Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Skills and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I stand here in Australia's parliament, hundreds are gathering at The Transfiguration of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church of Thomastown. They're gathering in solemn mourning, remembrance and celebration of an extraordinary life—that of my friend Sofia Mastoris OAM. It is fitting she be remembered in this place as well as in the community she served. The Scullin community and I have lost a dear friend and a dear comrade in the passing of Sofia. I recognise she was a member of the Labor Party for 43 years amongst many other very significant accomplishments.

If it is impossible, as I believe, to imagine Melbourne today without the extraordinary imprint of the Greek Australian community, it's impossible to overstate the influence of Sofia on that community, particularly in the northern suburbs and particularly in terms of her work with Greek women. She dedicated her life to empowering women in the Greek community. In particular in her role as president of the Hellenic Women's Federation, she worked tirelessly and effectively to advocate for Greek heritage. She was also a deeply impressive advocate for the Cancer Council and promoted cancer services for many years after her own breast cancer surgery. She never stopped; she always showed kindness and compassion for others and was a very regular and much-loved visitor to my electorate office. My staff and I will miss her terribly. She was a strong advocate, a leader and an inspiration for the community.

As I stand here wishing I could be at the funeral itself, I send my condolences to her family. I note Sofia is survived by her son, Nonda, and her beloved grandchildren, and remembered by many who loved her across the community.

Last weekend I had the very great privilege of cutting the ribbon to officially open Leading Edge Childcare and Early Learning Wollert, a fantastic family owned business bringing something very special to a growing community. I send out a very special thank you to the owners for inviting me to be part of this event and to the families I spoke with over a very enjoyable sausage sizzle on a hot day. There was a magic show and there were some very impressive tricks by my good mate Bruce, who's far better with balloon animals and rabbits than I could ever pretend to be. I've been visiting childcare centres right across my electorate, from Goodstart in Mill Park to Great Beginnings in Epping, meeting with so many dedicated and hardworking childcare workers and early educators like Priya, from Great Beginnings, who spoke with passion about seeing the growth within our young ones and the difference they make in shaping young lives and our future, ensuring that everyone gets the best start in life.

I remind the house that the Albanese government deeply understands the importance of this vital sector. That's why we are delivering a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood educators and working to entrench early education as a fundamental part of our education system.