Dan Repacholi
Hunter · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“It's practical and it's most certainly overdue I want to spend a bit more time on why this transparency matters in the real world. When people cannot see the cost up front, they're making decisions in the dark. They might pick the first specialist they referred to without knowing that there are more affordable ones right near them.”
“He said to me, 'I just want to focus on getting better and not having to worry about the bill.' This is the kind of uncertainty that is not accidental. When more of the burden is pushed onto individuals and people are expected to navigate the costs on their own, this is exactly what happens.”
“We tried that, and it simply didn't work. Out of thousands of eligible specialists, only a handful chose to share their fees. That is not transparency. That is a system that leaves patients in the dark. This bill fixes it by using data we already have—medical data, hospital billing data, insurer data.”
“If we make the system clearer, simpler and easier to understand, we remove more barriers. We make it more likely that they will actually take that next step, book the appointment, follow through with treatment and get checked early instead of late. That saves lives. And it's not just about physical health.”
“I've spoken to a family in Singleton whose teenage daughter needed a specialist consultation. They were trying to do the right thing, following the medical advice they were given, and get Olivia the care she needed, but they were given very little clarity on the cost.”
“They can see whether a doctor participates in gap-cover arrangements. They can understand what their insurer is likely to cover. This is common sense. It's something that people expect. This bill also provides transparency around hospitals and insurers. It will show which doctors operate at which facilities.”
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“Let's be clear about what those opposite did in government. They looked after their mates, left first home buyers and young Australians completely screwed, created a housing crisis, fuelled inequity and walked out without a plan. Now, their big idea? Make young Australians raid their super. There's nothing on supply, nothing on affordability and nothing to fix the mess they created. It's just another Liberal cash-grab forcing young people to choose between a home today or dignity in retirement. The Greens—I'm glad there's one in here, too—showed their true colours as well. They spent the whole term blocking Labor's housing reforms and voting with the Liberals to lock young people out. At the election, Australians delivered the verdict: three seats gone, including their leader.”
“This is a win for all. These are the kinds of life-changing policy that we will continue to deliver for Australians so that we are delivering the better future that Australians voted for.”
“This is a win for parents, and particularly for mothers, because the time that mothers are out of the workforce to bring children into this world should not leave them worse off when it comes to them retiring. In May, Australians made their voice loud and clear: they want a government who builds on this country's future. They voted for a government who will put people first, and that's exactly what these changes to paid parental leave deliver. We've taken life-changing, nation-building policy and made it even better, to make sure that parents are better supported to take more time off with their newborn and don't have to sacrifice their super by bringing a child into this world. The reforms to the government Paid Parental Leave scheme have proven to be good for parents, good for kids, good for employers and good for our economy.”
“But, unfortunately, for too long it has been the case that, when a parent is off work on paid parental leave, their superannuation does not continue to accumulate, meaning that there is about half a year's worth of lost superannuation just because you decide to have a baby, even if it is only one baby. In the big picture, this might not sound like a lot, but, when you take into consideration the lost return on this money and the possibility of having more than one child, it quickly adds up. But it is no longer an issue, because superannuation has now been added to the government's paid parental leave, which means that taking paid parental leave will not mean missing out on super.”
“This is why it's good that the government has increased paid parental leave by two weeks, bringing the amount of parental leave a new parent can take from 22 weeks to 24 weeks. It's fantastic that paid parental leave means that mothers can take the time they need to be with their child when they're needed most, without having to sacrifice their pay. But the system wasn't perfect, because, while you continue to get paid, in the long run mothers were being left worse off. The money that you take home at the end of each week is only one of the financial benefits of being in the workforce. The other major plus of having a job is to be paid super, another Labor government policy. Super means that, when you retire, you're better off and less likely to rely on the government to survive.”
“Kids drain our bank accounts enough without our needing time off work. This is where paid parental leave kicks in and really makes a difference. It means you don't need to choose between having a child and going to work. Paid parental leave is truly life changing for so many parents around the country. Twenty-two weeks away from work is invaluable time for new parents—and don't we all know they deserve it! But, as we all know, sometimes this just is not long enough. When the Paid Parental Leave scheme was first introduced by a Labor government back in 2011, it was a massive help to so many parents. But the needs of parents change over time, and the scheme needs to adapt to be able to effectively deliver for the needs of those who rely on it in 2025.”
