Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This month, every single state and territory wrote to the federal government requesting support to ensure their hospital systems can withstand pressure from COVID. The fact is that our health and hospital systems around the country will be under more pressure as Australia opens up. We all want Australia opened up, but we want it to occur safely, and it's important that the federal government be prepared to listen to the states and territories, which have led Australia through this crisis, and that we look after people during this process.

Tragically, I was reminded yet again of the impact of COVID with the death of Robert Webb in my electorate. Robert was the only Aboriginal ever elected to the Leichhardt council. He served loyally from 2004 to 2008. He did incredible work with young Indigenous people in the inner west and throughout the country. He was still the chair of the Inner West Council's Aboriginal consultative committee. His wife, Kathy, is in hospital still suffering from COVID, and I hope for her recovery. For all of the friends of Robert Webb, particularly in the First Nations community, I express my sincere condolences—I'm sure on behalf of the entire parliament.