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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“I was born and raised on the New South Wales South Coast. I grew up on a dairy farm, and I am from six local generations of dairy farmers. From a young child, I've seen the impacts that severe droughts, floods, storms and bushfires have on the land. I've watched my family and my neighbours struggle to keep their cattle alive and their businesses afloat, and, during hard times, some have been forced to make hard choices—choices no-one should ever have to make. Over the past 50 years I've seen firsthand the devastation caused by natural disasters and what happens when farmers live through these times and, sadly, give up hope. In my first speech in this place, I spoke about my dad, a dairy farmer. I still remember his visible distress when he thought he might have to sell the family farm.”
“My question is to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. How are the Albanese Labor government's generational reforms rebuilding our aged-care system and delivering better care to more older Australians?”
“Together, we're fighting for people in Kiama, whether it's slashing 20 per cent off student debt, five per cent home deposits for first home buyers, cheaper home batteries that are slashing energy costs, Kiama headspace, upgraded schools and hospitals, the free Medicare urgent care clinic coming to Nowra or an upgraded Medicare mental health centre at Nowra. Labor is investing in local community infrastructure and roads, with free TAFE, the Jervis Bay flyover, the Nowra bypass and short-, medium- and longer term solutions for the Hampden Bridge at Kangaroo Valley. Katelin McInerney is a fighter and a strong local voice for Kiama. Only a Minns and Albanese Labor government, together, will truly deliver for people in Kiama.”
“This builds on many other terrific local projects delivered under Labor, like headspace Kiama, upgrades at Gerringong Golf Club and the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club. We have a terrific opportunity to have a wonderful local advocate in Katelin McInerney, who I know will deliver for local people in the Kiama electorate, from West Nowra, Bomaderry, North Nowra, Shoalhaven Heads, Gerringong, Kiama, Jamberoo, Minnamurra and everywhere to the north, south and west in the Kiama state electorate. Katelin is a local mum. She wants her young son, William, to be able to go to school locally and use our upgraded hospitals under Labor and, like me, she wants all people to be able to live and work locally and to enjoy our most magnificent area.”
“Kiama council should really take a leaf out of Shoalhaven City Council's book, and I don't say that lightly, because Shoalhaven council has its challenges, too. But you certainly don't see Shoalhaven council exhibiting behaviour like the mayor of Kiama council is exhibiting, despite both being local government areas in the Kiama by-election. I've had enough. I call time on the behaviour coming from the mayor of Kiama council. I've really tried. I grieve that Kiama ratepayers are told the truth. Recently, I announced, from the Albanese Labor government, more federal funding for terrific local community projects: the Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, Jamberoo Youth Hall, Gerringong & District Historical Society & Museum, Kiama Central Netball Club, Kiama Pipe Band, and Gerringong and Jamberoo public schools P&C associations.”
“So to see it appearing in some mayoral political promo video is, quite frankly, disingenuous. Then there are the exorbitant legal costs of Kiama council, paid for by ratepayers, which should be going into local community infrastructure, like lights at Mick Cronin Oval and at the Kiama Sports Complex. I don't know any other council that instigated a costly and unnecessary legal dispute with a local surf lifesaving club, like Kiama council did with Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club. Despite delivering $5.5 million for a stunning new clubhouse—an important community facility—I copped nothing but grief, disdain and some type of weird punishment from the Kiama council deputy mayor and CEO, and horrible toned letters from the Kiama council CEO. These are not typical actions of a local council, and you have to ask yourself why.”
“The project is not shovel ready. I wish it were, because there are federal funding streams that Kiama council could apply for if it were ready to go. I have raised this with the federal minister and continue to provide advice and support for the dedicated and patient volunteers of the Kiama District Sports Association. Similarly, Kiama council's plan for Jamberoo Community Preschool—is it shovel ready? No, not at all. I agree it's a much-needed service, but Kiama council needs to play its part in order to get it off the ground. Kiama council, despite repeated attempts by me, has not addressed flooding issues at the current preschool site. It has not put in an application under the Disaster Ready Fund, nor does it even have a shovel-ready alternative site.”
