Fiona Phillips
Gilmore · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“For the past 26 years, Pig has been involved in charity car rallies, and in 1992 he hosted the first Nowra truck show, which raised $15,000 for the family of a fellow truckie who was tragically killed in a truck accident in Cobargo.”
“Today, I want to give a massive shout-out to a Shoalhaven legend, Ian Usher—better known locally as 'Pig'—who has raised more than $2 million for charities.”
“The team took on bush roads while raising funds to support men with mental health issues throughout Australia, as well as in our own community. Pig is proud and humble and isn't too keen on fanfare, but he really is a legend in our community.”
“At the other end of the scale, we have many young families that are encouraged to walk with prams or venture out with young kids on scooters or bikes to safely walk or ride to the local park, school or sporting fields.”
“Recently I joined with the Bawley Point and Kioloa communities to celebrate the completion of the pathway that connects the two coastal villages. It's a project that has taken decades and has been completed in stages, but the community pushed on because they knew how much it was needed.”
“Covering three local government areas of Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Eurobodalla, I know that new or improved footpaths and cycleways are at the top of the wish list for many communities, but council funding is limited.”
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“The team took on bush roads while raising funds to support men with mental health issues throughout Australia, as well as in our own community. Pig is proud and humble and isn't too keen on fanfare, but he really is a legend in our community. He has been nominated for numerous volunteer, community and seniors awards, and was honoured with the 2024 Peta Murphy memorial trophy at the Beyond Bitumen rally. Just last month I was delighted to attend the Team Shoalhaven BBR Annual Truck Show. It was two days of revved-up family fun, with heaps of shiny big rigs, food and live entertainment at the Shoalhaven City Turf Club. An enormous thankyou to Pig—he insists we call him that—and his amazing team for all you do in our community and for bringing smiles to so many faces.”
“For the past 26 years, Pig has been involved in charity car rallies, and in 1992 he hosted the first Nowra truck show, which raised $15,000 for the family of a fellow truckie who was tragically killed in a truck accident in Cobargo. Pig was one of the people behind the amazing Shoalhaven Spring Festival Parade in Nowra, and the hospital bed race, and that ran for a few years. He also organised car shows at the Nowra Speedway. In 2015, Pig became involved with KidzFix Shoalhaven, a charity to help sick and disadvantaged children. He took over the speedway canteen, with all funds raised donated to KidzFix and Shoalhaven hospital. In March, Pig, along with Team Shoalhaven BBR members Michael, Peter and Andy, raised more than $22,000 for Beyond Blue when they took part in the Beyond Bitumen rally from Canberra to Cowra.”
“Today, I want to give a massive shout-out to a Shoalhaven legend, Ian Usher—better known locally as 'Pig'—who has raised more than $2 million for charities. For more than 40 years, Pig, a retired interstate truck driver, has been raising funds for a whole range of organisations, including the Shoalhaven hospital, Variety kids charity and, most recently, Beyond Blue as part of Team Shoalhaven in the Beyond Bitumen Rally. Pig is one of those down-to-earth genuine blokes who would give the shirt off his back to help others in need, and that's the way he's always been. At just 18 years old, along with a then sergeant at Nowra Police Station, Pig started fundraising to buy the land to build the Shoalhaven PCYC in the early 1980s. When the club was finally built, Pig donated his gym equipment for kids to use.”
“This funding will support the construction and upgrade of shared paths and cycleways that connect schools, public transport hubs, activity centres and community facilities. Active Transport Fund projects fit into this government's broader objectives of reducing transport emissions, improving public health outcomes and easing congestion. As an avid walker and cyclist, I really do welcome the funding increase, and I'm sure people in communities right across Australia will too.”
“Covering three local government areas of Kiama, Shoalhaven and the Eurobodalla, I know that new or improved footpaths and cycleways are at the top of the wish list for many communities, but council funding is limited. That's why I'm proud to be part of a government that is committed to improving road safety and fostering more connected, liveable communities, through continued investment in active transport infrastructure. I'm pleased that the 2026-27 budget is delivering an additional $500 million in new funding for the Active Transport Fund, bringing the total investment in active transport infrastructure to $600 million, and $50 million will be made available each year for the next 10 years to support the construction of new and upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure.”