“When there's something that makes this country the best place on earth to live, it's usually the Labor government who's responsible for implementing it, and paid parental leave is yet another example of this. We implemented it, and now we're strengthening it. As the dad of two amazing girls, Zoe and Asha, I know how valuable time with your newborn is. It's important for parents, and it's important for the baby as well. Bringing your newborn child home is one of the most amazing days of your life. But it's no secret that, from this point on, life gets harder. This is especially the case for those who have just gone through nine months of pregnancy, followed by labour. No-one in their right mind can expect a new mother not to take time off. But, when you take time off for a child, you still need money to keep coming in.”
“Brokenwood Wines has long been one of the Hunter's most iconic wine destinations, known for its famous graveyard shiraz, stunning cellar door and commitment to showcasing the very best of our region. These awards are further recognition that the Hunter is not just competing on the national stage; it is leading. If you need any more proof that the Hunter has the best wines in the country, there you go. Congratulations to Geoff, Stu and the incredible team at Brokenwood Wines. Keep up the great work. I can't wait to go and have a nice glass with you all again and probably a pizza at the lovely bar there. Cheers!”
“The Hunter has done it again. I'm thrilled to announce to the House that the incredible Brokenwood Wines in the Hunter Valley has been named the 2026 Halliday winery of the year. The Halliday tasting team assessed an incredible 8,000 wines from 945 Australian wineries, and only one could be awarded this prestigious title. It's absolutely no shock that title has gone to one of our incredible Hunter wineries. They also placed third for the best overall winery experience after nearly 10,000 votes were cast nationwide. This is the third year in a row they have landed a spot in the top 10 winery experiences in Australia, and once again they are the only New South Wales winery to make that list.”
“That's young couples in Cessnock finally getting their keys, parents in Kurri Kurri securing a safe place for their kids, and families in Singleton and Lake Macquarie putting down roots in their own communities. We're tackling the housing crunch from all angles, cutting deposit hurdles, training up more tradies through fee-free TAFE and delivering the biggest homebuilding program in our nation's history. Every family in the Hunter deserves the security of a place to call home, and, under this Albanese Labor government, we are certainly making that dream possible again.”
“In the Hunter we know what it means to work hard—to put the hours in at the coalface, on the tools, in our small businesses, on our farms and in the best vineyards and wineries in the world—but still feel like buying a first home is unfortunately just out of reach. Too many young people have been stuck renting, paying somebody else's mortgage instead of building a future of their own. That's why Labor's five per cent first home deposit scheme is such a game changer. From October, first home buyers will only need a five per cent deposit, and—guess what—they won't pay a cent in mortgage insurance. That means you can get into a place of your own years earlier. It's not just talk; it's already working. Since May 2022 almost 2,000 locals in the Hunter electorate have taken up the Home Guarantee Scheme.”
“Smoking rates fell, and thousands of families were spared the grief of losing a loved one too soon. Now we face a new challenge, and it's our responsibility to act just as decisively to protect the next generation from nicotine addiction. This bill strengthens Medicare. It protects taxpayer dollars. It protects patients. It helps families and continues our fight against tobacco and vaping. When Medicare is strong, Australia is strong as well. That is why I am proud to commend this bill to the House. Debate adjourned.”
“It gives regulators the power to shut down dodgy suppliers, crack down on illegal advertising and stop vapes being pushed into the hands of young people around this country. It also makes practical fixes to the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act. It tightens advertising rules, clarifies who can enforce the law and ensures that tobacco companies and vape sellers cannot exploit loopholes. Let's be clear. Smoking kills. We all know that in this country and we have known that for a very long time. But vaping also kills. If this legislation helps even one person kick the habit then that's one more child who gets to spend precious years with their grandparents, and that's a win in my books. We know this approach works. Australia's world-leading tobacco reforms under the Gillard government saved lives.”
