http://www.andrewrobb.com.au RSS feeds for Andrew Robb MP - Federal Member for Goldstein 60 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1495/National-Ride2School-Day.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1495 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1495&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1495/National-Ride2School-Day.aspx National Ride2School Day – 22 March – Parents urged to help reinvigorate the journey to school   Starting the day with some regular exercise can help stave off preventable diseases like diabetes and obesity and the younger you start the better.   To spread the message, Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb, has thrown his support behind National Ride2School Day on Friday March 22, which encourages parents and children to find safe ways of getting active on their way to and from school.   It is recommended children get a minimum of 60 minutes exercise each day and riding or walking to and from school or even skating and scooting can be a good way to do it.   “The research shows that the lifestyles we now lead have resulted in a dramatic decrease in childhood exercise rates, for instance back in the ’70s more than 80 per cent of kids walked or rode to school that number has fallen to about 20 per cent,” Mr Robb said.   “I try and start my day with a 1,500 metre swim in Port Phillip Bay which is not everyone’s cup of tea, especially in winter, but it suits my lifestyle. Regular exercise helps not only improve your physical fitness but also your mental health and well-being.   “The key is to find time to do regular exercise and for children getting to and from school might be the best way to fit it in given many students live within a couple of kilometres of their school. Ride2School Day gives students from schools across Bayside and Glen Eira the opportunity to support a major national promotion of active travel,” Mr Robb said.   Parents looking for advice, strategies, tips and further information on active travel – including how to map out the safest route to school - can visit the Ride2School website at www.ride2school.com.au   Media contact: Jordi Procel – 03 9557 4644 Andrew Robb Tue, 12 Mar 2013 22:52:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1495 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1488/Gillards-Hospital-Funding-Debacle-Not-Sustainable.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1488 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1488&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1488/Gillards-Hospital-Funding-Debacle-Not-Sustainable.aspx GILLARD’S HOSPITAL FUNDING DEBACLE NOT SUSTAINABLE The Gillard government has been forced into an embarrassing back down over funding cuts which threatened to blow out elective surgery waiting lists at Sandringham Hospital. Not only must funding be immediately reinstated to our local hospitals, but the Gillard government must also commit to reinstating full funding over the next three years, Federal Member for Goldstein Andrew Robb said today. “In response to community outrage and intensive lobbying by state Health Minister David Davis Federal Labor has reversed cuts totalling $107 million to hospitals across the state for “2012-13” Mr Robb said. “It is vital that the restored funds immediately flow back into the likes of Sandringham Hospital in the interests of patients and dedicated staff who were understandably anxious about job security and resourcing levels,” Mr Robb said. Alfred Health who operates both Sandringham and Caulfield hospitals, suffered $7.8 million in funding cuts under the initial decision by the Gillard government. Calvary Health Care Bethlehem in Caulfield South was also affected by cuts of more than $330,000. Sandringham Hospital was facing the prospect of being forced to reduce its elective surgery program to only the most urgent cases from 29 March. This alone was expected to cause waiting lists to blow-out by about 300 by the end of June. Mr Robb said Julia Gillard’s funding reversal is just the first step as it applies to just this financial year, with federal cuts totalling $475 million still scheduled for Victorian hospitals over the next three years. “David Davis is to be congratulated for the way he has stood up to the Gillard government in the interests of patients and our hospitals, despite the vilification and threats of retribution. “The Gillard government is totally dysfunctional and if it happens to be re-elected hospitals and patients can expect to go through this type of funding debacle each and every year. “This situation is simply not sustainable as our hospitals require federal funding certainty so they can plan ahead and manage their resources to enable them to continue providing the best possible care for patients,” Mr Robb said.   Andrew Robb Thu, 21 Feb 2013 01:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1488 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1489/Mental-Health-Forum-in-Bentleigh.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1489 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1489&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1489/Mental-Health-Forum-in-Bentleigh.aspx MENTAL HEALTH FORUM IN BENTLEIGH   Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein was pleased to hold a mental health forum on Tuesday 19th February, and thanked the Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells for taking part.   Mr Robb said the forum not only gave the local mental health practitioners the chance to hear firsthand the Coalition’s plans for mental health but more importantly allowed them to have their ideas heard as well.   “The forum was conducted as a workshop with all those present providing their assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the major mental health programs.   “We were delighted to have Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells in Bentleigh to chair the discussion, and to hear first hand the priorities and real world advice of those delivering the mental health programs.   “Many different community organisations and practitioners were represented, including Bentleigh Bayside Community Health, Orygen, Genesis Medical Centre, Southland Medical Centre, Cr Laurie Evans from Bayside City Council, well known GP Dr Sally Cockburn, as well as representatives from various medical facilities in the Bayside Glen Eira area”.   Mr Robb said with one in five Australians suffering from a mental health illness it was important to get the policy right. As Mr Robb has documented his own struggle with a depressive illness in his book, “Black Dog Daze: Public Life, Private Demons”, he is particularly passionate about ensuring mental health is at the forefront of health policy, and is an ambassador for Beyond Blue and the Black Dog Institute.   “We need to formulate the correct policy for mental health that will best serve the needs of those in the Bayside Glen Eira area that are affected by a mental illness.   “At the time, the Howard Coalition Government expended the biggest ever commitment of $1.5 billion for mental health” said Robb, “It allowed some people for the first time to gain access to mental health services and receive the treatment they needed.   Robb said the forum was a complete success and again thanked all those who participated for their highly constructive observations and advice. Andrew Robb Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:09:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1489 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1484/LATEST-GILLARD-GOVERNMENT-PRIVATE-HEALTH-INSURANCE-INCREASE-WILL-PUT-MORE-PRESSURE-ON-BAYSIDE-AND-GLEN-EIRA-HOUSEHOLDS.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1484 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1484&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1484/LATEST-GILLARD-GOVERNMENT-PRIVATE-HEALTH-INSURANCE-INCREASE-WILL-PUT-MORE-PRESSURE-ON-BAYSIDE-AND-GLEN-EIRA-HOUSEHOLDS.aspx Monday, 11 February 2013 LATEST GILLARD GOVERNMENT PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE INCREASE WILL PUT MORE PRESSURE ON BAYSIDE AND GLEN EIRA HOUSEHOLDS The latest decision of the Gillard Government to increase private health insurance premiums by 5.6% will drive even more people out of private health insurance says Andrew Robb, Member for Goldstein.   “Every year under the Rudd/Gillard Government, Australian families have experienced private health insurance increases above the CPI”, said Robb.   “Julia Gillard used to say that the Health Minister “should be doing his job and putting pressure on private health insurers to keep premiums down” – now she is overseeing massive increases in the cost of private health insurance and breaking her promises on the Private Health Insurance Rebate.    Robb said Julia Gillard was cutting around $4 billion from private health over the next four years and that her new means test on the 30 per cent rebate would cost families up to an extra $1200 a year. This is on top of today’s announcement which will cost the average Australian family nearly $200 a year.   “Private health insurance is now unaffordable for many families, including the millions who have it but who earn less than $35,000 a year.  This means that as people quit or downgrade their private health insurance even more people will be added to public hospital waiting lists”.   “There are 81,912 people in my electorate who rely on private health insurance – and the policies of the Gillard government are putting more pressure on families, with many deciding to drop their private health insurance”.   Robb said the health system is already under pressure due to the Gillard Government’s $1.6 billion worth of cuts to public hospitals, which is hitting Sandringham Hospital and other in our region.   “Hospital cutbacks, broken promises on private health insurance and continued private health insurance increases over and above CPI are taking their toll on families and putting more pressure on our public hospitals.   Robb said the Coalition was committed to strengthening Medicare and taking pressure off public hospitals by restoring the Private Health Insurance Rebate as soon as we responsibly can, and will end the waste and get the Budget back under control so that Australians can be provided with better health services”.   Contact: Jordi Procel on 03 9557 4644 Andrew Robb Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1484 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1430/Adjournment--Catherine-Jenner-and-Pompe-Disease.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1430 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1430&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1430/Adjournment--Catherine-Jenner-and-Pompe-Disease.aspx  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ADJOURNMENT Pompe Disease   Tuesday, 11 September 2012 BY AUTHORITY OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr ROBB (Goldstein) (22:19): Tonight I would like to raise the plight of Catherine Jenner, a young woman from Cheltenham, which is in my electorate of Goldstein. This mother of two is just one of 25 people in Australia to be suffering from the rare recessive metabolic disorder known as Pompe disease. Catherine's body is wasting away, despite approval some four years ago by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of treatment for this disease. The federal government has not seen fit to pay for this life-saving treatment. The disease, caused by a deficiency in an enzyme, will progressively disable the heart and muscles, and within two years Catherine is expected to be confined to a wheelchair. This is a tragic case because there is a very recognised treatment widely available. Myozyme is an enzyme replacement therapy—a well-established drug which stabilises the condition. It is now available in more than 50 countries. It is not a cure but it is effective in slowing the progress of this insidious disease. In 2008 this treatment received marketing approval from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. Since then the Australian Pompe's Association has lobbied the federal government to approve funding for this therapy. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has deferred a decision on listing pending further information. We all know what that means—it is a euphemism for delay which has been orchestrated from political circles, from the federal government. These types of delays are unfortunately typical of what we have increasingly seen from this government over recent years, and they are a direct result of financial mismanagement. In fact, they are delays which stem from things such as that evidenced just last week by the World Economic Forum report, which confirmed that, in 2007-08, Australia ranked 10th in the world in terms of wastefulness of government spending but that, by 2012-13, Australia had slumped to 48th in the world. When you turn that into real dollars—real programs and real quality of life for individuals—we are talking billions. Billions of dollars have been wasted by this government through lack of attention to detail, misplaced priorities and the sheer incompetence associated with things like the pink batts scheme and the schools program. The list goes on and on. That is why this government has a $120 billion black hole in unfunded promises. After all the potential benefit of the resources boom and after having had the terms of trade higher than we have seen for 150 years, we are left with a $120 billion black hole—and these sorts of programs not being able to be funded. This is a shame of the highest order. It is so frustrating that this government is indefinitely deferring access to desperately needed drugs and treatments. Catherine is the human face of the impact of the government's penny pinching and mismanagement. She said: The available treatment can't undo what is already done to my body but it can arrest the progress of the disease. My body is getting weaker and I am getting more and more exhausted. Within six months I will need a walking aid and a year after that I will be in a wheelchair. I need this treatment now. I go between anger and disbelief that I have a life-threatening disease for which treatment is available but my government won't cover the cost. (Time expired) Andrew Robb Tue, 11 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1430 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1431/Exercise-your-mood-in-September-and-raise-awareness-of-depression.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1431 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1431&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1431/Exercise-your-mood-in-September-and-raise-awareness-of-depression.aspx Exercise your mood in September and raise awareness of depression Andrew Robb Member for Goldstein and an Ambassador for the Black Dog Institute wants everyone in the Bayside/Glen Eira area to participate in the Exercise Your Mood campaign, being held across Australia in September.   Coordinated by the Black Dog Institute, Exercise your Mood aims to raise awareness of depression and bipolar disorder by encouraging people to use a simple exercise regime as a way of reducing their risk of depression.   Professor Helen Christensen, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, emphasises the importance of this campaign.   “About 6% of Australians will experience a mood disorder in any one year, and depression is predicted to be the second largest cause of disease burden globally in 2030.   “The good news is research has clearly shown the benefits of exercise for people with mood disorders, significantly reducing depression compared to no treatment.”   Andrew Robb says “Depression touches people of all ages and all walks of life, but the most important thing is, it is never too late to seek help.” “Seeking treatment is crucial considering around four million Australians live with a mental illness without getting help.” “In my case, I didn’t seek proper treatment until my late 50s for a depressive condition that affected me early in the day. It was certainly worth it because for more than two years now, my mornings have been better than any I have experienced in my life.” “I’d like to encourage everyone that lives in the Bayside/Glen Eira area to exercise their mood during September by organise your own fundraising activity or participating in an existing event such as Fitember” All funds raised during September go directly towards Black Dog Institute educational, research, clinical and community activities. Look out for the sportspeople and community leaders who are also joining in.   The Black Dog Institute is a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders – depression and bipolar disorder. Based in Sydney, the Black Dog Institute partners with universities, health services and community groups across the country to raise awareness of mood disorders and ensure research is translated into the best possible health outcomes.   To find out more about the campaign and how you can be involved, visit the Black Dog Institute website, www.blackdoginstitute.org.au and click on Exercise Your Mood. Andrew Robb Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1431 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1179/Desperate-Last-Minute-Labor-Scare-Campaign-on-PBS.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1179 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1179&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1179/Desperate-Last-Minute-Labor-Scare-Campaign-on-PBS.aspx Labor are desperately lying at the last minute about the effect of the Coalition’s spending management measures upon the PBS. Contrary to Labor’s false claims: There will be no change to the PBS; These measures will not increase the costs of pharmaceuticals to seniors; These measures will not remove or alter current access to drugs on the PBS; The price of drugs to pensioners will remain the same.  