“At the other end of the scale, we have many young families that are encouraged to walk with prams or venture out with young kids on scooters or bikes to safely walk or ride to the local park, school or sporting fields. The South Coast is a hugely popular tourist destination, and the provision of shared pathways encourages visitors to get out and explore our beautiful region. A walk to the local coffee shop, or cafe, supports our local economy, which relies heavily on the tourist dollar. There's nothing better than going for a morning or evening walk, which I often do with my dog, and seeing families with kids running and riding along pathways, couples walking hand in hand and people out running with their furry friends. It's just really great to see people outdoors, breathing fresh air and embracing a healthy lifestyle.”
“I was saddened when the Jamberoo cycleway was shelved last year due to an inability to match funding from the state government. This cycleway has been in the pipeline for two decades and will meander through rolling farmland, linking the rural township of Jamberoo with Kiama's network of paths as well. We need to help more communities with projects like this, which is why I welcome more funding flowing into them through the Active Transport Fund. With an ageing population in Gilmore, safe pathways are essential for walking to the shops, medical appointments or the local bowling club. I've seen in my own village how shared pathways encourage our older residents to keep active. They also open up social opportunities for people that may be feeling lonely or isolated.”
“Recently I joined with the Bawley Point and Kioloa communities to celebrate the completion of the pathway that connects the two coastal villages. It's a project that has taken decades and has been completed in stages, but the community pushed on because they knew how much it was needed. I joined with local families, kids and dogs to celebrate the culmination of an incredible community project. I congratulate and thank the people of Kioloa and Bawley Point for their determination and hard work. I have thrown my support behind another local community group, who are working towards the construction of the 3C Connect Pathway to link the beachside villages of Culburra Beach, Currarong and Callala. This is such an important project for these small communities and the many visitors to the Jervis Bay region.”
“I'm really pleased to second this private members' business motion in support of the Active Transport Fund because my electorate of Gilmore spans a 200-kilometre stretch of coastline on the New South Wales South Coast and is home to more than 180 towns and villages. Shared pathways are essential to link communities in the region, whether that's along the coast, through bushland or into our more rural areas. Pathways improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and help create healthier, safer and more connected communities. In Gilmore, we're fortunate to have many proactive community groups that are leading the advocacy of these shared pathway projects in areas like Jamberoo, Mollymook, Bawley Point, Kings Point and Currarong.”
“It's so fantastic that we have a country university centre in Ulladulla to help local people gain a university degree or to upskill, knowing they have passionate mentors and social and economic support at hand if they need it. As a mum and a former TAFE and uni teacher, I am so passionate about providing opportunities to help local people learn, thrive and build their future locally. Importantly, by supporting these centres, we are helping to train more doctors, nurses, allied health workers, and aged-care and childcare educators to help fill the employment gaps in our region.”
“The Country Universities Centre Southern Shoalhaven at Ulladulla was absolutely buzzing when I popped in to meet the new manager, Dr Erika Schwarze, last week. It was a great chance to chat to students studying a diverse range of subjects, from medicine, teaching and psychology to medical biotechnology, engineering and cybersecurity. This semester, the centre is providing support to a record 188 local students of all ages, from 7 am till midnight, seven days a week. The centre makes study accessible for school-leavers as well as working people with children, including many mature-aged students. It was really great to see Ulladulla High School students visiting the centre as well so they could be inspired and learn about the career pathways available to them locally.”
“My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government acting to keep fuel supplies flowing? And how will the government's extension of fuel relief help keep fuel prices down so that we can keep communities connected and our freight moving?”
“Not only do our volunteers help people in times of need, they make our community stronger and more resilient. But, as many of these volunteers become older, we need fresh pairs of hands to help carry the load. So I encourage everyone who has a few hours to spare to contact Vinnies, the Salvos or another community service organisation, and get involved. Not only will you improve the lives of others, you will enrich your own life by giving back to your local community.”
“Combined with Labor's tax cuts, increased wages, increases to social security payments, cheaper medicines, big increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and cuts to student debt, Labor is making a real difference to help ease the cost of living. I know times are tight, and no local family should be faced with the choice of putting food on the table or paying their bills. As a community, we are incredibly fortunate to have these organisations and selfless people like Maureen and her team of volunteers giving their time and energy to support others. Today I'd like to take this opportunity to say a sincere thankyou: thank you to Maureen, to Anne and to the many, many generous volunteers in our community who are making a genuine difference in people's lives, often when it matters most.”