“I hear about it from parents who are worried about their kids. I see young tradies in pubs with a vape in their hand. The marketing is slick, the flavours are appealing and the addiction is just as powerful as smoking ever was. The scary thing is that we don't even know what the full-term and long-term consequences are yet. Vapes have not been around long enough for us to fully understand what they do to us, but we know enough to know that they are dangerous—extremely dangerous. If we do nothing, we risk creating another generation of nicotine addicts. That's why the Albanese Labor government has acted. We have already made big reforms in tackling vaping. This bill strengthens them further. It makes sure our laws keep up.”
“These amendments give the department more flexibility to respond to shortages, to move medicines to where they are needed and to act quickly in the interest of public health and safety. They also sharpen compliance powers, modernise search and seizure powers and ensure state and territory officers can play their role effectively. This is practical reform that makes sure that regulators have the tools they need to keep Australians safe. Then there is vaping. I will be blunt on this: vaping is a national health emergency. We all know the story with cigarettes. Decades ago, young people were hooked on nicotine through smoking. For many, that addiction lasted a lifetime. For too many, it unfortunately ended with them being in an early grave. Now the same thing is happening with vapes. I see it in schools across the Hunter.”
“Fifth, it boosts the ability for regulators to protect patient safety by allowing key information to be used in professional misconduct proceedings. Patient safety is not negotiable. If somebody is putting patients at risk, regulators need to act fast and they need to know the full picture straightaway. This bill helps them do exactly that. This bill also strengthens the Therapeutic Goods Act. That matters because it is making sure that people get the medicines they need when they need them. We've all seen what happens when there are medicine shortages. Whether it's antibiotics for kids, pain relief for older Australians or life-saving treatments for cancer patients, empty shelves cause stress, anxiety and real harm.”
“This bill cuts through the red tape, speeds things up and makes sure that medicines get to where they are needed. That is good for patients, and it's also good for pharmacists, who spend far too much time buried in paperwork instead of serving the community, which they all do so well. Fourth, it strengthens the powers to investigate fraud, recover money that should never have been paid and keep the system honest. I'll put it simply: if you rip off Medicare, you are ripping off every single Australian taxpayer, and shame on you. You are ripping off the pensioner in Singleton, the young family in Lake Macquarie and the apprentice in Cessnock. Every dollar wrongly claimed is a dollar that should be spent on them, not be in your pocket. This bill makes sure the government can get that money back and put it where it belongs.”
“Second, it updates and broadens investigative powers so they are effective and consistent across all our health benefit schemes. Right now there are gaps and inconsistencies, which means regulators cannot always act when they should. This bill fixes that. It gives regulators the right tools, no matter what part of the health system they are dealing with. That means that if somebody is gaming the system, whether in the MBS, the PBS or the child dental benefit scheme, regulators can crack down on them. Third, it improves pharmacy approval processes. Everyone in the House knows how important timely access to medicine is. If you are waiting for a script for your child or for life-saving cancer treatment, delays are not just inconvenient; they can also be devastating. Right now, approval processes can be clunky and extremely slow.”
“We set it up with serious funding, and we backed it again in the following budget, because this government is not about a bandaid fix; we are about long-term reform that keeps Medicare strong for the future. This bill takes up those recommendations and makes five important changes. Let me expand on each of them. First, it tightens the timeframe for lodging bulk-billing claims from two years down to one. At the moment, claims can sit there for years before being checked. It makes it harder to catch mistakes, and it makes it easier for dodgy claims to slip through. By tightening the timeframe, we are making the system sharper, cleaner and more reliable. Patients will get more timely outcomes, and taxpayers will know the money is being spent properly.”
“They expect that, when they put in, they can count on Medicare to be there when they need it. That is why integrity measures matter. In 2022, Minister Butler commissioned a respected health economist Dr Philip to do an independent review of Medicare integrity and compliance. This was about taking a good hard look into the system. The Philip review was clear. It found that, while the system is strong, there are areas where it can be gamed. It found that claims were sometimes being made wrongly, sometimes by accident and sometimes deliberately. It found that we need stronger checks to make sure the system is robust and it reminded us that patient safety must always come first. Out of that review came the Medicare Integrity Taskforce.”
