Fiona Phillips (Gilmore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today is International Cleaners Day, and I want to take the opportunity to say thank you to all the cleaners across the New South Wales South Coast. This year, more than ever, it has become clear how important the work you do is and how all too often it is not given the recognition it deserves.

Cleaners play a vital role in our healthcare system, hospitality industry, schools and more. They are working every day to make sure this virus is not spreading in our essential workplaces. Cleaners stop outbreaks of infectious diseases in our hospitals, keep operating theatres clean, prepare beds for new patients and make sure all hospital surfaces are germ-free. Without cleaners, our community would not be able to enjoy relaxed restrictions, our restaurants, cafes and shops could not reopen, our supermarkets could not provide food and toilet paper, our aged-care homes would not be safe for our loved ones, our public transport could not operate—the list goes on.

So today I want to say thank you to our cleaners and all our essential workers. Where would we be without you? I stand with all our cleaners to make sure they are getting the support and recognition they deserve. Thank you to all our cleaners, on the New South Wales South Coast and around Australia, for everything you do to protect and support our community today and every day.