“Don't let them go begging, as is so often the case with Kiama council. Maybe try promoting and being thankful for projects that include federal and state funding, instead of just having a go at other levels of government. I really hoped the mayor, deputy mayor and CEO had learnt from their federal election shenanigans, but I was wrong. For the record, the federal and state governments have both provided significant disaster recovery funding and infrastructure betterment funding for Jamberoo Mountain Road. As to the Kiama Sports Complex, which we all want to happen, the federal government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund provided funding towards the master plan. I'm glad council has progressed the master plan and draft options are out with the community, but council has not adopted the final plan.”
“I've had enough, so today I'm airing my grievance, because people in Kiama do deserve better than a politically meddling Kiama council that often hasn't done the work to get projects ready to fund, that has lied to Kiama ratepayers or just hasn't told the whole truth, and that provides just about no recognition of federal or state funding. Well, that stops right here today. I'm setting the record straight because I can and I will. I say this to the mayor and deputy mayor of Kiama council: advocacy is all year round. Do it earlier and provide it to all levels of government MPs. It shouldn't be political. Make sure projects included are shovel-ready; otherwise, you're all hot air. And don't outright lie to Kiama ratepayers when federal and state funding has been provided or is available. Apply for available grants.”
“We already know that Gilmore has the highest take-up of solar home batteries in New South Wales, which people in Kiama are benefiting from as they help drive down power bills and support local businesses and jobs. I gave Kiama council the benefit of the doubt after the federal election. I have always considered myself to be very fair, and I honestly thought things were better. So you can imagine my surprise when Mayor McDonald, all of a sudden and multiple times, again started to use council resources and ratepayer funds, so close to the Kiama by-election, to have a clear political whack at the state Labor government, not once, not twice, but three times—actually, I'm sure it's more by now. In doing so, he's also had a stab at the federal government.”
“Beforehand, there were even photos of the mayor, Cameron McDonald, with pro-nuclear Peter Dutton. The CEO, on behalf of council, threatened me with legal action. There were unusual and harshly toned letters from the CEO. It was not the kind of council I knew. Something was very, very wrong, and I could not quite put my finger on it. Needless to say, I kept going, and thankfully, with the many positive policies of the Labor government and my track record of delivery, that's what people voted for. As a result, people in Kiama will benefit from Labor slashing 20 per cent off student debt, introducing five per cent home deposits for first home buyers from 1 October, protecting penalty rates and providing cheaper medicines.”
“I support the motion that grievances be noted, and I do have a grievance. It's a grievance that I really wish I didn't have to make, but I am at my wit's end. Kiama Municipal Council, it seems, has just not learnt anything from sticking its nose into the federal election campaign. Now it's moved into what can only be described as political meddling in the Kiama state by-election. Many will not know that, during the final weeks of the federal election, Kiama council was engaging in the strangest behaviour. I was hounded by the deputy mayor, Melissa Matters, demanding to meet. There were bizarre advocacy videos by the deputy mayor for projects that weren't shovel-ready, along with some incorrect facts, while the mayor, Cameron McDonald, was away. They looked more like Liberal and Dutton promotional pieces.”
“The new facility will be a wonderful asset for not only women across the South Coast but also women right around Australia who seek to give birth on country, to whom its doors will be open. During Women's Health Week, I want to congratulate the dedicated team at Waminda and everyone involved in establishing what will be the most comprehensive Aboriginal led birthing-on-country service in the world. I want to express how proud I am to be part of the Albanese Labor government—the first majority-women government that is finally taking women's health seriously.”
“I'm so proud to have delivered $22.5 million from the Albanese Labor government for construction of the state-of-the-art centre, which is expected to welcome its first baby in mid-2026. Waminda is a dynamic organisation, deeply embedded in our community, and its birthing on country centre will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families get the best possible maternity care for generations to come. We know that birthing on country leads to significantly better health outcomes for First Nations mothers and babies. It improves maternal and perinatal outcomes, including attending more antenatal visits, being less likely to have a premature birth and being more likely to exclusively breastfeed.”
