Trish Cook
Bullwinkel · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Primary care, urgent care and emergency care—patients with non-life threatening urgent conditions can be treated quickly and efficiently in the community close to where they live. This is what strong primary care and urgent care systems look like. They are accessible, responsive and centred on the needs of patients.”
“There are now over 3,800 Medicare bulk-billing practices nationwide, and more than 1,400 of these were previously mixed-billing clinics—so 1,400 have converted to bulk-billing all patients all of the time. Importantly, about 97 per cent of Australians now live within a 20-minute drive of a bulk-billing practice.”
“They're also relieving pressure on GP practices themselves. As a GP nurse, I know that when something urgent walks through the door, of course the scheduled patients, both on my lists and the doctor's lists, will need to wait so that the urgent case is attended to.”
“Since Labor strengthened Medicare bulk-billing and introduced additional incentives for GPs, we have seen five more GP practices in my electorate of Bullwinkel take up bulk-billing. That is five more practices, and all the doctors within those practices, making the choice to put patients first and ensure care is accessible to everyone.”
“This bill has established a clear and enduring legislative framework for Commonwealth primary care incentive payment programs, including the Medicare Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program. These programs are a vital part of how we support access, affordability and quality in our health system.”
“Today I rise in strong support of the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026. As federal member for Bullwinkel and as somebody that worked on the frontline as a nurse for decades, I know firsthand just how important a strong, accessible primary care system is to the health and wellbeing of our communi…”
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“As the world deals with the challenges posed by the conflict in the Middle East, our energy and fuel sectors are under immense pressure—but global pressure is no excuse for local misconduct. This measure is part of a broader suite of measures implemented by the Albanese Labor government and designed to ensure that Australians get a fair deal at the pump. We're increasing scrutiny, ramping up surveillance of the fuel sector and taking action to shore up our fuel supply, particularly in regional areas like mine in Bullwinkel, where a car isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for work, school, life and, of course, farmers. It is particularly timely to note that, on 19 March, the ACCC announced an enforcement investigation into allegations of anticompetitive conduct by major fuel suppliers Ampol, BP, Mobil and Viva Energy.”
“Schedule 1 of this bill gives effect to the announcement made by the Treasurer and the assistant minister two weeks ago on 11 March. It is straightforward but powerful: we are doubling the ACCC enforcement penalties. Under this measure, maximum penalties for anticompetitive conduct, including false and misleading claims and cartel behaviour, will rise from $50 million to $100 million. This applies across the entire economy, ensuring that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has the teeth it needs to bite back against those who would seek to exploit Australian families. We are introducing these changes at a time of significant global instability.”
“I rise today to speak in strong support of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026. In the electorate of Bullwinkel, our community spans from the hills to the valleys and out into the regional hubs, so, for my constituents, the cost of living isn't a theoretical debate; it's a daily reality for them, particularly so every time they pull up to a petrol pump. They deserve a fair go and they deserve to know that the laws of this land are strong enough to protect them from corporate misconduct. This bill is very simple. The punishment must fit the crime. Fines act as a deterrent. If a corporation decides to put its profits above the law, the penalty should not be seen as a mere cost of doing business; it should be a significant deterrent that stops them in their tracks.”
“Crucially, this agreement reflects who we are as people. It protects the interests of First Nations people, specifically regarding art and intellectual property. It sets a new gold standard for labour rights and environmental protections, enshrining our shared commitment to the Paris Agreement. This agreement is testament to what can be achieved when two partners who share common values sit down with a commonsense purpose. It delivers low costs for Australian businesses, more choice for consumers and more jobs for workers. It is a proud day for Australia, a proud day for our exporters and a historic step forward in our partnership with Europe. I commend the agreement to the House.”
“This includes critical minerals, lithium hydroxide and hydrogen—products that previously faced tariffs of up to 5.5 per cent. By removing these costs, we make our exports the first choice for European battery manufacturers and green energy innovators. Furthermore, by raising foreign investment screening thresholds for private EU investors, we are making Australia an even more attractive destination for the capital needed to drive our energy transition. Our services sector, worth nearly $10 billion in exports last year, also stands to gain immensely. We are making it easier for the Australian professionals in finance, education and tourism to travel and work within the EU. We have streamlined the recognition of professional qualifications, ensuring that an Australian expert's skills are valued and accessible across the continent.”