“The extra funding will help local organisations—including the Bay and Basin Community Resources, Mission Australia, Southern Youth and Family Services, the Salvos and Vinnies—to meet the increased demand for their services. This is a 15 per cent boost in yearly base funding for each Commonwealth funded emergency relief provider. It means that our providers can help local families facing financial stress to access real, practical support, including things like food parcels, clothing and other essential items. Our emergency relief and financial counselling organisations provide vital support across Gilmore, and this funding boost will help them meet the increased demand.”
“In total, more than $136,000 worth of food and welfare assistance was provided—including 150 Christmas hampers for families who otherwise may have gone without during what should be a joyful time of year. Behind those numbers are real lives. Organisations like Vinnies don't just provide practical support; they offer dignity, compassion and hope—a hand up, not just a handout. I'm really proud that, as some local families and individuals faced the prospect of a bleak winter, the Albanese Labor government announced an additional $11.7 million in funding to bolster emergency relief and financial counselling across Australia, including in Gilmore.”
“I spent time with Milton/Ulladulla Conference President Maureen Dews, Regional President Anne Hayward, Wollongong Central Council President Peter Doris, and, importantly, the volunteers who make up this small but incredibly dedicated team. What struck me most was not just the scale of what they do, but the compassion and commitment behind it. As we all know, in our communities there are many people doing it tough, often quietly and often unseen—families struggling to put food on the table; individuals facing isolation and loneliness; and others, through no fault of their own, finding themselves in real hardship. Over the past 12 months alone, Vinnies Ulladulla has assisted 576 people. Of those, 92 were seeking help for the very first time. That tells its own story.”
“As we move into the colder months, I know that families across my electorate of Gilmore are facing increased cost-of-living pressures, and many people are trying to cope with housing stress, mental health challenges and, in some cases, the impacts of domestic violence. During winter, demand for assistance from our emergency relief services rises sharply, with energy costs, and many households are forced to make very difficult choices between heating their homes or meeting other basic needs. For some, this time of year brings real and immediate anxiety. That's why wonderful organisations like St Vincent de Paul are so important. Last month I had the opportunity to attend a morning tea hosted by Ulladulla Vinnies. It was a wonderful chance to meet with some of the people who are quietly doing extraordinary work in our community.”
“My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and the Territories. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering real outcomes for regional Australia? What other approaches to the regions is the government being asked to consider?”
“Finally, our focus is to address the huge challenge of housing supply and affordability in regional Australia and to ensure regions like Gilmore remain strong, connected and well-positioned to provide opportunities to those who want to live and work there.”
“I was also delighted to receive another thank you last week following our budget announcement, this time from self-funded retirees in Kiama, who have welcomed Labor's tax reforms, including changes to trusts, negative gearing and capital gains tax. In an email, the couple said, 'We need to do everything we can to tip the scales in favour of homeownership over rental investments.' They urged me not to back down but to 'continue in favour of fairness and retirement security of the have-nots rather than the have-lots'. Amidst all the misinformation on social media and scaremongering by those opposite, it's really refreshing to see our older generations stepping up to back our plan to help young ones, their kids and their grandkids reach their dream of homeownership.”
“You can imagine my surprise when I stopped at my local servo in Nowra a couple of weeks ago and one of the employees came up to me with a big smile on her face. She wanted to thank me and the Albanese Labor government for helping her purchase her first home through our five percent deposit scheme. I'm so proud that this government has already been able to help this young woman and more than 780 other first home buyers across Gilmore to get off that relentless roundabout and get the keys to their dream home sooner. Our expansion of the five per cent deposit scheme will help even more Australians buy their first home, with all regional first home buyers now having access to the scheme with no caps on places or incomes.”
“These changes will mean more kids in our local schools, more workers for businesses and local services, more spending in local shops and cafes, and, of course, the opportunity to get involved in sporting, cultural and community organisations. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation being thrown around by the three right-wing parties, who do not want to help younger people get a roof over their heads and secure their future. The reality is that we're taking steps that have been talked about for a very long time, but only Labor has been brave enough to deliver. Since budget night, I've spoken to many people in Gilmore who are excited for these changes—excited for their kids, for their grandkids and for future generations.”
“I'm a mum of four adult children and, like so many other parents, I want my kids to be able to continue to live locally if they so choose. Opening the door to homeownership on the South Coast means young people can be involved in our communities. They can raise their kids locally and contribute to our local economy all year round, not just at holiday time. I live in a coastal village and I've seen small businesses in these small communities die when there are not enough permanent local families around to support them. Our tax changes will help young people and families in highly sought after lifestyle and investor property markets like Jervis Bay, Mollymook Beach and Batemans Bay buy their first home and live locally.”
