Dunkley Parliamentary Wrap

Welcome to the September Dunkley Parliamentary Wrap. 

This email is little later than normal, following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The weekend saw officials and many members of the community participate in acts of condolence, and the swearing in of King Charles III. 

For those who have not heard, September 22 has been declared a one-off public holiday as a National Day of Mourning for Her Majesty The Queen.

This week in Parliament 

Since the last parliamentary wrap, we passed the first 100 days of the Albanese Government. 

It’s been quite the whirlwind, with a focus on supporting increases in the minimum wage and aged care wages; repairing Australia’s international relationships (particularly with our closest neighbours); using parliament to make changes that will improve access to and the quality of health and aged care; progressing the Voice to Parliament… and much more! 

Last week in parliament we continued to introduce legislation that will deliver a better future for all Australians. You can hear all about it in the video above.

It was also a big week for Dunkley in the parliament - below is just a snapshot!

Sandy from Carrum Downs

Sandy is in Year 7 at Carrum Downs Secondary and sent me an email about climate change.

She writes "It is real, it is happening now. We must save our planet. Our planet is a gift, we must take care of it. I may just be a 12-year-old, yet for me age does not matter". 

I agree, Sandy. It is one of the most important issues that we need to work together on.

That's why the Government's Climate Change Bill is so significant. And this week it passed the parliament. That means that the 43% emissions reduction target is now enshrined in law. 

Cost of Medicines

On Wednesday, the Government introduced legislation to make medicines cheaper. 

The maximum cost to general patients for PBS medications has doubled since 2000. Concerningly, the ABS advises that the high costs of medications meant close to one million Australians delayed or didn’t fill their prescription in 2019-20. It's not good enough. 

Cutting the price will mean more people can afford to get the medications they need to stay healthy – without worrying so much about the price. This will make a real impact to many people in our community.

Women's Health Week

This sitting of parliament coincided with Women’s Health Week.

We marked the occasion by launching the Jean Hailes National Women’s Health Survey Results 2022 at Parliament House.

The findings of this important survey give us a chance to better respond to the health needs of women around Australia.

At the same time, the Government announced its commitment to provide more than $1 million to improve menopause healthcare.

You can watch my speech here. 

Aged Care

Aged Care is a system we have to fix. We can't afford not to.

This week I spoke in support of the Government's legislation to improve integrity and accountability in aged care so that we know how aged-care providers are spending money.

I also took the opportunity to talk about the ground-breaking work being done right here in Frankston by Peninsula Health and Monash University at the National Centre for Healthy Ageing.

You have told me that our community is keen to see these reforms introduced, and they are now one step closer to becoming law.

Warwick from Frankston South

I love being able to highlight amazing locals. 99-year-old Warwick from Frankston South has just published a book. Before travelling to Canberra I had the pleasure of joining Warwick to launch Action Sweetwater Creek.

This book was a labour of love for Warwick, and it is a testament to all of the volunteer hours that have gone in to the restoration of Sweetwater Creek for more than 30 years now.

I spoke about Warwick and his book in parliament.

Of course, this is just a quick snapshot of the week. A lot more happened behind the scenes. You can find more info on my Facebook Page.

Please share this email with anyone you think would be interested.

As always, if you have any questions, need assistance or want to raise an issue with me, do not hesitate to email me at peta.murphy.mp@aph.gov.au or call (03) 9781 2333.

Yours
Peta