“This agreement will eliminate the vast majority of EU tariffs on agricultural products. From our world-class wine and dairy to tree nuts, honey, olive oil and cereals like wheat and barley, which are grown in my electorate of Bullwinkel, the barriers are coming down. For products like beef, sheepmeat, rice and sugar, where duty-free access wasn't fully possible, we have locked in new and vastly improved volumes under tariff rate quotas. We are making our farmers more competitive, and, in many cases, opening the European market to them for the very first time. This is also the most progressive trade agreement Australia has ever signed. It positions us to become a renewable energy superpower. The EU FTA removes all tariffs on Australian energy and resources exports.”
“Her words reminded us that, while we are separated by geography, we are united by a commitment to democracy, the rule of law and a transparent rules based trading system. The EU is currently our largest trading partner without a FTA—until yesterday—and it is the world's second-largest economy. It is a high-income market of 450 million people, with a GDP of approximately $30 trillion. By securing this deal, we are transforming our economic landscape. Once this agreement enters into force, 88 per cent of Australia's trade will be covered by fair trade agreements; that's up from 79 per cent. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, this is how we build economic resilience. We are diversifying our relationships and levelling the playing field for Australian businesses. This is the breakthrough we have worked for for decades.”
“I rise today to celebrate a defining moment for our nation's economy and our place in the global community. Yesterday, Australia and the European Union concluded negotiations for a comprehensive, balanced and commercially meaningful free trade agreement. This is not just another trade deal; it is a once-in-a-generation landmark. For decades, many of our agricultural products have been effectively locked out of one of the world's most lucrative markets. Yesterday, the doors were swung wide open. Beyond the balance sheets, yesterday was a moment of profound historical significance for this parliament. We were honoured to listen to the address by Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission. As the first female leader of a foreign power to address this chamber, her presence underscored the deep values we share with Europe.”
“Whether it is freezing draught beer excise for the local pub, boosting Medicare with $1.8 billion in hospital funding or ensuring our Wheatbelt farmers can get the diesel that they need for seeding, we're working hard to ensure supply. We're shielding our nation from global uncertainty and building a future where every Australian, regardless of where they come from, is supported.”
“In Bullwinkel, this means tax cuts for every single taxpayer in the electorate, which were opposed by those opposite. It means cheaper medicines. No Australian is paying more than $25 for a script, and that's $200 million back in the pockets of Australians. It means energy relief, a 30 per cent discount on home batteries to permanently slash power bills in the hills and the regions. And it means cutting student debt by an average of $5,500, giving our young professionals the breathing room they need to save for a home. The opposition want to focus on broken promises, but the only thing broken is their record on national security and economic resilience. This government is focused on the here and now for everyone.”
“To the truckies in Bullwinkel: we have your back. We are amending the Fair Work Act to allow for emergency contract chain orders, ensuring that you aren't forced to shoulder the burden of the global price spikes alone. It is a bit rich for the coalition to lecture us on fuel security. When they were in power, they oversaw the closure of four fuel refineries and put our strategic reserves of fuel in Texas, United States. Today, under Labor, we are holding over 1.64 billion litres of petrol and 2.8 billion litres of diesel on Australian soil, and we are undoing a decade of infrastructure neglect to ensure that governing for all means actually having the resources to protect everyone. Governing for all means also looking at the household budget, where we know cost-of-living relief is desperately needed.”
“But this isn't just about inflated prices at the pump; it's about the viability of their seeding season and the entire season to follow. I know the farmers in the Wheatbelt are looking at their diesel tanks, wondering if they'll have the fuel they need to start their seeding soon. On top of that, we have a cyclone which is bringing rain early, causing some complications. But our government is acting now to ensure they can get fuel. We are also increasing supply specifically for the Great Southern, the Wheatbelt and the Geraldton and Esperance agricultural regions. We're supporting the seeding and prioritising independent distributors. We're ensuring extra volume above forecasts is supplied into the Goldfields, Busselton and Karratha. And we're not just monitoring the situation; we're redirecting fuel to where it is most needed.”