There is no change to the co-contribution scheme; and, There will be no change to the arrangements recently agreed between the Government and the industry. The increased income in the Coalition's financial statement brings to account income not recognised by the Government in their forward estimates. Just because Labor asserts something in this campaign, doesn’t make it true.   Only the Coalition has outlined a plan to get back to surplus and to reduce Labor’s massive $90 billion debt by 35 percent by 2013-14.   Labor has no economic plan, other than to spread lies and run a negative smear campaign.                                                                                                          Australians should brace themselves for a lot more of this negative smear right until 6pm on Saturday. Media Contacts: John Wiseman on 0429 983 618 or Cameron Hill on 0408 239 521 Andrew Robb Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1179 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1146/Health-Premiums-to-Rise-Due-to-Labors-300-Million-Medibank-Private-Raid.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1146 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1146&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1146/Health-Premiums-to-Rise-Due-to-Labors-300-Million-Medibank-Private-Raid.aspx The revelation that Labor intends to pillage Medibank Private confirms that Labor has no plans to end the waste, repay the debt and stop the reckless spending other than taxing, borrowing, and now raiding government instrumentalities. It’s the same tactic State Labor Governments have used to rip dividends out of their electricity and water authorities, forcing up electricity and water prices dramatically. Another three years of Federal Labor will see Australians pay a huge price in higher interest rates, higher taxes and now higher health insurance premiums. According to a leading health actuary, the 2 million members of Medibank Private will each be $195 worse off as a result of Labor stripping out its $300 million special dividend. Labor didn’t want to reveal the raid on Medibank Private before the election but were forced to do so because their finances are so tight they need the money to help pay for their election promises. So they slipped it out last thing on Monday evening, hidden amongst a mass of other detail, hoping no-one would notice. This is just the start of the price Australians will pay for Labor’s waste, debt and deficit. Media: Sam Fairlie-Cuninghame 0438 285 780 Andrew Robb Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1146 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1143/Gillards-300-Million-Raid-on-Medibank-Private.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1143 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1143&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1143/Gillards-300-Million-Raid-on-Medibank-Private.aspx Julia Gillard is raiding Medibank Private to pay for her reckless spending spree – announcing she will order Medibank Private to make a one off dividend payment of $300 million to fund her latest round of irresponsible promises. Taking $300 million out of Medibank Private can only have one result – higher health insurance premiums for families. Labor is again adding to cost of living pressures. Once again, Labor just doesn’t get it. If ever there was a warning bell to Australians about the cost of another term of Labor, this raid of Medibank is it. It is a pivotal development in the campaign. Australians now have a real choice. We either live within our means, or we decide to go down Labor’s spend and tax, debt and deficit route. It is also a Federal Government demonstrating that is has caught the State Labor disease. Pillaging public infrastructure is exactly the template used by incompetent State Governments in NSW, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania to prop up their wasteful spending instead of maintaining their infrastructure properly. This is why electricity and water prices have sky rocketed – ten years of big dividends, but no renewal of the infrastructure. Media: Sam Fairlie-Cuninghame 0438 285 780 Andrew Robb Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1143 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1125/Opinion-Piece-Andrew-Robb-the-black-dog-state-for-years-before-I-got-help.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1125 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1125&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1125/Opinion-Piece-Andrew-Robb-the-black-dog-state-for-years-before-I-got-help.aspx Although I didn’t know what it was, my first recollection of having some type of condition which affected my ability to properly function in the morning was as a 12-year-old. This now makes perfect sense considering about 75% first manifest between early adolescence and age 25. I would feel very negative, lacked confidence and just wanted to stay within myself and this would be the case for the first few hours of my day. As I got older, the dark clouds would take longer to clear. For more than four decades I lived with this and did not seek help. Instead I employed various bizarre techniques to try and get myself going. For example, when driving to work, I’d stop a few times, stare at the sun to make myself sneeze, as this would release endorphins and give me a lift. Back then the stigma attached to mental illness was greater, and in men I think it was considered a sign of character weakness. This definitely served as a deterrent to seeking help. I finally decided to confront my condition, which over the years I came to accept was an underlying depressive disorder. I