“I'm so pleased that as part of the Albanese Labor government's $792.9 million women's health package, 11 new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics will open across the nation. I am also immensely proud that Australia's first Aboriginal-owned and midwifery-led Birthing on Country Centre of Excellence is now under construction in Nowra. The purpose-built hub will provide culturally safe and continuative midwifery care, including antenatal, birthing and postnatal support for Aboriginal women and their families. I've been working towards this facility alongside the amazing team at Waminda, the South-Coast women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation for almost a decade, and have always supported their vision to improve outcomes for local Indigenous women and children.”
“She required surgery, and is now receiving ongoing care to assist with pain management, including pain reprocessing therapy, pelvic floor function, defecation dynamics training, and strategies to unwind the body and mind, such as yoga. She has returned to work, has a better relationship with her partner, and is feeling healthier and happier than she has for three decades. It's essential that women with endometriosis symptoms receive good support and a timely diagnosis—even better, that they can access that help close to home. Endometriosis and other pelvic issues can have a devastating impact on women's daily lives. They wait an average of seven years before diagnosis.”
“As a wife and mother of four, I understand how women can struggle with a range of health conditions. We are so busy with work and families that we often put ourselves last and just put up with the pain. As we kick off Women's Health Week, I encourage all Australian women to slow down and take the time to look after yourselves. Check your boobs, have that pap smear and talk to your health professional. Don't give up if you don't get the answer you're looking for straightaway. One woman aged in her 40s went to see the team at the south-eastern New South Wales clinic, and she was given fresh hope after living with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, bowel changes and sleep disturbance for 30 years.”
“I am really proud to stand up today to talk about some of the incredible women's health initiatives that the Albanese Labor government is backing in my electorate of Gilmore. The South-Eastern Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, located in Milton, is an essential health service that is changing the lives of women. Since the doors opened in September 2023, hundreds of women whose symptoms have been ignored for many years or even decades have gained a new sense of hope. I've spoken with women of all ages who have told me that for the first time their symptoms have been taken seriously by the wonderful Milton team, led by Dr Katie Macartney and specialist women's health nurse Susan Wilford. The team provides accessible specialist health support in a safe place. They take the time to really listen to and validate women.”
“Organisations like Rally for Recovery, Marine Rescue and the Albatross Musical Theatre Company support and engage people in our communities, whether that is through sport, music, social activities or by keeping us safe. The Stronger Communities grants deliver small infrastructure projects and equipment that support local groups and encourage participation. I congratulate the nine recipients and thank all the volunteers who give their time and skills to help create vibrant, connected and, of course, stronger communities right across Gilmore.”
“The Rally for Recovery volunteers are so hardworking, creative and generous. Over the past 25 years they have raised more than $4 million for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation. What started as a car rally has morphed into a fantastic op shop where people can grab a bargain for their house or garden while reducing landfill and, importantly, helping kids with cancer I dropped in with the Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and we had a look at the old sheds they were operating out of—and, yes, we grabbed a few bargains while we were there! The upgrade will mean that people with disability can volunteer more easily, connect with the community and take part in the wonderful fundraising efforts at Rally for Recovery. I can't wait to see their brand-new shed completed.”
“The company provides incredible opportunities for budding thespians of all ages to tread the boards, and in November they will celebrate the group's 50th birthday. The Bomaderry Scout Hall will receive an injection of $3,448 to replace ageing lights with high-efficiency LED lighting, which will help lower running costs and reduce the group's carbon footprint. In the south of the electorate, grants will help the Milton Ulladulla Panthers Football Club purchase first-aid kits and a stretcher for the 10 female teams, while the Moruya Soccer Club will install defibrillators at their playing fields. I was really impressed when I visited the volunteer run Rally for Recovery op shop at Tomakin, which will soon enjoy a new accessible shed, thanks to an $18,500 grant from the Stronger Communities Program.”
