Struggling breaths in the back seat. Panicked breaths in the front seat. Dad running an amber light that was really more like red on the way to the hospital. Only to end up spending hours with doctors and then hours more on a nebuliser. That is the reality of chronic childhood asthma.
That was my reality.
Today, asthma does not bother me the way it used to. But I still remember the fear.
Today on World Ranger Day, the Albanese Government is furthering its commitment to support Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to protect and manage the Great Barrier Reef with a $12.6 million investment.
The Government is expanding the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers Program and boosting its ability to deliver activities that improve water quality and protect ecologically and culturally significant species on the Reef.
This could include activities such as restoring important habitats and managing pests that pose a threat to the health of the Reef.
May I firstly acknowledge the Larrakia people, on whose land we come together for this incredibly significant occasion for First Nations media across the country.
For those who couldn’t join you here I’m sure if they can, they are certainly touching base with each of you as to how it’s all going.
I’ve had the opportunity to take leave from the Senate today to be able to join you, and I’m really pleased that I could do that, so I do thank the Parliament for that.
Can I acknowledge Uncle Ned Hargraves and all the Yuendemu mob, really beautiful to see you.
This World Ranger Day, we recognise the important work of Indigenous rangers across Australia, who care for land and sea Country and deliver social, cultural and economic benefits to First Nations communities.
The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on our commitment to double the number of Indigenous rangers by the end of the decade.
800 new Indigenous ranger jobs will be created through a second round expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program, with applications currently being assessed.
In a time of rapid geopolitical, technological and social change, this forum is a valuable opportunity to reflect on our shared mission:
To strengthen the foundation of trust, assurance and integrity in the public sector.
Your role as internal auditors is more crucial than ever. You are the experts shaping the future of public service.
But first, let us reflect on one fundamental truth. Australia, as a nation, has always embraced risk.
Subjects: Middle East conflict, Closing the Gap.
The Productivity Commission has released the latest Annual Data Compilation Report showing how efforts to improve life outcomes for First Nations people are progressing under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Data is available on progress in 15 of the 19 targets and shows that nationally 10 of those are improving.
Outcomes are improving and targets on track:
TOM CONNELL, HOST: Joining me now is Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman. Is this, if you believe that we need to act on climate, net zero, is this bad for the country? Do you hope the Coalition stays with you on this, or politically, does it help you if they move away from it?
PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Excellent to be here with Jess Teesdale, the new member for Bass, who gave an absolutely beautiful speech about why she stood for parliament and why she is here. And her determination to deliver for the Australian people, including children. Jess, congrats again on that wonderful speech.
PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER: Over the last week, the Albanese Government has been focused on things that make a real difference to the Australian people. Cutting their student debt, making sure that our child care centres are safer and ensuring that we protect penalty rates that 2.6 million Australians rely upon.