I'm back in Kooyong after a big sitting week fortnight, with lots on health and climate, as well as a huge community win on aged care reform. Together, the crossbench put the pressure on the government to release additional 20,000 home care packages - which it did, in response to that pressure.
Parliament wrap-up
Last week in the House I was focused on health and climate.
I spoke about the urgent need to address climate change as a public health issue at a conference hosted by Doctors for the Environment, was interviewed by Medicines Australia at their PharmAus showcase, and stood alongside fellow paediatrician Dr Louise Woodward from the Northern Territory to call out federal agencies for failing to respond to a long-term, massive methane leak which is threatening the health of the people of Darwin. I also used my time in Question Time to raise this issue directly with the Minister. It's serious issue; we need more accountability and transparency from the federal agencies regulating emissions from coal, oil, and gas facilities. 
This week
On Thursday, I had the honour of meeting A/Prof. Jeremy Brown at Swinburne University, to discuss the urgent need for a proton therapy facility in Australia. Proton therapy is state of the art radiotherapy - best practice care for some brain tumours and other malignancies - but we don't yet have a facility for it in Australia. This forces sick patients to travel overseas for care that should be accessible locally.
I look forward to working alongside experts like A/Prof. Brown to progress making proton therapy available in Australia.
You've got mail
You’ve probably noticed our colourful Kooyong Chronicle September edition arriving in your mailbox, highlighting key priorities for the 48th Parliament.
There was some great work put into this edition, including the wonderful cover image featuring the Rewilding Stonnington group!
Many have asked me about this group; if you're keen to get involved in some therapeutic outdoor activities and improve our environment, sign up to join them!.
Visit Stonnington Council’s Connect page, or get in touch via [email protected]
JSCEM Submissions
The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM) is conducting a wide-ranging review into the conduct of the 2025 federal election. These reviews are important to strengthening our democracy and ensuring elections remain safe, accessible, and fair.
Submissions are now open; I encourage all with thoughts or feedback on the conduct of the federal election to make a submission. Submissions can be as short as a personal story or an observation. Video and photos can also be sent to the secretariat at em@aph.gov.au.
Feel free to contact my office if you have any questions; more information can also be found at: Inquiry into the 2025 federal election – Parliament of Australia.
Spring volunteer event
It was fantastic to welcome so many of you to the Kooyong spring volunteer event last night!
As many will know, we recently farewelled Conal, community organiser extraordinaire, and have now welcomed Jen Harbottle into that role. Jen did an incredible job pulling last night together. It was so much fun catching up with everyone over pizza at the Toorak Bowls Club. We can’t wait to do it again soon.