“But let's be clear what this is: we are seeing a global spike in uncertainty causing excessive demand driven by the conflict in the Middle East. While the opposition continues to exacerbate that fear and uncertainty, this government is playing Team Australia. We have released 20 per cent of our fuel reserves to address regional shortages. We have appointed Anthea Harris as the Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator to work with the states to ensure that fuel gets to where it is needed, especially to our regional communities. We are also taking the fight to those seeking to profit from pain; the ACCC is currently investigating major fuel suppliers for anticompetitive conduct. To our farmers, we understand and we get the uncertainty.”
“I rise to address this matter of public importance. The opposition loves to use the phrase 'governing for all Australians' as a slogan, but for the Albanese Labor government it is our daily mission. You only have to look at the map of my electorate of Bullwinkel to see why. Minus the beaches, my electorate is a microcosm of this nation. We have the foothills. We have young, diverse families in High Wycombe looking for a fair go. In the hills we have an older generation in Mundaring relying on Medicare. Out in the Wheatbelt we have farmers in Northam, Toodyay, Beverley and York, who are the engine room of our economy. When we govern, we don't just pick and choose; we deliver for everyone. The opposition's motion mentions a national fuel crisis.”
“I'm honoured to represent a community that works so tirelessly to keep up our spirit and our services and keep us strong.”
“It shows that, when we look after our history, we're really looking after our future. Health care remains the number one priority for the people of Bullwinkel, and I'm incredibly proud to report on the early success of the Mundaring Urgent Care Clinic. Since its doors opened just one month ago, the clinic has already seen 580 presentations. That is 580 times a local resident received high-quality care without an out-of-pocket cost and without having to wait and go down the hill to the emergency department. These aren't just statistics; they represent 580 moments of relief for parents with sick children or seniors needing urgent attention, and it's a clear signal that, when we invest in accessible, local, bulk-billed services, we change lives.”
“This project is a masterclass in what a community can achieve together when it honours its roots. The community contribution included meticulous research by local archivist Lyn Myles and local historian Cliff Burns, whose dedication ensured that this piece of heritage was not lost to time. It took a village to bring that history back to life. The Friends of Bilgoman Wells, led by the indefatigable Chris Durrant and ably assisted by Dr Diane Parker, did an incredible job enlisting the help of our local schoolchildren from Helena College. They imparted to the next generation that they are the keepers of our local history. With the vital sponsorship of Bendigo Bank and the support of the Shire of Mundaring, the restoration stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community.”
“In times of global uncertainty, we often look for a sense of home and belonging that goes beyond the physical address. For me and many in my electorate, that sense of belonging is found in communities that ground us. Recently, I had the joy of attending St Cuthbert's Feast Day at St Cuthbert's Anglican Church in Darlington. Joining Reverend Peregrin and the Right Reverend Bishop Kate, I was reminded that places of faith are not just buildings; they are sanctuaries of peace, community and continuity. Places like St Cuthbert's provide the moral and spiritual compass that helps us navigate the complexities of the modern world with grace and resilience. That same spirit of stewardship was on full display when I had the honour of attending the Bilgoman Wells restoration project opening.”
“Whether it's $25 capped scripts, the expansion of bulk-billing and incentivisation of bulk-billing, or the ring of care provided by our urgent care clinics, we're building a healthy system and a health system that works for everyone. I'm proud to stand here as the member for Bullwinkel representing an electorate named after a nurse and delivering a health system that would make Matron Vivian Bullwinkel very proud. I commend these bills to the House.”
“Furthermore, we're investing in the next generation, keeping the little ones healthy and educated with a $5 million Mundaring Early Childhood Education Centre. We look forward to finding a permanent home for this election commitment, and we hope to co-locate it with the local school. This will make life easier for parents and ensure that children have the best possible start in life. Of course, this is supported by the 15 per cent pay rise for the early childhood workforce, a highly feminised workforce that has been undervalued and underpaid for far too long. These are the commitments for the people of Bullwinkel and they are commitments that only a Labor government will deliver. This government is about delivery.”
“I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the strides that we've made in mental health care, opening mental health clinics around the country. We recently opened the Northam Medicare Mental Health Clinic, which is a regional area of my electorate, and we are looking forward to the election commitment of a Kalamunda Medicare Mental Health Clinic being delivered within the year. We know that mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet for too long, walk-in support has been out of reach for many in the Hills area, and this clinic will provide a safe, free space for people to get the help when they need it without turning to their credit card and without an appointment or a referral. This clinic will be a great addition, as I said, to the Northam Medicare clinic and the Midland based Headspace.”