“I also want to acknowledge the work of our healthcare workers. The overwhelming majority of doctors, nurses and health professionals are doing the right thing. They are honest and hardworking, and they care deeply about their patients. Medicare integrity is not about punishing them. It's about backing them in. It's about making sure they have a system that works properly so that they can focus on treating patients, not chasing paperwork or competing with those who are, unfortunately, doing the wrong thing. But, if we are serious about strengthening Medicare, we also have to be serious about protecting the taxpayer dollars that fund it. Every cent wasted on fraud or on mistakes is a cent that does not go to somebody in real need. And let me tell you: the people of the Hunter expect their taxpayer dollars to be spent very wisely.”
“Whether you are a minimum-wage worker pulling a nightshift, a pensioner living on a fixed income or a millionaire CEO, you deserve the same access to high-quality care. That is what Medicare is about, that is why we, the Labor Party, created it, and that is why we will always fight to protect it. Now, strengthening Medicare is not just about doctors and nurses; it's about community. In the Hunter, we see how much people really rely on it. In places like Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Singleton and Toronto, bulk-billing is not just a nice thing to have; it's a lifeline. Families who are already stretched with the cost of living do not have hundreds of dollars to spare when a child gets sick or when somebody needs regular care for a chronic condition. Medicare is there for them, and this bill helps to make sure that it stays that way.”
“At its core, this bill is about trust: trust in our health system; trust that when you walk into the doctor's office the system is working for you, not against you; trust that the billions of taxpayer dollars that Australians work hard to put in are being spent on health care and not being siphoned away by rorts or loopholes; and trust that we as a parliament are doing everything we can to protect the next generation from avoidable harm. Let me start with Medicare. As a proud Labor member, I cannot overstate this. Medicare is at the very heart of who we are and what we stand for, because when you walk into a GP's office or a hospital the only thing that should matter is your health, not your bank balance.”
“I rise to speak on the Health Legislation Amendment (Improved Medicare Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025. Can I start with the member for Macarthur and his good, fine words and thank him for all the work he has done in the healthcare system over the years. People like him who come into this place make a real difference. Thank you. This bill does two very important things. It strengthens enforcement of Medicare integrity measures and it makes sensible practical changes that have come out of our vaping and tobacco reforms.”
“For the training, dedication and time given by our coaches and all the support staff—everyone involved in making the Olympics happen—thank you, and remember: once an Olympian, always an Olympian. Cheers.”
“I'm getting ready for the next crop of Olympians to come through and for the amazing atmosphere that there will be in Brisbane in 2032. It's going to be a spectacle like no other. It's going to make Sydney look like it was an amateur; I'm really looking forward to seeing it. That's a high bar to have. And I am from New South Wales, so it's a very high bar to have. The Sydney Olympics were amazing, and what Brisbane is going to do is outshine every other Olympics that has been had in the world. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. To every Olympian out there: thank you for all your hard work and your dedication. To the families and friends of Olympians as well: you guys are the driving force behind us that gets us to wake up every day and make sure that we can go and compete at our best.”
“To those 17 people I say sorry for all the hard work that you put in and all the sacrifices that you, your family members and your loved ones were put through for a sport that you loved and wanted to compete in at the highest stage. We recognise you and we are also standing with you on this day. To the team of 1980: you are Olympians; you are great Australians; you have earned your place in the sporting history of our nation. You are an inspiration, and 45 years later we honour and welcome you home. Thank you for your strength, thank you for your courage and thank you for your Olympic spirit. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens in Los Angeles in 2028 and seeing our athletes competing over there.”
“Instead, they were given the cold shoulder or, worse, were treated like traitors, and it's absolutely disgusting that they went through that. Yesterday in this place we did our bit to fix the historical record. Yesterday, on the 45th anniversary, we recognised all these amazing athletes' achievements and acknowledged that they were there, they were competing for our country and they did an amazing job. Thank you for going over and doing that. These Olympians should take pride in both their athletic achievement and the strength of character they had to stand up for themselves and their country and go and compete for their country. There were also 17 people that actually didn't make it to an Olympic Games teams.”
“Some of our athletes were only teenagers and, instead of being able to focus on their sport with the backing of their nation, they had to navigate abuse and pressure like no Olympians have had to navigate ever. Ultimately, 121 athletes represented Australia, where they competed on the world stage and won this country nine Olympic gold medals. There was extraordinary achievement among those nine medals. Australians won their first gold medal with Michelle Ford winning in the women's 800-metre freestyle and also won gold in the 4 x 100-metre medley. These were Australia's first gold medals since the Munich Olympics of 1972. That's a very long drought, and not one that we want to achieve again, yet the returning athletes were not celebrated as heroes.”