was fortunate to be in a position to be able to turn to my friend Jeff Kennett for assistance. He put me in touch with a top-notch mental health specialist. It was discovered that I release serotonin, the hormone that helps you start the day in good shape, a few hours later than most others. Following six months of experimentation with different medications I struck gold. But others aren't so lucky. The Coalition’s wonderful commitment to invest $1.5 billion into front-line mental health services, is as Professor John Mendoza said, “a game changer”. In many ways mental health is the forgotten area of health and it is certainly a glaring omission in the Gillard government’s health plan. The Coalition’s package is specifically targeted, evidence-based policy and places a particular emphasis on the many thousands of young Australians affected by a mental health condition. About 20-25 per cent of young people aged 12-17 and 25-40 per cent of those aged 18-24 are afflicted. Across the country a Coalition government led by Tony Abbott will deliver 20 new early psychosis prevention and intervention centres (EPPIC), including 800 acute and sub-acute early intervention beds. This model was pioneered in Australia by the current Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry. In addition, 60 additional youth headspace centres will be established, taking the number from 30 to 90. These centres provide a range of mental and health well-being support to young people aged 12-25 and their families. I am now determined to do whatever I can to raise awareness and encourage people to seek help, which is crucial considering around four million Australians live with a mental illness without getting help . It is certainly worth it because over the last 14 weeks and at age 58, my mornings have been better than any I have experienced throughout my life. Andrew Robb Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1125 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1124/Interview-with-Ben-Fordham-MTR.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1124 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1124&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1124/Interview-with-Ben-Fordham-MTR.aspx Topics: Overcoming mental health issues E&OE BEN FORDHAM: Andrew Robb, welcome to Mornings on MTR. ANDREW ROBB: Thanks very much Ben. BEN FORDHAM: It was very hard to watch yesterday, I’ve got to say. Someone who knows a lot of people who suffer with mental illness, it’s personal and it’s gut wrenching. ANDREW ROBB: Well for me, now, it’s a source of great satisfaction and joy after all these years, to be able to discover that most of these conditions are in fact treatable and sadly I think there’s about four million people they estimate in Australia who have got some sort of condition and 65 per cent of them, that’s two and half million of them, never get any help with it. They hide it, they act and they put up with it. So I’m just grateful that finally I have to opportunity and the courage to do something about it I suppose. BEN FORDHAM: You told an extraordinary story at the press conference about trying to go to work and not quite being able to do it so easily. Just share that story with us. ANDREW ROBB: Well all my life I thought I was just bad in the mornings. I’d convinced myself that I just needed to wake up to myself. But I still found myself doing things that tried to get me out of it. My cloud would lift every morning after a few hours. I’d go to work every morning and the endorphins were sort of running through my system, I’d have adrenaline, so I’d feel better. We lived out of town, I was working in Canberra, and I’d stop the car three or four times get out look at the sun and sneeze. The sneezing would realise the endorphins and make me feel better so by the time I got to work I’d hope the cloud was starting to lift. BEN FORDHAM: Have you got a history of mental illness in the family? ANDREW ROBB: No, not really. You don’t know with these things. BEN FORDHAM: Every family’s got it. ANDREW ROBB: I can remember people saying, well Auntie Joan’s got nerves. You know what it was like? It was never said about men. I think it’s one of the reasons I suspect I did and most people, most men, try to cover it up. It was seen as a character weakness. I’ve been running organisations for 30 years. I didn’t want it out there that I had an issue I suppose. It’s sad really, as I said yesterday, and you just played it, it took me six months under the right supervision to find something that would fix my condition. There are lots of different types of depression. You need to get to the experts and work through it. BEN FORDHAM: You took three months leave in September to get some treatment. What was the final thing that made you do it? ANDREW ROBB: I took leave from the Shadow Cabinet. I was still in the Parliament and doing my local work. I just needed some space to deal with the medication. I had already decided to confront the condition in August because it was getting very difficult, it was getting later in the morning before my cloud would lift, up to eleven o’clock. I release, what they discovered, I released the chemicals that fire you up for the day, I release them about four or five hours later than everybody else. When my body has got the chemicals at the right level, I pop out of it, and I’m normal. BEN FORDHAM: That timing would’ve fit in well with Question Time. ANDREW ROBB: Well, it’s at two o’clock so yes, I’m in good shape. I was always in good shape. But it was starting to affect my whole day to be honest. And if you don’t want to take decisions and you’re feeling anxious and nervous until eleven o’clock in the morning and you’ve got my sort of job, it becomes very difficult. So I finally picked up the phone to Jeff Kennett. And I suppose that’s why I’m keen to talk about it because I’ve come out the other end because I was in a privileged