“If you work hard and save hard, you should be able to purchase your own first home. But, sadly, for young people in my electorate of Gilmore on the picturesque New South Wales South Coast, the dream of buying their first home locally has been unattainable for years. First home buyers just can't compete with investors who are paying top dollar for homes in our popular beachside towns, lakeside hamlets and quaint historic villages. Our kids and grandkids are being forced to pull up roots and move away from the communities they love and grew up in. We know investors have a huge advantage over first home buyers. They have an unfair tax advantage, and we want to fix that. The Albanese Labor government is making bold changes to help young Australians get a foot in the door of the property market.”
“Following Friday's celebration, Liz sent me an email which read: What a great day Friday was for the Bay and Basin community! Thank you for your acknowledgement of the community action in advocating for a flyover. I think everyone feels a part of the achievement in gaining a safe entry and exit to Jervis Bay Road. And thank you for your support of the project right from the start. Well, Liz, I want to say a massive thankyou to you and the whole community, because this is a big win for all of us who live on the South Coast and those who visit our beautiful region.”
“Friday was a fantastic day in my electorate, with the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, joining me and local state MPs to cut the ribbon on the long-awaited Jervis Bay flyover. This is the busiest intersection on the Princes Highway from Nowra to the Victorian border, and drivers have experienced a major bottleneck there for decades. I'm proud to have lobbied alongside the bay and basin community to secure $100 million in federal funding for this important infrastructure project, and I'm excited to announce the first cars will drive over it next Monday. It was so great to celebrate this milestone with the 110 workers, who've worked day and night, and with community members like Liz Tooley from Vincentia Matters, who never gave up on their fight for a flyover.”
“We're working with states, territories and industry to remove barriers to building more homes, and we're training more tradies through free TAFE and the $10,000 apprenticeship incentives, including 390 across the South Coast. Today, I want to say thank you to SASSI for providing safe and secure homes for vulnerable women and children and also helping them stabilise their lives and prepare for sustainable, long-term independence in our community.”
“SASSI will also provide specialist domestic and family violence case management throughout their tenancy and beyond, coordinated from an on-site office, ensuring residents have ready access to support, referrals and practical assistance. Each independent, self-contained home has a fully fenced yard for safe play, and the dwellings are pet friendly, recognising the important role pets play in recovery from trauma. These homes are some of the social and affordable homes the Albanese Labor government is delivering through its $45 billion housing plan. Already, more than 700 first home buyers across the South Coast have purchased their own home under the five per cent deposit scheme.”
“One of the most critical projects now under way in the Shoalhaven is the provision of transitional housing for women and children escaping family and domestic violence, delivered by SASSI and supported by the Albanese Labor government's Housing Australia Future Fund Crisis and Transitional Program. The project has received $10.2 million in federal funding to purchase 15 homes, which are currently being upgraded. The six two-bedroom and nine three-bedroom units are in an ideal location for women and children to restart their lives in a safe and connected environment, with health care and community services nearby and a bus stop outside the property. There are playgrounds and schools close by. This critical housing project will help at least 15 local families every single year.”
“Well, it's been just over a year since I was re-elected by my community in Gilmore as their representative here in the federal parliament. Over the past 12 months, I'm so proud of what the Albanese Labor government has delivered for my region, including a new Medicare urgent care clinic in Nowra, which has seen more than 2,000 people in the first two months of operation. We've also announced that a Seahawk helicopter, AKA Nowra's 'chopper on a stick', will be returning to the town's gateway after being selected as the preferred option by community vote. Next week, the impressive and long awaited Jervis Bay flyover will be open to traffic, marking a significant milestone in the upgrade of the Princes Highway on the New South Wales South Coast.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. As the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global fuel supplies, how is the Albanese Labor government taking action to shield Australians from the worst of the crisis and bolster our national fuel security and supply?”
“She has also spent 10 years as a Lifeline counsellor and supported many local aged-care organisations. Suzanne is transforming the way Kiama celebrates and preserves its cultural heritage, having headed up the Kiama Historical Society since the 1980s. She oversees the Pilot's Cottage Museum and has helped enrich the town's cultural identity. Finally, a shout-out to 11-year-old Piper Clarke from Kangaroo Valley, who was recognised for supporting the Smith Family, Shoalhaven homelessness services and children's charities. Well done, Piper. The world needs more people like you.”
