I worked for three decades in our public hospitals as a paediatric neurologist, researcher, and administrator. As the Member for Kooyong, I continue to work for improved health and disability services, and to promote the health and economic benefits of Australia’s medical, science and public health research sectors. 

Healthcare 

Since being elected in 2022, I have been a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability, and I was a member of the Parliamentary Committee for NDIS from 2022 to 2024. Together with parliamentary colleagues, we have undertaken inquiries into long COVID, diabetes, alcohol and drug services, and disability services for children. 

As the Member for Kooyong, I consistently advocate for improved preventative health approaches, including: 

• Access to longer GP visits, to encourage early intervention, healthier outcomes and less dependence on emergency and critical care services. 

• Access to affordable dental care, particularly for children and seniors who have the highest rates of preventable hospital admissions due to dental complications. Untreated dental conditions cost the country $45 billion in lost productivity every year. 

• Better funded allied health services, including psychology and unrestricted access to mental health care.  

Preventing gambling harm 

Gambling is a public health crisis that leads to social, health and financial distress for millions of Australians. I support a complete ban on gambling advertising as proposed by the Murphy Report into gambling harm.   

Disability 

4.4 million Australians live with disability, yet just 15% of these people are on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. All Australians deserve best practice care and support, which is why I have worked collaboratively with the Government since I was first elected in 2022 to reform the NDIS, including successfully amending the legislation, and ensure the best outcomes for people living with disabilities and their families. 

Australians deserve access to new treatments as they’re developed—we shouldn’t have to cope with delays and medication shortages. I advocate for reform of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Association, as well as increased levels of public funding for medical research, to ensure our medical workforce and systems for approving, funding, and supplying medications, vaccines and new technologies are world class. 

Our government subsidises both private health insurers and private hospitals, but patients are still experiencing high out of pocket costs causing many to be deterred from seeking vital medical care. The private health sector needs reform to ensure patients are getting a fair deal and the care they need. 

My parliamentary speeches on healthcare and disability:

Access to medication

Cheaper, more convenient prescribing and dispensing of medicines

Women's health

Gambling advertising

Medication shortages and cost

National Disability Insurance Scheme

Medical Research Future Fund