“The Sussex Inlet chamber of commerce has received a $15,000 boost from the Stronger Communities Program to equip the local community event centre with an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, as well as solar panels to help reduce running costs. In the north of my electorate, a grant will assist the Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club to upgrade their female, gender-neutral and parent room amenities, while the Jamberoo Youth Hall will also receive help to install solar panels and air conditioning. I'm really pleased to be able to assist the Nowra based Albatross Musical Theatre Company with a grant to replace audiovisual equipment to enhance their wonderful local performances.”
“The grant will allow the ageing radio room to be refitted and for radios, computers and phones to be replaced with current, state-of-the-art communications equipment. With an influx of new members and existing members keen to become radio operators, it is vital that the service has a dedicated space and equipment that is fit for purpose. The Sussex Inlet marine rescue volunteers do such an incredible job keeping local and visiting boaters safe all year round, but particularly over the summer holidays, when the population swells. Around 70 active community members give their time to the unit, and I was really pleased to be able to help out with a grant for the upgrade in appreciation of the wonderful work they do in Sussex Inlet and beyond.”
“One of the most wonderful things about being a local MP is getting to talk with and support so many fantastic community groups and organisations right around my electorate. The amount of time and effort people in Gilmore pour into their communities is truly inspiring, and I am always thrilled to get out and about to see what they have been up to. I'm so proud to have delivered a financial boost through the Albanese Labor government's Stronger Communities Program to nine South Coast organisations. These nine groups, from scouts to soccer clubs and a wonderful local theatre company, will share in $112,000 to help them support our communities. I dropped in to visit the volunteers at the Marine Rescue Sussex Inlet unit, who will use their $17,962 grant to upgrade their radio room.”
“Importantly, I've also met people who have been out of the workforce for a while, to care for a family member or raise their children, and who have turned to TAFE to gain the skills required to re-enter the workforce. Because of this government's commitment to vocational education, TAFE is booming on the South Coast. I really want to commend our wonderful TAFE teachers, employers and, of course, the students and apprentices who are embracing these opportunities. Free TAFE is an investment in our future and our people, ensuring all Australians, no matter their background, have the skills and capacity to contribute to a thriving economy. During National Skills Week, I encourage young people to recognise vocational education as a wonderful pathway to a good job and an exciting future.”
“Seventeen-year-old Nathan comes from a family of tradies and said he is confident he will always have work. Our fee-free TAFE is helping regional kids like Nathan, Harrisen and Najara on a pathway to success. Free TAFE is helping people from priority cohorts—young Australians, jobseekers and First Nations Australians—and it's really great to see six in 10 free TAFE places have been taken up by women, and one in three places have been in regional and remote parts of Australia such as Gilmore. I have been on the ground talking with employers and apprentices, and I can tell you free TAFE is working, which is why we've made it permanent.”
“I regularly visit my local TAFE campuses right across the electorate, to speak with students about how free TAFE is providing that bit of important financial relief for them and their families. I was thrilled to meet twins Najara and Harrisen, both motor mechanic apprentices who work for Batemans Bay Automotive Repairs. The siblings are looking forward to one day taking the helm of their family business. TAFE is providing them with the variety of skills needed to do just that. I was very impressed to meet Robert Beattie, who has supervised an incredible 45 apprentice carpenters at Beach House Stairs at Batemans Bay. During a visit to his workshop with the Minister for Skills and Training, we chatted to apprentices Nathan, Nicholas and Brendan about how TAFE is helping them build the skills needed to meet gaps in the workforce.”
“The course, introduced at Nowra TAFE last year, is giving students an insight from industry-experienced teachers, through a mixture of theory and practical units, to ensure aircraft fly smoothly and safely. Students are gaining practical experience and developing specialist skills to give them an advantage in the job market. This includes working on real aircraft components on a variety of aircraft and working safely and sustainably in the industry. We already have industry-leading businesses employing and training young people in the Shoalhaven, and this is another opportunity for local students to take up exciting defence related careers without having to leave home.”
“They're doing important skilled jobs. We need them, and I thank them. It's so fabulous that the TAFE Certificate II in Aeroskills is providing our young people a pathway to an exciting career as an avionics maintainer to support defence industry jobs in Shoalhaven. We're a proud Navy town, home to HMAS Albatross , the Fleet Air Arm and HMAS Creswell , so it's really important that we have defence related TAFE courses on offer to give local students an entry into the industry. Defence and defence industry are our biggest employers, and this aeroskills course provides local students with an opportunity to fill in-demand roles such as aircraft maintenance engineers and aircraft line maintenance workers.”