“Today, I'm proud to cast a spotlight on four wonderful members of our community who are doing incredible things to make our world brighter, happier and more inclusive. Firstly, a huge congratulations to the amazing Dr Tina Broad of Mollymook on being named the 2026 International Women's Day Local Woman of the Year for the South Coast. A teacher, mentor and researcher, Tina encourages others to share a love of music through Sing Express and the Glorious MUDSingers choir. She also leads the Chorus 4 Kindness to raise funds for antibullying programs for young people. Two selfless, generous women—Irene Birks and Suzanne Eggins—shared the Local Woman of the Year title for Kiama. For almost 20 years, Irene has changed lives as a volunteer with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels and Shoalhaven palliative care.”
“The highly trained doctors and nurses are equipped to treat a range of conditions and injuries that need urgent attention but aren't life threatening, like cuts, viral infections or a sprained ankle. No appointment is needed. Patients can walk in, and, most importantly, all services are bulk-billed, needing just their Medicare card. I know the people of Nowra and surrounds have been eagerly awaiting their Medicare urgent care clinic, and I'm extremely proud to have delivered it.”
“Today is a fantastic day because today the doors of the brand-new Nowra Medicare urgent care clinic opened. The clinic is a huge win for my community and will take pressure off the busy emergency department at Shoalhaven hospital. During the election campaign I knocked on hundreds of doors in Nowra, and the message was loud and clear. A local Medicare urgent care clinic was desperately needed. I promised to deliver this important service for our community and I'm so thrilled the doors are now open. The clinic will make a real difference for locals and visitors by providing convenient, bulk-billed urgent care in the heart of Nowra. Located at 107 Scenic Drive, Nowra, the Medicare urgent care clinic will operate from 8 am until 10 pm seven days a week, making sure patients can get the care they need when they need it.”
“Having a chopper back on that stick represents the critical role our former and current serving defence personnel have played and will continue to play in defending our nation. I hope it will also encourage local young people to consider a career in defence or defence industry. Since its removal, I've been working hard at every step of the way to ensure our prominent Navy icon returns, because that's what our community wants and deserves. I'm absolutely delighted that everyone will get to have their say on this next chapter in Nowra's history. Will it be Huey, or will it be Seahawk? Whichever chopper is chosen, it will be an enduring feature for decades to come and will honour the region's deep ties to the Navy and its proud aviation heritage. I encourage everyone in the Shoalhaven area to cast their vote.”
“One older resident, Steve, said, 'I love the Hueys, as just about everyone my age has seen them in countless movies, but the Seahawk is the present and future of the Navy.' Our poll certainly has people talking, and I'm genuinely so interested and excited to see the poll results after voting closes on 26 March. In the lead-up to the election, I promised to return the town's icon. I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence for joining me in Gilmore to announce its long-awaited return. Returning a chopper to Nowra's town entrance is so important, and I have been encouraging everyone in the Shoalhaven to have their say and, importantly, to cast their vote. I'm asking people if they will be on team Huey or team Seahawk.”
“And then you have the Seahawk Romeo, which local people can see flying overhead and represents HMAS Albatross at Nowra, the Navy's largest operational establishment and home of the Fleet Air Arm. I know how much our community loved the chopper on a stick. In fact, I was stopped in the supermarket over the weekend and congratulated for bringing it back. People are thankful they get to choose. There's been spirited debate on my social media page as people share their memories of the Huey with its distinctive 'thump thump' sound and their enthusiasm for the future of the mighty Seahawk.”
“They can place their votes online for a life-size model of the UH-1B Iroquois, affectionately known as the 'Huey', which served with the Royal Australian Navy from 1964 to 1989, or a model of the Seahawk helicopter, which has been operated by the Royal Australian Navy since 1988 and represents the contemporary aviation capability of the Fleet Air Arm and the ongoing role HMAS Albatross plays in supporting naval operations. I've spoken to a lot of former and serving defence personnel, and, believe me, everyone has a very strong opinion about which chopper should return to the stick. Of course, there's the historical attachment to the Huey, which was a much-loved symbol of our town for almost three decades and recognises the significant role the chopper played in the Vietnam War.”