“When you walk into the opening ceremony at the Olympic Games behind the Australian flag, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole of Australia is with you. When you compete, you should feel that Australians of all sorts—from everyday punters watching at home to our leaders, our commentators and anyone in general—have your back and are all there watching you and cheering you on. On your return, you should be welcomed home and celebrated for the inspiration you have brought to the next generation of Australians. The Australian government's boycott of the 1980 Olympics put our athletes in a terrible position. It unlocked a wave of public pressure to drop out of the games.”
“Not only should these athletes be recognised; but they should be celebrated, as all other Olympians are in this country. To qualify for the Olympic Games, exceptional talent is only the start. It requires so much more than that. To perform at that level you need grit, character, courage, focus, years of hard work, absolute dedication and sacrifices from family, friends and loved ones. Athletes, their families and their teams spend a huge amount of time and energy in pursuit of trying to win in the Olympic Games or even just making an Olympic team. When that effort pays off, you are selected to represent our great nation, don the green and gold and compete for Australia on the biggest sporting stage in the world. It should be a moment of pride and something you cherish for the rest of your life.”
“Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Australian government followed other nations, including the US, and publicly pressured the Australian Olympic Federation and our athletes to boycott the Moscow Olympic Games. Despite months of intense political and media pressure, the Australian Olympic Federation remained defiant and sent the team. What a great decision that was. The politics of the time should not take away from the achievements of these athletes. Regardless of what was happening politically, it does not change the fact that these athletes of the 1980 Australian Olympic team had put in the work to get to the highest stage of their sporting careers. They dedicated their lives to their sport and achieved the ultimate goal of every athlete: representing their country on the Olympic stage.”
“Yesterday was a very important day in the Olympic history of our nation. Forty-five years later, the team that represented our country at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow has been properly recognised—finally. The Prime Minister welcomed them into the parliament to officially give them the recognition they all deserve. We honoured their contributions, celebrated their athletic achievements and, importantly, recognised their pain. Representing Australia on the world stage is one of the greatest honours. I was lucky enough to represent Australia at five Olympic Games. Each time, I was representing a country that was proud to be sending us off and cheering us on. The athletes were celebrated, and so too were their achievements. I competed with the feeling that Australia was behind me. But this wasn't the case for the 1980 Olympians.”
“We're backing that work in not just with words but also with real ground support. I'm looking forward to getting out there to the rest of the men's sheds across the Hunter electorates in the coming months, because every visit, every conversation, every cuppa reminds me just how important they are and how much these places mean to men and the communities they serve. To all the volunteers and members that keep our sheds running: thank you for building a healthier and better community. If you're a bloke who's looking for something to do during the week, to get out there and have a conversation with a few blokes, get to your local men's sheds. They're fantastic organisations and a fantastic bunch of blokes that do great work for our communities. They're always there to have a listen.”
“You guys do a great job out there, so keep up the good work. The smiles, the stories and the sense of purpose you see in every corner of these places are something truly special. But it's not just about what is happening locally. Nationally, our government understands the value of men's sheds; that's why we've continued to back them with real funding. We recently announced a commitment of $8.3 million to extend the Men's Shed Initiative to support the Australian Men's Shed Association. Grants of up to $10,000 per shed will provide better facilities, new equipment and good healthy education programs. We know that men's sheds play a crucial role in addressing social isolation, mental health challenges and the need for safe, welcoming places where men can talk, share and support one another.”
“I also had the chance to go to the Toronto Men's Shed alongside the Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, and legendary singer John Paul Young. It was a great morning, with three blokes from very different walks of life brought together to support the same important message that men's health and wellbeing matters. The shed is doing great and is in great hands, with woodwork, metalwork, welding and repair of motors, mowers and line-trimmers. I was recently lucky enough to go to the Wangi Men's Shed. Yet again, I saw some stories unfold: mateship, mental wellbeing and about 25 different bloody magpies. It was huge! Just last week, I was lucky enough to go to the Christmas-in-July event at the Cessnock Men's Shed, and may I say that spit roast was absolutely delicious and I'm looking forward to going again.”