“Together with the Gosnells and North Midland Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, it kind of forms a ring of support for our region. Taking the pressure off St John of God Midland Public Hospital emergency department has been a game changer, with the staff there noticing the dramatic difference. For parents of children with a fever or a worker with a deep laceration or a sporting injury, the urgent care clinics, open seven days a week, with extended hours, are really providing a relief valve in the health system. They provide high-quality, fully bulk-billed care for urgent cases, without people having to reach into their wallet. This is what it means to strengthen Medicare and to directly provide direct cost-of-living relief for people of Bullwinkel and across Australia.”
“As a nurse in GP clinics, I know the pressure of when an urgent case walks into the GP clinic, and it is sometimes chaotic. Obviously, they have to be addressed, and people end up waiting for hours; it's frustrating. The urgent care clinics have replaced the urgency of some of those presentations attending for treatment when they need it. I'm very proud to have delivered on my election commitment by opening the Mundaring Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at the GP Super Clinic in Mundaring Weir Road. It officially opened its doors just last month on 23 February. One month later, the community's needs for this service are already clear. There have been more than 530 presentations to the Mundaring clinic in the last month since it opened, and this is providing enormous relief for our local hospital at the bottom of the hill, the Midland Hospital.”
“By renting and refurbishing assistive technology, we're ensuring timely, affordable access to the tools people need to live independently. This initiative represents a new, cost-effective model for support. The transformation of primary care is also something that the Albanese Labor government has addressed. In our first term of government, we promised 50 urgent care clinics across the country, impressively delivering 87 during that term. We've also committed to another 50 for this term of government, and I'm proud to say that we are now at 134 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics open and operating nation wide. In Bullwinkel and its surrounds, this revolution is saving our emergency departments and it's also reducing the management load for busy GPs.”
“Under this pilot, Ability WA provides vital infrastructure and expertise needed to recycle and distribute disability support equipment. It's a very commonsense policy that allows people with disability to choose whether to rent, purchase or exchange technology through a streamlined platform. Importantly, it allows users—particularly children, who are growing and whose needs are rapidly changing—to test the equipment and switch to more suitable technology without being locked into expensive purchases. This pilot is available to all people with disability under the age of 65, not just NDIS participants, and Ability WA are working closely with the national Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations.”
“One example is a new contraceptive that has been placed on the PBS list—for the first time in 30 years, a new contraceptive is on the PBS list. This significantly lowers the cost of reproductive care. We're also addressing women's health at all times of their lives, for fertility, for people with issues like endometriosis—we've instigated endometriosis clinics across the country—and also for menopause, so it's specialised women's health support. And, not forgetting men, we've put $32 million specifically towards men's health and promotion as well. Our commitment to a fairer Australia also extends deeply into the disability sector, and I'm thrilled to discuss the $5 million Assistive Technology Rental and Refurbishment Pilot. This Albanese government initiative is run by Ability WA and is now being expanded to Western Australia.”
“This is the first time in two decades that the cost of medicines has actually gone down. For those managing chronic conditions, this isn't just a minor saving; it is hundreds of dollars back in their pocket every year. This is what Labor governments do. We manage the budget so we can manage the costs that hit the kitchen tables and the back pockets every single week. We've also had a revolution in women's health, and I want to highlight a particularly proud achievement of our government, which is the $573 million package for women's health. Our caucus is 50 per cent women. That changes conversations, and it changes budget allocations. For too long, women's health was underrepresented and underfunded, but we're changing that.”
“After nearly a decade of neglect from those opposite, bulk-billing was in freefall, but we've turned that around with the largest investment in Medicare's 40-year history. We've tripled the bulk-billing incentive, and the results have been historic. Nationwide, we're seeing bulk-billing rates jump up to over 81 per cent, and, more importantly, nine in 10 visits for children and concession card holders are now free. For a young family in Mundaring or a pensioner in Northam, this is the difference between getting the care when you need it and waiting until the condition becomes dire. We're not just saving the system of Medicare; we're expanding it so it works for the modern era. Cheaper medicines are another aspect addressing the cost-of-living issues. As of 1 January this year, we capped PBS scripts at $25.”