position being able to pick up the phone to Jeff. There are many people out there who really want to know how they get some treatment, how they go about it and don’t know who to go to. That’s why this program we announced yesterday, there’s a heavy focus on young people because 75 per cent of the four million who’ve got a problem, started in their youth. And we’re going to put very visible, well staffed centres all over metropolitan, regional Australia, well we’re not, but Patrick McGorry, his headspace group, so that young people in particular can see where to go to when they go in the door, they get confidential, expert treatment and get a plan. BEN FORDHAM: We’re going to run through some of those services and numbers a little later. I’m just interested, just lastly, I mean you spend a lot of time in close contact with a lot of other men and women, in a lot of meetings and strategy and planning, sitting in Question Time, throughout your career, did you have workmates say mate what’s going on, are you okay? Or did you just put on a brave face. ANDREW ROBB: I’d always say I’m not good in the mornings, so I think a lot of people, my staff and that would know that I just wouldn’t want to talk, I wouldn’t be grumpy so much, I just didn’t want to engage, I didn’t want to take decisions. I know in our own household, with the kids and that, my wife and I had a sort of running joke that we didn’t talk about the state of our marriage before 8.30 in the morning and the kids didn’t ask for money. BEN FORDHAM: Mate, I love that! ANDREW ROBB: That’s where we sort of left it. BEN FORDHAM: So it’s twenty past ten at the moment, you’re sounding good, listen just a quick one and I’ve got to say, I admire your performance yesterday at the press conference, performance is not the right word but you know what I mean, your honesty in sharing that because it’s so important that people do. Just before you go, John Howard and the International Cricket Council, what do you think of the decision by the ICC? ANDREW ROBB: I think it’s an insult to John Howard and Australia frankly. BEN FORDHAM: Why? ANDREW ROBB: Well, because you know there is a very clear convention that once countries, the appropriate countries have decided on a person that they consider to be suitable to the job, and you know someone who has run this country so successfully for eleven years, to me, would be a stand out in running. BEN FORDHAM: Is it politically, racially motivated? ANDREW ROBB: I think it’s politically motivated, in the sense it’s political in terms of cricket. I think, it all hung off India in the end and I think they see themselves as the emerging power. BEN FORDHAM: All powerful… ANDREW ROBB: Yes, all powerful, and I think my sense is that the strength of John Howard and his management abilities, and his political abilities would be a threat to their aspirations in terms of how they would influence cricket in the years ahead. BEN FORDHAM: Agreed, Andrew Robb, thank you very much for your time. ANDREW ROBB: Good on you. BEN FORDHAM: Good on you. There’s Andrew Robb, very very brave performance yesterday at that press conference and interesting comments on John Howard, he said it’s an insult to John Howard and Australia. Andrew Robb Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1124 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1122/Interview-with-Neil-Mitchell-3AW-Breakfast.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1122 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1122&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1122/Interview-with-Neil-Mitchell-3AW-Breakfast.aspx Topics: Coalition’s $1.5 billion mental health package, John Howard and ICC, Labor’s debt and deficit. E&OE NEIL MITCHELL: I said a moment ago I thought that the Opposition, the Federal Opposition strategy on mental health, the announcement on mental health yesterday, was very smart. One – because it is needed, $1.5 billion on mental health. Two – because mental health is developing into an issue for the election campaign. We’ve had the Government’s chief adviser quit. We’ve had the Australian of the Year, he said to me the day after the budget, the lack of funding for mental health here will kill people, and people will die as a result of what’s going on. It is an important issue. We know that it touches 20 per cent of Australians. And when you extrapolate that to families and friend and it is massive. It is a massive issue and it is coming out of the closet if you like, it is coming out in public. Now the Opposition policy puts the Government in a position saying we’ve got to match it, we’ve got to do something, in which case it looks like me too politics. Or else they’ve got to ignore it, in which case they’re ignoring something that matters to a lot of Australians. In the studio with me is the Shadow Minister for Finance and Debt Reduction, Andrew Robb, good morning. ANDREW ROBB: Good morning Neil. NEIL MITCHELL: I suppose in a sense that you’d be happy if the Government copied this wouldn’t you? ANDREW ROBB: Well indeed, I mean it does confer that you know we know what’s needed, and as a first term Opposition you’ve got to establish your credentials, for government.  