country. Medicare is central to Labor's philosophy and DNA. We will always defend it and strengthen it. To that end, the matter before us today is yet another step in the Medicare story. The Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026 establishes a clear legislative framework for the Commonwealth primary care incentive payment programs, including the Medicare Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program. It does this while leaving operational detail to the incentive payment programs' rules. As at present, these programs lack a clear legislative basis, which impacts their effective administration, including robust processes to enforce compliance and protect program integrity.”
“My parents and our country were excited for Medibank; there would be no more bankruptcy to stay healthy. The disdain for the universal healthcare system from those opposite was established from the outset, as far back as 1975. When Malcolm Fraser took office, Medibank was changed any number of times to the point that it eventually, in 1981, ceased to exist at all, except in the guise of Medibank Private. Thankfully, the return of Labor under Bob Hawke saw the reinstatement of Medibank—this time in the form of Medicare—in 1984. And, as they say, the rest is history. Forty-two years after Bob Hawke reinstated it, Medicare has continued to be the envy of the rest of the world. Interestingly, despite constant attacks by those opposite, Medicare has never been stronger or more supported by the Australian public.”
“It's easy to take the Medicare card for granted. All Australians above 15 years of age can obtain a card of their own, and despite the system not being perfect it really is the passport to the world's best universal healthcare system. Medicare is uniquely Australian and something that, as a nation, we can be very proud of. The antecedent of Medicare is Medibank, which was the promise of a previous member for Werriwa in 1972, and our community still values health above anything else. Prior to Medibank and Medicare, I remember the conversations around the table about whether my parents could afford to take both or one of their kids to the doctor, as well as the home remedies that were tried and often failed before a doctor's visit was planned.”
“My question is to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. What progress has been made by the Albanese Labor government to repair and rebuild our aged-care workforce? Why was it necessary, after a decade of neglect?”
“This means that almost all Australians live within a 20-minute drive of a bulk-billing clinic, and May's budget confirmed that urgent care clinics are now a permanent feature of our healthcare landscape. Urgent care clinics in south-west Sydney ease the burden of already strapped emergency departments in Liverpool, Campbelltown and Fairfield. They also ensure that mums, dads, kids and older Australians get the advice they need when they need it out of hours. This is what access to Medicare and health looks like: care when you need it, where you need it and free of charge.”
“Over many years, the focus for the residents of Werriwa has been the health of their families. The Albanese government has worked steadily since its election to ensure that health care is affordable and available close to where you live. The tripling of the bulk-billing incentive has seen 32 fully bulk-billed GP practices available to the people I represent in suburbs like Austral, Green Valley, Cecil Hills, Lurnea, Hoxton Park, Casula and Prestons. Our election commitment to open an urgent care clinic in Austral was realised in January this year. Already more than 2,000 people have accessed the clinic. The clinic joins the 137 Australia-wide, as promised and delivered by this government. There have been more than 3.1 million visits to urgent care clinics Australia-wide.”
“Even before operations have begun, the economic benefits to the local economy are strong. With the opening of the final link of the M7 to the M12 flyover, the airport is ready to open later this year and deliver the jobs and the economic dividends for our local communities.”
“The airport—named after female aviation icon Nancy-Bird Walton, founder of the Australian Women Pilots' Association and a trailblazing aviator—is about to open. In May my staff and I had the privilege of a guided tour of the new airport, hosted by executives who have delivered WSI on budget and on time. The welcoming interior and modern amenities show that this is truly a 21st century project and ranks amongst the most modern and innovative airports in the world. It will open to passengers later in the year. The airport has already strongly supported the local economy, using Australian sourced and locally fabricated steel, and sandstone from the Central Coast, cut in Western Sydney, and contracting local IT and technology companies right here in Sydney.”
“Locally, it was my pleasure to deliver an election commitment by securing a $10,000 grant to support the Philippine Australian Global Alliance for Service and Advocacy, the Visayan Association of Australia and the Philippine-Australian Community Foundation. The Albanese government is supporting the hardworking volunteers to run events throughout the year for members of the Philippine and wider Australian community in south-west Sydney. Thank you again to Juan Salazar and all of the volunteers for their work. They ensure that the friendship between our two nations continues to grow and flourish. Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is a transformational project for all of Sydney, building our economic resilience and boosting capacity for freight and tourism.”