“Free TAFE means more skilled people to build and install solar panels, to make buses and to construct roads. In regional areas like Gilmore, so many kids want to finish school and gain an apprenticeship or train at their local TAFE campus. Many don't want to leave home or move to the city to find work or go to uni. They've grown up in small coastal towns, and often they want to work hard and follow in the footsteps of their parents, grandparents and siblings, whether that's working as a tradie, nurse or early educator. As a TAFE teacher, I have taught people that had never worked outside of their home before, and it was TAFE that started them on a pathway into courses such as aged care and community services. TAFE graduates are caring for our young children and our parents and grandparents in aged care.”
“I've seen firsthand, both as a teacher and as a mum, how TAFE has opened doorways for young people and people of all ages in regional areas like my electorate of Gilmore on the New South Wales South Coast. Free TAFE is removing financial barriers to education and training for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Free TAFE is putting people in regional areas like Gilmore on a pathway to well-paid and secure employment. Free TAFE means no-one is left behind. Whether our kids or grandkids want to become tradies, childcare workers, nurses, computer programmers or even cybersecurity experts, TAFE provides that opportunity. Permanent free TAFE is providing a pipeline of skilled workers that Australia needs now and into the future to provide more housing right across Australia and to make homes more affordable to rent and buy.”
“We know that free TAFE is delivering the skills and training we need to grow the Australian economy and build a future made right here in Australia. Free TAFE is working to fill jobs in those crucial skill-shortage industries, and that is backed up by the numbers. There have been more than 650,000 enrolments in the government's free TAFE program and more than 170,000 free TAFE courses completed by Australians. That's just fantastic. What a successful program that is helping grow our economy and, importantly, provide affordable education to young people and people who want to upskill or retrain in new areas! I know how gaining a TAFE qualification can change lives for the better.”
“As a former TAFE teacher, the wife of a chippie and the mum of two apprentice tradies, I have always been a massive advocate for vocational education and training. Public education runs through my veins, and TAFE holds a special place in my heart. That's why, during National Skills Week, I am so pleased to say more than 5,000 people in my electorate of Gilmore have taken up the Albanese Labor government's free TAFE program. That's free training for the carpenters, electricians and tradies we desperately need to build new homes on the New South Wales South Coast. That's free training for the healthcare workers, social workers, aged-care workers and early childhood carers, ensuring our most vulnerable can get quality care when they need it.”
“This is all part of our plan to strengthen Medicare, along with cheaper medicines, bulk-billing incentives for medical practices and increases in the number of doctors, nurses and midwives. I'm proud to be part of an Albanese government that is listening to my community and ensuring locals can get the urgent care that they need.”
“I'm so thrilled that the Albanese Labor government will also be extending the opening hours of the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Locals and visitors will be able to walk into the clinic from 6 am till midnight, seven days a week. The Batemans Bay clinic will soon have the longest opening hours of any Medicare urgent care clinic in the country. The community response to the Batemans Bay clinic has been nothing short of incredible, which is why we're extending the opening hours. Families with young children, injured sports people, holiday-makers and many of our older residents have walked in, received care and gone home without waiting hours at the local hospital and clogging up the ED.”
“With many retirees, young families and a population that swells during the holiday periods, a second Medicare urgent care clinic on the South Coast will take pressure off our emergency departments. It will provide treatment for a range of conditions that need urgent attention but aren't life threatening, like cuts, sprains, viral infections and those weekend sporting injuries that can land us and our kids in the ED for hours. The new clinic will service a huge area in the north of my electorate, including Berry, Bomaderry, Shoalhaven Heads, Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet. The Nowra Medicare urgent care clinic will build on the very successful clinic at Batemans Bay that has treated more than 17,000 people since the doors opened in December 2023.”