“Sadly, a heritage assessment by the Royal Australian Navy's Sea Power Centre confirmed that the helicopter was no longer suitable for public display and posed a potential safety risk to the community. Since its removal, my community has been crying out for the chopper's return, and I've been working hard to ensure it comes back. Last week, I was thrilled to announce it is coming back. To make its return even more exciting, the people of Nowra have a chance to choose which helicopter will take pride of place back on the stick.”
“Nowra is a proud defence and Navy town, home to HMAS Albatross , HMAS Creswell , the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Australian Naval College. Defence and defence industry are our biggest employers, and I am proud of the amazing work they do for our community and our country. That's why I am absolutely delighted that Nowra's iconic 'chopper on a stick' is coming back. After more than 25 years sitting proudly at the town's northern gateway, the UH-1B Iroquois helicopter, serial 894, was carefully removed from its longstanding post in September 2023 for detailed examination and repairs. But, after more than 20 years exposed to the elements and a decade since its last refurbishment, the aircraft had begun to show significant deterioration.”
“My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. How is the Labor government delivering for regional Australians, and how does this compare to other approaches?”
“As of this week, 2,450 homeowners in Gilmore have taken advantage of our Cheaper Home Batteries Program to cut their power bills, and more community batteries are being rolled out in the regions, including four in Gilmore this month, to help more households share in cheaper, cleaner energy from the sun. I know people in my electorate are feeling the pinch, and that's why I'm proud to be part of a government that is getting on with delivering things that matter most to families in my community.”
“We've delivered a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators, and we're opening the doors for eligible families to access three days of subsidised child care per week. Gilmore has one of the highest numbers of seniors and age pensioners of any electorate, so I'm thrilled that we're supporting our wonderful aged-care nurses with another pay rise. Labor is delivering on our ambitious $45 billion plan to build more homes, get more Australians into homeownership and get renters a better deal. We're getting young Australians into homeownership through our five per cent deposit scheme, and our Help to Buy scheme is helping low- and moderate-income earners, who have previously been locked out of homeownership.”
“We've expanded paid parental leave to 24 weeks, and super is now being paid on that as well. This is such a massive help for new parents and young families. We're giving housing apprentices a leg-up, with a $10,000 bonus on top of their wages, and we're supporting our nursing, teaching, social work and midwifery students with paid pracs to help cover the costs of accommodation, travel and uniforms. More than 14,000 students in Gilmore are also saving an average of $5,500, with their student debt slashed. Of course, one close to my heart is permanent free TAFE. As a former TAFE teacher, I've seen firsthand how TAFE changes lives for the better. I'm seeing local school leavers now studying for free and older people upskilling in priority areas, like disability, aged care, construction and early childhood education.”
“From 1 January, we've made the biggest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS, with all PBS scripts now $25 or less—the cheapest they've been in more than two decades. And our landmark $792.9 million women's health package has helped more than 660,000 women access cheaper medicines, including contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment, in the last year. That's our government delivering more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women. Labor has provided more free health care, energy bill relief for every household, free TAFE and so much more to help families. Every taxpayer, including 64,000 people in Gilmore, will receive another tax cut in July this year. That's money going straight back into the pockets of hardworking locals.”
“This means it's easier for locals to see a doctor and it's saving families hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket medical expenses. Our Medicare urgent care clinics are saving families money by offering free walk-in health support seven days a week. The Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been invaluable for locals and visitors alike over the busy summer holiday period, helping with stings, breaks and other urgent but non-life-threatening care. And I'm so excited that the new Nowra clinic will open its doors on Thursday, providing much-needed walk-in care seven days a week and taking pressure off the busy Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital emergency department.”
“The Albanese Labor government's No. 1 priority is to keep delivering cost-of-living relief for Australians. We're focused on helping on so many levels, from tax cuts for every taxpayer and a pay rise for our lowest-paid workers to cheaper home batteries and slashing student debt, because we know every little bit helps. Our record investment in Medicare is at the heart of our cost-of-living relief, with a focus on cheaper medicines and reducing healthcare costs. I'm so pleased that, since the Albanese Labor government's GP bulk-billing incentives were introduced, on 1 November 2025, the number of fully bulk-billing medical practices in Gilmore has more than doubled. There are now 32 fully bulk-billing practices operating across my electorate.”
“The UOMO is a critical part of the government's comprehensive work to reduce the digital divide, increase productivity, support economic growth and meet Australia's growing demand for data and connectivity.”