“I want to take a moment to reflect on some fantastic visits I've recently had across the Hunter electorate at local men's sheds. These spaces do far more than just offer a place to tinker with tools; they are, in every sense, lifelines for connections, conversations and community. At the Singleton Men's Shed, I was blown away by the range of activities happening under one roof, from woodworking and gardening to metalwork, art-painting, small motor repairs, and even catering most of the local men's sheds events with their food and barbecue trailer. It's a hive of creativity, skill and social connection. It's clear that it isn't just about keeping busy; it's about staying connected and healthy and looking after one another.”
“We know, when we talk about tourism, the Hunter is on the top of the list of the places to go, so the category for Outstanding Visitor Experience is extremely important. We wouldn't be the tourism hub that we are today without our local businesses making us the place to go. I say a very special congratulations to the team at Starline Alpaca Farmstay resort for taking out this category. In the category of Excellence in Health, Wellbeing & Lifestyle, Star Club Equestrian Program brought home the award. They also, today, topped off the night by being awarded Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion. The category of Excellence in Professional Services went to Hunter Valley Supports. And, finally, the award of Excellence in Retail was given to Meyn Street Meats. Thank you to all the great businesses of the Hunter.”
“The award for Outstanding Community Organisation went to Singleton Neighbourhood Centre. The important award of Excellence in Supporting the Veteran Community went to Singleton Legacy Group. Good on you, guys. I know how much you do for our veterans, and you certainly make a world of difference to the lives of those who have given so much for our country. This award is well deserved. Starting a new business is one of the hardest things anyone can do. It takes time, commitment, hard work and resilience. So, congratulations to Confetti Finance for taking out the category of Outstanding New Business. The category of Excellence in Sustainability Highly Commended went to Loop Organics.”
“The big award of Business of the Year was taken out by Hunter Valley Supports. The President's Award was presented to Dyson Family Foundation. The Excellence in Large Business Highly Commended went to Morgan Engineering. The award for Excellence in Small Business went to Singleton Medical Centre & Skin Clinic. Renue Wellness were recognised by being awarded Excellence in Micro Business. Business Leader of the Year 21 Employees and Over is Jeremy Brett. Business Leader of the Year 20 Employees and Under went to my old political opponent Sue Gilroy. Good on you, Sue; great work. We don't always see eye to eye, but you do fantastic things and support our community so well. The winner of the award for Outstanding Young Business Leader was Keelie Bell, and the winner of the big award of Employee of the Year was Jackie Ernst.”
“The finalists for Excellence in Supporting the Veteran Community were Singleton Legacy Group, Singleton Defence Family & Community and Singleton RSL. There were also a stack of businesses named as finalists in a range of business categories. Congratulations to Amelia Rose Skin & Beauty, Aqua Legal & Conveyancing, Confetti Finance, Hollydene Estate Wines & Vines Restaurant, Hunter Valley Supports, iSimplify, Loop Organics, Meyn Street Meats, Morgan Engineering, Red Amp Electrical, Redbournberry Clothing Co, Renue Wellness, Salon Franc, Singleton Medical Centre & Skin Clinic, Singleton Neighbourhood Centre, Singleton Striders, Star Club Equestrian Program, Starline Alpacas Farmstay, Stepz Singleton, Wine Country Lavender and Witmore. Now I'll go to the winners of this year's Singleton Business Awards.”
“Business Singleton has once again held their annual Singleton Business Awards. Our local businesses are the lifeblood of the community, so thank you for all your hard work that you put in. The Singleton Business Awards recognise individuals and organisations across Singleton who have gone above and beyond over the past year. There are some exceptional finalists in this year's Singleton Business Awards. The individual finalists for Young Business Leader of the Year were Keelie Bell, Chantel Merrick and Shylie Simpson. The finalists for the Business Leader of the Year included Rachel Baigent, Jeremy Brett, Kelly Cooper, Lesley Cooper, Sue Gilroy and Stacey Munzenberger. For the top award of Employee of the Year, the finalists were Ella Coleman, Jackie Ernst, Jamie Illinfield-Bell, Jane Denton, Tegan Cox and Tiahna Ball.”