“South-west Sydney is home to every culture and religion. This year is the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Philippines. In Werriwa, one of the most active and involved cultural groups are Filipino Australians. Over 3,000 residents were born in the Philippines, and Tagalog is spoken by more than 2,500 of my constituents. Few countries enjoy such a close relationship as the Philippines does with Australia. Our economic, defence and development ties are indicative of the significant mutual respect and trust. It is a partnership in every sense. Last weekend, I attended the marking of the Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo celebrations with our local Filipino community. Marked by mass officiated by Father Paul Monkerud at All Saints Liverpool, the event showcased our wonderful volunteer Philippine community.”
“This nation's success is at least in part because of the people that have come from over the seas to make their homes here, because of migration, including permanent residents. To treat them as second-class, as the leader of the opposition has suggested, is nothing short of disgraceful. House adjourned at 19:59”
“I've also attended hundreds of citizenship ceremonies in my time in public life. Each is special. My attendance at these ceremonies also shows me that, while there are no two identical journeys of migration, there are also no identical journeys to citizenship. Regardless, all have to wait a time, paying their taxes, while they meet the citizenship residency requirements. I wish I had a dollar for every permanent resident who has approached my office to expedite their actual citizenship ceremony at Liverpool City Council, which has been inexplicably delayed. Our nation and my community rely on people coming to Australia to work, raise families and become Australians.”
“I cannot imagine my electorate without the thousands of immigrants, many of whom are permanent residents, who each in their own way make a unique contribution. Permanent residents are choosing our values and our democracy and our way of life by coming to Australia and working so hard. They are the healthcare workers. They are the aged-care workers. They're the childcare workers. Seventy-one per cent of the workers in the care economy in Werriwa speak a language other than English at home. They are also the doctors in our communities and in our hospitals. These can't be the people that should not migrate here. They are the small-business owners, the entrepreneurs, the tradies that we need to build our houses. And they are the restaurant owners. Surely, these people cannot be the people that are being referred to in this policy direction.”
“In the budget reply speech, the proposed policy was laid out and indicated that only citizens should receive government support, excluding permanent residents. Let's be clear. Permanent residents pay taxes. They're here legally. They contribute. They have families. They fill vital roles which make our nation more prosperous, more complete, and they add to our community, not detract from it. In the defence of this policy, the opposition leader said, 'When you commit to this country, we'll commit to you.' It's clear from this statement that the Leader of the Opposition has not met a single permanent resident that lives in my community. If he had, he would know they are committed to this country. But, more than that, they're committed to growing and improving the communities in which they live. They are working towards citizenship.”
“Others have a more orderly and planned migration to Australia. They've planned their arrival for years, have established contacts and have an education pathway, a job and a house to go to. And then there are those that are somewhere in the middle. Regardless of how people arrive in this country, they all come with the same hope—for a better future for themselves and for their children. They know that Australia is a genuine land of opportunity where democracy flourishes and where hard work and ambition are rewarded. They know it's a safe place to raise their children. And this promise, this hope, has been available to all, to the exclusion of none. That was until the opposition leader's budget reply speech.”
“Like many electorates, Werriwa in south-west Sydney is an amalgam of every nation, religion and culture. I would argue that it is this diversity that makes the place I call home so special. It really has been this way in Australia since the First Fleet. Since 1788, wave after wave of immigrants have made their way to these shores, establishing themselves and their families and making their way ahead. My attendance at thousands of civic events over the last 20 years, both as a councillor and as a local MP, has demonstrated that no two journeys to these shores are the same. Some people leave their home under the most difficult of circumstances, with the scars of war, displacement or natural disaster, and they leave their home with nothing more than a handful of possessions, if that.”
“I'd love to see council use the grants that have been received from the federal government to fix many roads in the electorate of Werriwa or deliver on the parks in Austral as promised and funded by the federal government. When the council is slow to act, it's always the residents who were inconvenienced or, worse, put at risk. Speaking of which, I also want to add my concern about the proposed job losses that went to an extraordinary meeting of council last night. These job cuts, should they go ahead, will no doubt result in the cancellation of further basic services and see workers sacked when we need to be hiring workers to make sure that our normal services, like parks, run properly. Ratepayers are again paying the price for a council's poor administration.”
“On Saturday 18 April, the voters of Liverpool City Council South Ward went to the polls after the resignation of a councillor. Setting aside the unnecessary costs of this election, quoted by the media as at least $800,000, the election was because the CEO did not organise for a countback procedure at the beginning of the council term. Congratulations go to Labor's Zeli Munjiza, whose positive focused campaign meant that she won every booth in South Ward. This amazing result sends a clear message that the lack of services and broken promises should be addressed by council and the mayor, as the ratepayers have had enough of the grandiose ideas and want back to basic delivery.”