“I rise today to speak in support of the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026 and Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026. These bills represent the Albanese Labor government's unwavering commitment to delivering for all Australians. As we move through the parliamentary term, our focus remains clear: providing responsible economic management and cost-of-living relief. For the people of Bullwinkel, a brand new electorate that I am incredibly proud to represent, these appropriations are not just figures on a page; they are blueprints for a healthier, more supported and more connected community. As a nurse, I'd like to use my speech to talk about the health expenditure that this bill allows for. There's Medicare and bulk-billing success. Medicare is the foundation of our social contract. When we came to government, that foundation was crumbling.”
“As the member for Bullwinkel, I am humbled to represent the electorate that carries her name. We do not just honour a person; we honour a standard of selfless service. Let us use this motion to recommit ourselves to supporting women currently serving in the ADF, ensuring that they have the resources, the respect and the recognition they deserve. We stand on the shoulders of giants like Vivian Bullwinkel and her 21 fallen colleagues, including Alma Beard from Toodyay, which is in my electorate. We will remember them. Lest we forget.”
“For 12 days she hid in the jungle caring for a wounded British soldier before she was forced to surrender and spend 3½ years as a prisoner of war in trying conditions. Vivian Bullwinkel did not just survive. She bore witness and later testified at the war crimes tribunal in Tokyo, and she carried the memory of her 21 sisters in arms back to the Australian shores. She ensured that their sacrifice was not lost to the tides of Bangka Island but was instead etched into the soul of our nation. Vivian's story is the pinnacle of a century-long narrative. From the Australian Army Nursing Service in World War II to the intelligence officers, pilots and combat medics serving in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific today, women have been serving our nation with remarkable contributions.”
“What followed remains one of the most harrowing chapters in our military history. On that ratty beach, 22 surviving Australian nurses who, under the Geneva Convention, should have been taken as prisoners of war were instead ordered to march out into the ocean. They knew what was coming. Vivian recalled Matron Irene Drummond saying, 'Chin up, girls; I'm proud of you, and I love you all.' They walked with their heads held high, supporting one another, displaying a calm dignity that defied the horror of the moment, and they were mowed down by machine-gun fire. Vivian was the sole survivor, only a few years older than my own daughter is today. Struck by a bullet that passed through her hip, she feigned death until the captors left.”
“This motion acknowledges the profound and enduring contribution of women to the Australian Defence Force for over a century. While women today serve in every capacity across our Navy, Army and Air Force, we must remember that this path was paved by the extraordinary courage of those who came before. In my electorate of Bullwinkel, named in honour of a true Australian heroine, we are reminded daily of the debt we owe to Lieutenant Colonel Sister Vivian Bullwinkel and her colleagues. To appreciate the security and freedom we enjoy today, we must look back to February 1942. Vivian Bullwinkel was one of 65 Australian nurses who reluctantly evacuated Singapore aboard the SS Vyner Brooke due to the Japanese invasion. When the ship was sunk by Japanese aircraft, Vivian and a group of survivors eventually washed ashore on Bangka Island.”
“We're ensuring that our eggs are not all in one basket, making our trade more diversified and resilient than ever before. Climate resilience: we know the climate is changing. That is why we're backing the agricultural and land sector plan, with over $2 billion to ensure our producers can remain productive and profitable in a changing environment. The Australian agricultural sector and other primary producers are the powerhouses in the engine of our Australian economy, and they're also at the heart of our regional communities. By supporting this motion, we're not just celebrating past achievements; we're committing to a future where Australian agriculture and primary producers continue to lead the world. I commend this motion to the House.”
“The Albanese Labor government understands that global success requires domestic support. We haven't just cheered from the sidelines; we have made significant structural investments to ensure that this growth is sustainable. I have a few examples. Biosecurity: we have committed over $2 billion in new biosecurity funding. In an era of global travel and trade, our biosecurity is our strongest shield against invasive pests and diseases that could devastate industries overnight. We are tackling the labour shortages that have long plagued the sectors by bringing employers, unions and government to the table. We're ensuring that the people who harvest our food are treated fairly and that farmers have the workers that they need. Trade diversification: since July 2022, we have achieved 256 market access milestones.”
