Julia Banks (Chisholm, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Tomorrow is the anniversary of my first speech in this House. My reflection is that in my role as the member for Chisholm I remain truly honoured and proud to have the opportunity to meet literally thousands of wonderful people. However, despite all of our daily interactions with people, be they friends, family, work colleagues or indeed constituents, one can often not really know if a person is okay. Anxiety, depression and other disorders are conditions that make people unwell and not okay. They are conditions that are often invisible to us as we go about our daily activities. Today is R U OK? Day. It is a question that can start an impactful conversation with our loved ones, friends and colleagues, and a campaign which encourages all Australians to reach out and check in with our mates and loved ones. Almost half of all Australians will experience mental health issues in their life.

I'm proud of the Turnbull government's investment package towards building a modern, 21st-century mental health system. I'm equally proud of the campaigns the universities in Chisholm are running on R U OK? Day. At Deakin University in Burwood and at Monash University in Clayton, staff and students are encouraging conversations and connections that build community and support those who may be struggling. Today and every day I encourage all Australians to be proactive, be brave and ask three little words, 'Are you okay,' which can have an enormous impact.

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