“It was great to have Prime Minister Albanese in attendance. National costumes, food stalls, entertainment and dance on the night were terrific, and it was an honour and a pleasure for me to attend. My electorate is home to thousands of Assyrian Australians. Their contribution to community life in every area is significant, and our part of the world is only strengthened by their presence. Congratulations to Hermiz Shahen and Dennis Suro and all the volunteers who organised this new year's celebration. I trust that year 6776 is a wonderful year full of happiness, joy and good health.”
“I've spoken in the past about the way different cultural and religious groups in the electorate of Werriwa celebrate the new year from 1 January until almost August. In this tradition, the most recent new year celebration was at the invitation of the Assyrian National Council of Australia and the Young Assyrians. The Assyrian civilisation and culture is one of the oldest on earth, dating back 7,000 years to Mesopotamia. In the Assyrian calendar, this year is 6776. Traditionally, the new year is celebrated on 1 April and, in ancient times, lasted several days, including processions, prayers, rituals and public gatherings. The new year is a proud expression of identity, resilience and cultural continuity. The new year event, held this year at Fairfield Showground, was, as always, a wonderful expression of Assyrian pride and tradition.”
“When viewed cumulatively, as a package which began with the first round of tax cuts in 2024, they mean the average taxpayer is expected to be taking home around $43 more a week. Labor still believes you should keep more of what you earn, and the latest round of tax cuts proves this. Labor's tax cuts return bracket creep and increase financial rewards from work. This is great news, and it makes me very proud to be a member of this Albanese Labor government.”
“The Albanese Labor government is committing to easing the cost-of-living pressures for all Australians. The government has demonstrated this in so many ways: in health, by increasing bulk-billing and reducing the cost of PBS medicines; in education, by free TAFE and cutting student debt; in energy, with bill relief; and, not in the least, tax cuts. On the latter, this government is returning more money to the pockets of taxpayers—not some but all 14 million. From aged-care workers to those in retail, from truck drivers to teachers, everyone benefits from Labor's tax cuts. Unbelievably, those opposite, in the lead-up to last year's election, opposed Labor's latest round of tax cuts, and the electorate judged them accordingly. The tax cuts beginning on 1 July are modest: up to $268 per year. But, of course, they will make a difference.”
“My community is one that is defined by faith. Sometimes the faith is expressed in a church, such as the one Reverend Richards is now serving, but it's also expressed in temples, mosques and community halls throughout Werriwa. I wish Reverend Richards every success in his ministry and look forward to working with him to build and strengthen our community. I'd like to also take the opportunity to thank the church wardens and the congregations for welcoming me to the ceremony. It was a wonderful night.”
“It was recently my honour to attend the induction of Reverend Adam Richards as the rector of the Liverpool South Anglican Church. The occasion of Adam's induction was a joyous and happy occasion for the church and its community, and the church has served in our local community for several decades. Also in attendance was Bishop Lin and the senior minister David Clarke. I'm proud to say I've had a long association with the church. All of my children were baptised there. Reverend Richards is no stranger to the south-west of Sydney and is wonderfully qualified for his new position. He served in ministries at Western Sydney University at Campbelltown, St Barnabas in Ingleburn and the Anglicare facility at Minto. Along with his wife, Trudy, and family, I'm confident that Adam will make a genuine and real difference in the lives of many.”
“Few things are more important to the lives of Australians than healthcare, particularly in the electorate of Werriwa. The Albanese government knows this, as have successive Labor governments all the way back to Gough Whitlam. Central to healthcare is Medicare bulk billing and the PBS. All have been strengthened by the Labor government and in doing so eased cost-of-living pressures for those who live in the electorate of Werriwa. I begin with Medicare. I've said many times that the green Medicare card all Australians carry is the envy of the world. It ensures free and universal access for Australians to the world's best health system when they need it.”
“The Albanese Labor government is now into its second term after having been elected in May 2022 and re-elected in May last year. In that time, there has been no shortage of challenges both domestically and internationally. Notwithstanding that, on every occasion our government has risen to the occasion. We are fortunate that in uncertain times we have leadership that provides certainty, direction and a steady hand. Front and foremost among the Albanese Labor government's achievements has been addressing the cost-of-living pressures for many Australians. The list of measures the government has implemented in this area is long and exhaustive and covers almost every aspect of life. But let me let me use this opportunity today to highlight just a few.”