“This isn't just a number on a spreadsheet; it represents the premium value that the world places on Australian food and fibre. From our grains to our livestock to our world-class forestry products, the product of Australia brand has never been stronger. However, these milestones didn't just happen by accident and didn't happen in a vacuum; they were achieved through the grit and resilience of our primary producers, who face droughts, floods, and global market shifts with unwavering resolve. They were achieved through the innovation and skill of the industries that are constantly finding ways to do more with less. On behalf of our Labor government, I say to farmers, fishers and foresters: we see your hard work. We thank you for feeding and clothing not just this nation but across the world.”
“Today, I rise to speak in strong support of the agriculture, fisheries and forestry motion. It's a privilege to stand in this place and acknowledge the sheer scale of the success currently being seen across our agricultural landscape. We're witnessing a historic moment for our Australian primary production, one that underscores the resilience of our farmers and the strategic vision of the Albanese Labor government. The latest forecasts from ABARES are, quite frankly, staggering. Australia's farm-gate production value is now forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year. To put that in perspective, we have hit the National Farmers' Federation 2030 target four years ahead of schedule. Furthermore, our exports are set to reach a record high of almost $85 billion for the 2025-26 year.”
“I also joined Roya and Tracey from Gosnells Safe Communities Now to welcome the Persian new year, the Nowruz, a beautiful celebration of renewal and hope. In Orange Grove. I joined Councillor Tony Thomas from the city of Armadale at the St Joseph Syro-Malabar Parish for the Feast of St Joseph, experiencing the vibrant faith and hospitality that defines their community. In these gatherings we are seeing community groups that choose peace over discord. I thank them for being the steadying ground that they— (Time expired)”
“In a world that often feels fast paced and unpredictable, many in our community in Bullwinkel are feeling the ripple effects of global uncertainty, whether it's the rising cost of fuel or the weight of international unrest. Yet, in times like these, we are reminded that our greatest strength isn't found in global headlines but in the local connections that ground us and keep us moving forward. In my electorate, I see the strength and the incredible power of our local religious and cultural groups, the quiet architects of peace and social cohesion. Over the past few weeks, I've been privileged to witness firsthand how these communities are actively choosing connection over isolation. Last sitting, it was an honour to host an iftar in parliament, sharing a meal and reflection during the holy month of Ramadan.”
“They allowed this system to persist, where Australians were punished for being proactive about their health. The Labor Albanese government is fixing that. We're telling every Australian: your DNA belongs to you, not your insurer. We are choosing science, we are choosing prevention and we are choosing people. I commend this bill to the House.”
“It removes the redundant stage 2 registration of financial advisers. As a researcher, I'm a firm believer in efficient systems. We already have a functioning disciplinary system forcing individual advisers to register annually with ASIC, and this would add another unnecessary administrative burden and cost. We want advisers focused on helping Australians plan for their future, not navigating bureaucratic hurdles that offer no additional consumer protection. In conclusion, it's people over products. As a nurse, I've always believed that prevention is better than cure. As a PhD candidate, I understand that the data tells us the same thing. And, as the member for Bullwinkel, I know my community expects us to put health ahead of insurance industry loopholes. For 10 years, those opposite ignored the genetic underclass.”
“For our superannuation and retirement industry, this means better access to international markets and lower costs through increased competition. It's about making Australia a more sophisticated, competitive financial hub. Schedule 3 is about modernising international finance. It modernises our engagement with the multilateral development banks and the International Monetary Fund. In our region, these institutions are at the forefront of climate resilience and infrastructure. By providing a more flexible legislative framework for transactions, like our support for the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, we will ensure Australia remains a leader in regional development. We've ensured transparency remains paramount and any new financial obligations must be notified to government. Schedule 4 reduces the burden for financial advisers.”
“Integrity of underwriting means that insurers can still use signs, symptoms or family medical history to conduct risk-rate policies which are appropriate, but the hidden code of our DNA is protected. Patients can still volunteer results if it helps them—for example, if they do not carry the family mutation. There is also strict enforcement. The bill creates civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance that are regulated by ASIC. We're not just asking the industry to do better; we're requiring it to. In schedule 2, supporting global investment, we are streamlining our financial markets by introducing licensing exemptions for foreign financial service providers. By reducing red tape for comparable regulators and professional investors, we're encouraging global capital to flow to Australia.”