NEIL MITCHELL: But it will also mean that no matter who won the election that there will be some money spent on mental health. ANDREW ROBB: Well there has got to be. I mean it has been for too long a really underground issue if you like. I think a lot of the stigma that attached to it for years is probably why in my own circumstance I didn’t confront it. You just feel that there’s a sort of character issue associated with it. You know, you are weak. That was the sort of attitude I think. But as you said it has come out a lot more and I think Jeff Kennett, there is a lot of credit to be given to Jeff on this. They tell me that about 20 per cent of the population that’s four million people have some sort of depressive condition. But only 65 per cent, so that’s about two and a half, so 65 per cent don’t do anything about it. They live with it. NEIL MITCHELL: If you have got 20 per cent of the population touched by it with it, how many people does that affect? Because they have all got friends, families, wives, kids and it’s reaching out everywhere. I cannot quite understand, I take your point about the stigma, but I can’t quite understand why there has not been until now a more of a focus on it. It’s a health issue. It is a crucial health issue. We’ve got, people like the Australian of the Year going on about it. Why has it taken so long? ANDREW ROBB: Well, I don’t know, but you know, it is very much the stigma stuff. I mean I can remember the Auntie Joan has got nerves. You know I never heard that any man had nerves right because as men you have got to tough it out, if you have got a problem work your way through it, or otherwise people think that you are not up to responsibility, you are weak. I think that is a lot of it frankly. It is only if you think back since people started to say well it can be fixed, if  you can confront it, you can go on, doing what you are doing in taking on more responsibility and the stigma started to go. It is seen as a general health issue now a lot more than it ever was. NEIL MITCHELL: Well as you say you have become a bit of a poster boy for it in a sense, having gone public about the form of depression that you had and having gone through that period taking time off and now back in a very high pressure and high level job.  But do you get a bit sick of that? A bit tired of people defining you by that? ANDREW ROBB: Well, no I’m not. I feel a bit of responsibility in the sense that I was privileged enough when I decided that I had a problem, and for years I just thought I had a morning problem and just wake up to yourself, you know, get on with it, and then my morning problem stretched into 10 o’clock and 11 o’clock and it was really staring to affect me, my wife and I would talk about it and decided to confront it. It was because I had the privilege of knowing Jeff Kennett, with the jobs that I have had, to pick up the phone and got some decent help. A lot of people aren’t in that position. In fact I have had literally, in the months that I was sort of experimenting and I had literally thousands of e-mails Neil and overwhelmingly people were saying how do I get some help? Where do I go to? You know I went to a doctor some time ago and sort of thought I would confront it but he told me to forget the medication it doesn’t do any good, right. I went away again thinking wake up to yourself, you know, I’ve got to live with this. So, I feel now that I have punched through it and I have had fourteen weeks now with mornings like I have never had in my life, okay. I am jumping out of my skin and really enjoying what I am doing. So I feel a bit of a responsibility to do what I can to help others, you know take it on. NEIL MITCHELL: Have you had any adverse reaction from colleagues or public servants or people you deal with? I’m reminded of, I read a piece by him this week, Neil Cole, the former Labor Attorney General, Shadow Attorney General, member of the Labor front bench in the State Parliament who suffers from bipolar disorder and he was massively undermined by his own party because they said he said a couple of provocative things, people briefing journalists saying he’s mentally ill. That was some years ago admittedly but have you suffered in any way? Have people treated you differently or been a little unsympathetic in some areas? ANDREW ROBB: No. When I decided to go public and the only reason was because I was in a relatively high profile position and to deal with the side effects of the medication which was proving very difficult, you just have to work thought that, but I thought the only way I could do this is to get it out on the table. I did think about it a lot because I thought this could be the end of my political career and in the end I decided well I don’t care, I am on a mission now, they tell me I can fix this thing and I didn’t care in the end what people thought. But the response was just fantastic, from lots of people I didn’t know, everyone I did know, they were very supportive. When we had the leadership change and I played some role in it, a couple of people said well you know he’s not well to try and explain my intervention. NEIL MITCHELL: You gave a pretty passionate speech. ANDREW ROBB: Yes, but I was very clear-headed that day but that was the only time anyone sort of used it against me in a political sense, anyway I didn’t care. I really wanted to able to prove if I could that you can get back and even take on higher responsibility that’ll do more good than anything that I can say. NEIL MITCHELL: It’s interesting when you talk about that speech where you backed Tony Abbott and spoke about Malcolm Turnbull, a senior Liberal said to me, he’s not well Andrew and they have manipulated him and put him up to that and I thought, you don’t understand depression. If they thought you were going to manipulate somebody with the condition to stand up and do something they didn’t believe in, I think you’re just a drongo. ANDREW ROBB: Pathetic. The fact is that it wasn’t against Malcolm, it was against the policy. I mean I had been the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and I knew more about it than anyone else. And I stepped out of the Shadow Cabinet for a few weeks because of this condition, this was a huge policy, this was the biggest structural change that all of my colleagues would be voting on. I thought the presentation of the negotiations had been quite disingenuous, was quite inaccurate, that it was a dog of a policy and someone had to stand up that knew about it and put the facts on the table. I didn’t tell anyone I was going to do that because I thought I would be headed off at the pass. So no one knew, no one manipulated me, no one knew that I was going to stand up and talk that day so anyway. NEIL MITCHELL: But it must’ve been a tough thing to do because you weren’t well? ANDREW ROBB: Well okay, my problem has been a morning problem and it just got longer. I’d be depressed for three to four hours because I release chemicals later than anybody else, several hours later that you need.  