“I, along with hundreds of others, am lucky to call Mr Jim Marsden a friend. I'm personally delighted for him on the honour bestowed on him by the law society. I wish Jim many more years of practice, confident in the knowledge that he will continue to contribute to the region that means so much to him.”
“In 2011, Jim was the winner of the law society president's award for his pro bono work in our community. He was also awarded an OAM in 2013 for his continuing contributions. In 2017, Jim was awarded an honorary fellowship by Western Sydney University. He also received the very special honour of being made a Campbelltown ambassador at a function at the New South Wales parliament house in 2018 in recognition of his efforts in promoting and supporting the Macarthur community. Over the course of his career, Jim has shown himself to be an outstanding practitioner, leader and mentor. Marsdens Law Group is synonymous with excellence, and that's largely because of Jim's leadership. Nowadays, Marsdens group in Campbelltown employs over 170 staff across five offices. It's more than a law practice; it's an institution.”
“This recognition reflects his professional attainments, expertise, leadership and dedicated service to the community of the Macarthur and beyond over this time. This prestigious honour is well deserved, and I congratulate Jim on the outstanding achievement. Jim is a committed family man, loyal to his community. Over the years he's been involved in many charitable, civic and sporting organisations. Currently he's on the board of the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, leading groundbreaking research to improve the health of locals in south-west Sydney. Jim has always been a generous supporter of any worthy cause in the region. The Marsdens group is often acknowledged for their support for kids charities, cancer charities and sporting groups.”
“The Marsden family have been part of the fabric of the Campbelltown community for decades. Jim Marsden's parents, Guy and Tibby, were well known in the town as publicans. Nowadays, the Marsden name is synonymous with the legal practice established by Jim's late brother John in 1968. Jim joined his brother in the practice in 1973. Jim Marsden was admitted as a lawyer in 1975 and celebrated 50 years as a solicitor last year. To recognise this milestone and Jim's significant contribution to the law, the Law Society of New South Wales bestowed Jim with life membership on Friday 6 March. Jim has been recognised by the Law Society of New South Wales, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the legal profession.”
“The motion moved by the member for Fowler referred to a lottery, but the winners of this lottery are the people of Werriwa, Fowler and wider Australian communities who have a government that, in all aspects of health, is improving the lot for all Australians.”
“The government has also made a massive $25 billion investment into the public hospital system, which was recently announced by the Minister for Health and Ageing and the Prime Minister, after negotiations with all the states and territories. There is also the $792 million investment into women's health, which is changing so much, and changing how women's health is looked at in this country. There are cheaper medicines which, from 1 January, meant that PBS scripts were only $25, or $7.70 with a concession. In my electorate of Werriwa, constituents have saved more than $8.2 million with over 1.3 million cheaper scripts. Then there is the historical investment that the government has made into mental health, which has seen a headspace in Edmondson Park open, which is doing such great work.”
“That is seven more than before 1 November. Ninety-one per cent of practices in Werriwa are now bulk-billing all their patients all the time. Interestingly, the constituents in the electorate of Fowler, with whom I share a border, have a choice of practices, 94 per cent of which bulk-bill. That is the highest in the country, and it's nine more since 1 November. The Albanese government has further supported south-west Sydney and the residents of Fowler and Werriwa by investing $80 million to upgrade the Fairfield emergency department. Werriwa also has a new urgent care clinic in Austral, which was promised during the election campaign. It opened on 27 January and has already seen 280 people in the last four weeks.”
“They need to be respected, valued and, more importantly, remunerated. The improvements to GP payments from 1 November do this. Not only have those improvements ensured GPs are appropriately paid, but they have significantly improved bulk-billing rates. The success of the $8.5 billion injection into Medicare by the government is undeniable. There are now over 3,400 Medicare bulk-billing practices across the country. That's almost 1,300 more, who were previously mixed billing. The bulk-billing rate for all Australians has increased to 81.4 per cent nationwide. These statistics mean that of the Albanese government's policies 96 per cent of Australians are now within a 20-minute drive of a registered Medicare bulk-billing practice. In terms of the electorate of Werriwa, there are 32 Medicare bulk-billing practices.”
“The card is a guarantee of free access to the finest healthcare system in the world. There is no lottery, no luck or no chance in the provision of Medicare cards, as suggested by the member for Fowler. All Australians regardless of postcode, education, wealth or ethnicity are entitled to one. The Prime Minister has one. I have one. The member for Fowler has one, and the newest Australian citizens have one. Of course, we can always improve the Medicare system, but we need to be clear. Our universal healthcare system is the envy of the world, and talking it down unnecessarily belies that fact and devalues the wonderful healthcare workforce we have. Front and foremost in our healthcare system in Australia is recognising that GPs are the frontline as primary healthcare workers.”