“They are delaying life-saving screenings, and they are even withdrawing from groundbreaking medical research because they're terrified of being penalised by the insurer for a bad result. When people avoid testing, we lose the chance for early intervention. We lose the chance for prevention. When people avoid research, our scientific progress stalls. This government is stepping in to ensure that the system works for people, not against them. How does the ban work? Schedule 1 implements the government's decision to ban life insurers from using genetic-testing results to inform the offer or terms of their cover. We are amending the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to ensure that our laws keep pace with modern science. This ban is robust and fair.”
“Schedule 1 ends genetic discrimination. For too long, a shadow has hung over the consultation rooms of genetic counsellors and over the laboratories of our great medical research institutions. That shadow is the fear of not being eligible for life insurance. Under the current framework, vulnerable Australians have been faced with a difficult choice: do I take a genetic test that may save my life by identifying a predisposition to cancer or heart disease or do I protect my family's financial future by ensuring that I can still access affordable life insurance? In a First World nation like Australia, no-one should ever have to make that choice. Here is the evidence for change. Treasury's analysis on this matter is clinical and it's clear. The status quo is failing. People are holding back from essential testing.”
“That trial confirmed that she did, indeed, carry the high-risk breast cancer gene. Armed with that knowledge, Zoe underwent a double mastectomy. She took control. She prevented the experience that her mother suffered, and she probably saved her own life. But here is the tragedy: many Australians in Zoe's position choose not to take that test. It's not because they're afraid of the needle. They're afraid of the insurance company. Their fear is that a positive result will mean that they can never get a mortgage, they'll never be able to protect their children's future or they will be priced out of the peace of mind that life insurance provides. As a nurse, it breaks my heart to think that a patient would decline a life-saving map of their own DNA because of a corporate profit margin. This bill ends that fear.”
“I know the cost of the latter, and not just the cost to the Medicare system and the health system but the human cost. Genetic testing is at the frontier of preventive health. It allows us to move from the reactive healthcare model to a proactive one. But, for that to work, patients must feel secure and feel safe to access the technology. This is why the story of Zoe, a young woman from my home state of Western Australia, is so vital. Zoe's mother was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at only 39 years of age and passed away only 18 months thereafter. Zoe, knowing her family history, did the responsible thing. She sought a DNA test through the public system, but, unfortunately, did not qualify under the rigid criteria. However, she was selected for a DNA screen trial, a groundbreaking initiative led by Monash University.”
“Throughout my years in clinical practice, I've stood at the bedside of patients facing the most daunting diagnoses imaginable, and I recently submitted my doctoral research focusing on the experiences of patients receiving medical treatments, specifically the impact of chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions delivered in the home. I have seen firsthand the physical, emotional and financial toll that cancer treatment can take on an individual and their family. When we talk about preventive health, we aren't just using a policy buzzword. We're talking about the difference between a patient undergoing a pre-emptive life-saving procedure and, alternatively, enduring the gruelling, exhausting cycles of chemotherapy and immunotherapy because a condition may have been caught late.”
“Today I rise to speak on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025. This bill is a significant piece of legislation. It's about fairness, modernisation and the fundamental health of every Australian. At its core, this bill delivers on a clear commitment to ban the use of adverse genetic testing results in life insurance. We are protecting Australians from being discriminated against simply because they took a proactive step to understand their own health. I approach this bill not just as a member of parliament but through the lens of my career as a registered nurse and midwife.”
“They ensure that the road to recovery for our budget is paved with fairness. The Superannuation (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Imposition Bill 2026 is ultimately about values. It's about the nurse in Northam who deserves to know that her super is growing. It's about the small-business owner in Kalamunda who wants a sustainable economy for their children. It's about the 1.3 million low-income workers who are finally getting the help they need with their retirement savings. There are 14 times as many people who will benefit from the boost to LISTO as there are people affected by the $3 million threshold, and that is the only statistic you really need in order to understand whose side the government is on. We are on the side of workers, we are on the side of women and we are on the side of the future.”