“I'm over the moon today because people in Shoalhaven will soon be able to walk into a brand new, federally funded Medicare urgent care clinic at Nowra. No credit card is required—just their Medicare card. I promised a second Medicare urgent care clinic for my electorate of Gilmore, and I'm so pleased to announce that, on Tuesday, tenders opened to operate the facility. People have told me they've waited up to six hours or more to see a doctor at the very busy Shoalhaven hospital emergency department, and I know they are very excited for the Medicare urgent care clinic doors to open in Nowra. The new clinic will provide fully bulk-billed care for conditions that are urgent but non-life-threatening. It will be open seven days a week for extended hours, with no appointments needed.”
“Thank you for putting your faith in me, for me to support you over the next three years and be your voice in the Australian parliament. I love supporting people in Gilmore because I love the community I grew up in and always will.”
“While I know you are so unwell, I will always be thankful to you for your unwavering support over many years. You are indeed a Labor legend. Thank you to the best dedicated CPSU doorknockers, Young Labor and everyone who helped. Special thanks to George Simon, assistant general secretary of New South Wales Labor, and to my colleagues for their support during the campaign, for visits and, yes, for more doorknocking. Thanks to the Prime Minister for visiting multiple times, always being there when needed and providing the steady guidance. I think we both agree that the impromptu visit to Alfresco Coffee Roasters at Moruya on Easter Monday, where you were mobbed in a good way, was a highlight and perhaps the only poll we really needed to listen to. My final thanks go to the people of Gilmore.”
“I also came to realise that Defence members and MPs possibly do have some similarities. They both protect and help people—just in different ways. Thank you again to the ADF parachuting school. I have so many people to thank with this campaign. Thank you to my campaign team, led by the amazing Amy Knox and Simon Zulian. Thank you to Jess Malcolm-Roberts, who has the best political know-how. Thank you to my awesome electorate office team, who just kept things going and kept me on track. Thank you to our most wonderful branch members and volunteers, who were out there every day talking with voters, phone banking, doorknocking, and doing mobile offices, coffee clubs and election day. You name it; they were there. Special thanks to Gwen, the most sensible sounding board, and Lizzie. Michelle Miran, this speech is also for you.”
“The reality is that we need more people to join the ADF to fly and maintain our helicopters locally but also to take up a range of roles to provide the integrated and ready capability that Australia needs. During my exchange, I undertook a tandem ADF parachute jump around 5,000 feet above my beloved electorate, with a very experienced ADF tandem parachuter. While my parachute jump did not quite go as expected—we had a canopy malfunction and a cutaway parachute, we came down on the reserve chute, and I fractured my ankle on the landing—it actually taught me so much. Our ADF members put their lives on the line every single day. They train for every situation possible. But, as I was told later, you can mitigate risk as much as possible but, when you step off the back of a plane, anything can happen.”
“During the 47th Parliament, I had the honour of participating in the ADF Parliamentary Exchange Program at my local ADF parachuting school just outside HMAS Albatross . The ADF Parliamentary Exchange Program is something I definitely recommend to new MPs. I tell this story because of the immense lessons it has taught me and the deeper understanding I have gained of Defence generally. I participated in the exchange because the Gilmore electorate is home to thousands of serving Defence members, veterans and their families. We're mostly Navy, but the Australian Army's Special Operations Command runs the ADF Parachuting School. I simply wanted to gain a greater understanding of what goes on there, and I wanted to encourage every child locally to consider an ADF career.”
“I am pleased that infrastructure upgrades are occurring at HMAS Albatross in preparation for further upgrades to house additional Seahawk Romeo helicopters. All of this means additional ADF members, squadrons and the training and maintenance to support this increase in capability for our Navy's Fleet Air Arm based at HMAS Albatross . We're home to many terrific defence industry businesses, and we're working to support defence industry employers as well. We're Navy and Defence proud, and it's the reason why we're bringing the 'chopper on a stick' back at its iconic gateway position, which says, 'We are a Navy and Defence town.' Shortly, nominations will open for the community to decide whether the new chopper should be the Huey or a more contemporary Seahawk Romeo that is currently operated by our squadrons.”