“Health is always a first order issue for Australians, particularly for the people of the electorate of Werriwa. Constituents consistently talk to me about how much they care about health and education of their children and families. Health care is one of the key services the Australian government delivers, and, for the Albanese government, it is a cornerstone and a key priority. Medicare is Labor's DNA. It was true when Gough Whitlam first introduced Medibank, it was true when Bob Hawke later restored it after it was abolished by Fraser and it is true to this day with the Albanese Labor government injecting historic amounts of money to improve the system. At the last election, the Prime Minister was often seen with his green Medicare card on display, and why wouldn't he be?”
“My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. What advice is the Albanese government providing Australians in the Middle East who might be impacted by travel disruptions?”
“I'm working with the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention to ensure this is delivered to our community in the next financial year so it provides further support. Also launched in January is the Medicare Mental Health phone line. You can call this to provide support and referrals: 1800595212. There will be someone that you will be connected to that can help. Lifeline and Beyond Blue are also available for further support.”
“We've seen this time and time again this summer—rescuing people from rips and sharks, standing in front of bullets. The experiences are too many to mention, but they occur every day. If you are finding you are distressed or need further support, please consider seeking help from your GP or one of the Albanese government's new Medicare mental health facilities. The Medicare mental health facilities closest to our community are at 6 Dumaresq Street, Campbelltown, or 203 Northumberland Street, Liverpool. And if you're between 12 and 25, headspace at Edmondson Park is open for mental health support as well. During the recent election, I was proud to stand with the Minister for Health and Aged Care to promise another Medicare mental health facility in Werriwa.”
“This is not the community or the Australia I know. We pride ourselves on being an egalitarian society where every single person has the right within the law to worship the god of their choice or not believe at all. I thank our Islamic community for their warmth and friendship towards my family and I. While there are so many names I could mention here, I note Ahmet Polat, Ismail and Recep Aydogan and the board of the Affinity Association, who have been working towards a harmonious community for several decades. I also note Omar Agha and Mazhar Hadid of the Australian Islamic House, Ayman Alwan from Al Amanah College and many, many more. We are a society who respect each other. Overwhelmingly, this is true. Look at the number of people who volunteer or who run towards danger to help our fellow citizens.”
“Thank you to Councillor Mira Ibrahim, Councillor Ismet Tastan, Baran Sougt, Dilvan Bircan and Brusk Aiveri, the President of the Federation of Democratic Kurdish Society in Australia. I also note the concerns and distress of those of our in our community of Islamic faith, who have been the subject of vile attacks on social media and in person. These attacks are often nauseating, and I'm not going to detail them here, but I know that the AFP and the NSW Police are aware and that investigations will continue. Too often, schools and places of worship in Werriwa are the subject of racist incidents which cause fear and distress. I am told that this has meant that many in our community are fearful to practise their faith at mosques around Werriwa. I unequivocally speak out against this behaviour.”
“We see on our nightly news and in social media conflicts everywhere. We see the ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine, the devastation and displacement in Gaza and the West Bank, conflict and war in Sudan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Iraq and recently Iran and for our Kurdish community. Many in our community are devastated and haunted by what they see, particularly as most still have relatives and friends who are being subjected to the horrors every day. I know because I've listened to too many stories recounting in detail the distress and helplessness they feel. I met with leaders from the Australian Kurdish community this week. Their concern and distress is obvious not just in their words.”
“The community that I serve in Werriwa in South West Sydney is a snapshot of modern Australia. People from all parts of the globe have chosen to settle, work and raise their families in our community. In the most recent census, we find that 66 per cent of households in the electorate of Werriwa use a language other than English at home. Of these, Arabic, Vietnamese, Hindi, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic and Spanish are the most common, and just over 68 per cent of Werriwa residents note that both parents were born overseas, compared to the national average of 36 per cent. In the decades from 2001 to 2020, almost 47,000 people arrived from overseas to call our community home. The world is reflected in the faces of the people who live in Werriwa. Unfortunately, at the moment, the world is a very sad and distressing place.”
“He was always ready to let me know about any community issues, and helped me find solutions that were beneficial for our community as a whole. It's to his wonderful family that I send my sympathy: to his wife, Nel; to his children Anthony, Michael, Catherine, Gregory, Benard, Elizabeth, Monica, Jim and Lucy; and to his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thank you for letting him serve our community over so many years. Rest in peace, Wal.”