Jason Wood (La Trobe, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to welcome Emma Vulin MP and her partner, Matt, to the chamber today and also acknowledge the member for Bruce, Julian Hill, who has been taking her around and has known Emma since the age of 12.

I first got to meet Emma at Carrum Downs prior to the last state election, and I must admit that, after meeting Emma, I thought, 'There's not a nicer person I could meet—a CFA volunteer.' I was very concerned you would actually win the seat of Pakenham from the Liberals, which you did. Over the time I've known Emma, I've always had all these injuries, and Emma and I have compared stories. In actual fact, I recommended a surgeon to her!

But the sad thing, the reality, is that Emma has motor neurone disease. You've been absolutely incredible, going to citizenship functions with us and also to a Remembrance Day service last week. Even when we had the motor neurone disease Walk to Support event recently, you were more worried about how I would go around the lake, and yet you were in a wheelchair.

Emma, you're an inspiration to all of us and all those other 2,000 in Australia who have MND. I thank you and Matt and your family; you've gone through hell and back. You are a fighter and an inspiration, and it's very sad to see what you are going through, but we all walk in your shoes. Thank you so much.