“The momentum is growing, and we are seeing more affordable and social rental housing, more build-to-rent premises that have started and been completed. Importantly, the incentives provided to the state governments are resulting in this uptake of affordable and social rental housing projects and planning reforms, which is allowing more medium-density housing. One such example of this is the Nowra riverfront project, which in one precinct will see an additional 650 medium-density homes, including social and affordable rental housing. This will also assist with frontline worker accommodation, a significant upgrade for Shoalhaven hospital. Defence and the defence industry is crucial in Gilmore.”
“The Milton Ulladulla bypass, with $752 million in federal funding, has moved forward to a contract being awarded for concept design. The Nowra bypass, with $97 million in federal funding, is also progressing and expected to enter the development phase in 2026. I have also been really pleased to have secured and delivered federal funding for a wide range of local road projects which are much needed. Whether it is disaster recovery funding, infrastructure betterment funding, Roads to Recovery funding, black spot funding, safer roads funding, the Shoalhaven local roads package or more, federal funding is assisting our local councils and state government with local roads. When it comes to housing, you can feel the change happening.”
“Community infrastructure is vital in Gilmore, and I'm thrilled that I'll be delivering $1.39 million to help build a new pilot house for Marine Rescue Shoalhaven at Crookhaven Heads, $3 million for the Batemans Bay Seahawks Football Club to build a new clubhouse, $512,000 for Kiama Surf Life Saving Club to help with their amenities, $840,000 for the Gerry Emery Oval clubhouse upgrade at Gerringong and $5 million to help with the upgrade of the Shoalhaven riverfront at Nowra. When it comes to roads, we've made great progress. The Jervis Bay Road flyover is under construction and going well, with $100 million in federal funding. The Princes Highway, from the Jervis Bay Road flyover intersection to Hawken Road at Tomerong, is also progressing well, with the concept design being refined, enabled by $400 million in federal funding.”
“Thanks to the Albanese Labor government, 14,000 people with student debt in Gilmore will have 20 per cent of their student debt slashed. Importantly, the legislation also changes the repayment system to a marginal system, which will reduce minimum repayments required and further help people with the cost of living. We're extending energy bill price relief, and our Cheaper Home Batteries Program is going gangbusters, with the take-up in Gilmore the highest in New South Wales.”
“I know people in Gilmore love the changes to make medicines cheaper. Of course, we have introduced 60-day prescriptions. We've also reduced the maximum price of a general script down from $42 to $30, and we're slashing the PBS script price further to $25 from 1 January. We've frozen the cost of PBS scripts for pensioners and concession cardholders at $7.70 until the end of the decade, further helping pensioners with the cost of living. When it comes to education, I'm immensely proud that our government will deliver fair, needs based funding for our local public schools. This is something I have been campaigning for a very long time. Importantly, it means students will get greater needs based support because education really is a human right. Not only does it support students but it benefits our entire communities.”
“I'm also proud to say that we're upgrading the existing Medicare mental health hub at Nowra to a full Medicare mental health centre, which will provide extended services and access to psychiatry and psychology services. I have had so many people approach me quietly and tell me that the mental health hub at Nowra and the mental health centre at Moruya have literally saved lives. They are much-needed services and ones I'm proud to deliver, supporting local families and individuals and, again, supporting our local hospitals as well. Our South-Eastern NSW Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Milton has been so successful, and I'm pleased that the Albanese government has a comprehensive women's health package that provides greater access to menopause support as well as greater access to women's services.”
“That's why I'm proud to be delivering a second Medicare urgent care clinic at Nowra, providing bulk-billed urgent care every day of the year with extended hours. Importantly, this will also take pressure off our busy emergency department at Shoalhaven Hospital. At Batemans Bay, we saw the first Medicare urgent care clinic established, which has now seen over 17,000 patients, all fully bulk-billed. We're extending the hours of the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic even further so it will be open from 6 am till midnight. That's 18 hours a day—the longest opening hours of any Medicare urgent care clinic in Australia. Again, we're supporting this community, taking pressure off the EDs and supporting local GPs as well.”