“This program has made the Goannas an attractive club to play for, and membership is up 28 per cent to almost 600 players right now. This is a great award, well deserved. As part of this award the Goannas received a $2,000 Steeden voucher, which they paid forward by sharing with other regional clubs around the Hunter. They didn't have to do that, and it shows the great team spirit the Goannas have. You're good people doing good things. Congratulations to you all. To all the sporting clubs around the country, remember if you're ever hurt on a sporting field, make sure you get down to your local Medicare urgent care clinic to get the help you need, because all you need is your Medicare card.”
“In the Hunter, we have a proud record of creating sporting superstars. So many come from our region. But, to make a superstar, it starts with having amazing community sporting clubs, and we have some of the best. They are winning awards left, right and centre. I'm proud to congratulate the Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club, who were recently named New South Wales Rugby League Community Club of the Year. Congratulations to all the hardworking players, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters of the Goannas. This award is for you. You make our community proud every day. In particular, New South Wales Rugby League recognised Cessnock Minor Rugby League Club's innovative mentorship program, which pairs new players with older, more experienced players to help build their skills and confidence.”
“For the past 13 years she has worked as a clinical nurse consultant in mental health within the Central Coast Local Health District, helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Over the decades, she has worked at Morisset psychiatric hospital, Lake Haven Community Health Centre, Wyong Hospital and Gosford Hospital. Every place she has worked, she has left behind a legacy of care, strength and empathy. Deborah's commitment is truly unmatched. I've been told that, if dedication were an Olympic sport, Deborah would have taken home gold, silver and bronze and still come back for a double shift the next day. Deborah, on behalf of all of us, thank you for your extraordinary service and congratulations on a remarkable 40-year career. I say to all of the Olympians in the gallery today: once an Olympian, always an Olympian.”
“Today I rise to honour an outstanding individual of the Hunter, Deborah Grover, who this month celebrates an incredible 40 years of service to NSW Health. Deborah began her nursing career at Callan Park hospital in Sydney back in August 1985. In the mid-1990s she moved to the Central Coast, where she has been making a difference ever since. In 2000, while raising three young kids, she was elected staff representative to the board of Central Coast health, and that's no small feat. Most of us struggle to find our car keys when juggling family life, but Deborah ran a household, cared for patients and helped shape the future of local health care all at once.”
“My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering cost-of-living relief to people living in the regions? What threats are there to delivering important cost-of-living relief?”
“To all the blokes out there, I honestly call on you to go and book an appointment with your GP. Go and get blood tests done. We can talk in this place about mental health. We could talk about physical health. We could talk about all the health issues in the world. But, until we actually go and take that first step, see our GP and have that conversation to acknowledge that there may be something wrong with us—or there may not be something wrong, but we need to go get a blood test every 12 months to get that checked. Please go out there and do that. We owe it to our families, we owe it to our kids, we owe it to our partners, we owe it to our loved ones and we owe it to our mates to make sure we're looking after ourselves so that we can be the best dads, the best mates, the best friends that can be out there.”
“There's $20.7 million for grassroots initiatives to support men's mental health and wellbeing, like the men's sheds initiative, the National Shed Development Program, which provides grants of up to $10,000 to individual men's sheds, and the Movember Ahead of the Game program, delivered in partnership with the AFL, which develops emotional resilience in boys and young men through sporting environments and teaches them to seek help when they need it. Funding will also go to Healthy Male to support the delivery of the Plus Paternal initiative, a program to help men prepare for fatherhood, because we know it's a massive change in a bloke's life when he's bringing new people into this world. There's also funding for the Black Dog Institute to research men's mental health and suicide prevention.”
“As a government, we're starting a conversation about men's health. We will improve health outcomes for men through a strong focus on these issues. I'm so proud to be holding the new position of Special Envoy for Men's Health. This is the first time a government has appointed a special envoy for men's health. It shows how seriously the Albanese Labor government is taking men's health. Through this position, I hope to bring attention to the topic and help find solutions to the health issues leading to men dying far too young. We're kicking off with $32 million to support men's health. This includes $11.3 million for Movember to provide men's healthcare training to primary healthcare workers to encourage men to see their GPs.”