Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to show some appreciation to ANU student Zoe Logan, who undertook an internship in my office last year. Unfortunately, the pandemic and restrictions meant that Zoe, like many Australians across the country, spent most of her placement working from home. Although she missed out on the hustle and bustle of parliament, the contribution she made to my office was nothing short of outstanding. During her time, Zoe researched the state of health services in Eden-Monaro and concluded that the current level of delivery is unable to provide the level of care required by the community. Whilst this comes as no surprise, Zoe also found the delivery of health services in Eden-Monaro in desperate need of transformation.

In only a matter of months, Zoe did what many across the region wished the government would do. She listened to the community, reviewed what doctors, healthcare workers and residents were saying, and investigated how a range of recommendations could be implemented. Zoe's report noted that the critical GP shortage in Eden-Monaro had significant flow-on effects. The lack of access to essential primary health care impacts the physical wellbeing of residents but also has infrastructural, economic and social implications.

In addition to compiling a very thorough and necessary report into our health services—which I look forward to sharing—Zoe also brightened our office with enthusiasm, excitement and a desire to make a difference. Thank you for your work, Zoe, and I hope to get you into parliament soon.