When I get to the right level, I am okay, quite different to a lot of other people but it was becoming debilitating.  When I took leave it was the medication that had all sorts of different effects on you and that’s when you need the space I think just to, if you are having a bad day, that day, I was tired but I was fine, I was clear in the head and I had the adrenalin pumping, that always helps so I was on a mission if you like, and I was in good form. NEIL MITCHELL: From what I hear of the speech, you had a very clear head. Hello Maureen, go ahead Maureen. CALLER: Hi Andrew, I am probably a bit older than Andrew. When I was a child I had the same symptoms that Andrew had. I’d think I was going to die and going to collapse. No one would listen to me, the family got worried and brought their brother in who was a doctor and the answer I got was ‘go to confession’, you’ll be right, if you die you will go to heaven straightaway. NEIL MITCHELL: How are you now? CALLER: Well, for years I have had it and never knew what to do with it, hid it from everyone and I just happened to go one day the doctor gave me an anxiety pill. I carry them everywhere and I am fine. ANDREW ROBB: See, there you go. MAUREEN: I just take them when I need them. NEIL MITCHELL: That’s the point isn’t it, treatable.  Thanks Maureen, thank you very much. Now, we’ll take a break and come back with more from Andrew Robb. I want the detail of the spending on mental health as outlined by the Opposition yesterday, where it goes from here and some other issues as well.  Andrew Robb, Shadow Minister for Finance and Debt Reduction, who will be joining us during the election campaign on a regular basis and debate a member of the Government in the lead up. NEIL MITCHELL: Andrew Robb, so being Shadow Minister for Finance and Debt Reduction, well various things, but the new mental health policy being offered by the Federal Opposition, $1.5 billion, what will it do Andrew Robb? When does it kick in? ANDREW ROBB: The focus Neil is very much on young people. What the experts tell us is, of the 4 million people in Australia with some sort of condition, 75 per cent of them, so 3 million of them, would’ve started that condition in the years, sort of 13 to 25. So they claim, if you can get hold of them early, and get them some treatment and some management tools and all the rest, a lot of them can completely get over it, others can manage it and get on with their lives. So the focus is the three programs. One is for 60 more Headspace sites. Now this is Patrick McGorry, the Australian of the Year, he’s pioneered this where they’re centres, they be all through metropolitan and regional areas. There are 30 already that he put in place after our last period of office in government. He said they need 90, to really comprehensively cover the country. So we’re offering the other 60. They’re call in centres which will be staffed by professionals and all the rest. They’ll be well promoted around local areas. It’ll be an opportunity for young people to go in and get the right advice and get headed in the right direction. The second one is what is called early psychosis prevention centres. A lot of acute and sub-acute cases, you know young people who have bad break downs, and it could be induced by drugs and other things which could exacerbate an underlying problem, or alcohol or whatever. But centres that when people turn up in emergency rooms they can be taken off to these again highly specialised, well staffed. And we’re going to put in 800 new beds for these centres all around the country so that they can be self contained. NEIL MITCHELL: It’s interesting isn’t it? We get a report of somebody who’s turned away or is waiting a long time for surgery on a broken leg and there’s outrage. But I get calls from people whose children, I remember one whose child was anorexic, and they couldn’t get her a bed. And she was close to death, and we helped get her a bed. But it is really difficult to get a mental health bed. ANDREW ROBB: That’s correct, extremely difficult. And to get a bed where the proper support is there, that people who know what they’re talking about and can understand what’s going on with this person quickly and do what has to be done and to provide the right support. NEIL MITCHELL: Hello Sean, go ahead Sean. CALLER: Ah yes, good morning gentlemen. I have been a sufferer of bipolar for 3 years now, just diagnosed. Prior to that, for 15 years, I was up and down like a rollercoaster. I never kept a job, couldn’t keep money, I was always in and out of hospital, and with bad, bad, very severe depression and anxiety. Now it wasn’t until 3 years ago that I stood there and said to myself, I have no life. I have no social life, no friends, no money, something seriously is wrong with me. And one day my mum went to hospital, she got diagnosed with bipolar and she’s 56 now, it’s taken her 40 years to be diagnosed. NEIL MITCHELL: And how are you going Sean? Are you medicated? Are you controlled? How are you going? CALLER: I’m controlled, I’m medicated. I had to seriously look at myself and recognise the problems that I had and take control of that, as bipolar takes control of you. You need to catch onto that, manage it and be more self sufficient in the way that you handle your life. NEIL MITCHELL: Well it’s true, it’s very true. We talk to several people in the program, we’ve talked about their bipolar condition and it is manageable, like a lot of them. Now if we could move onto some other issues. Thanks for calling Sean. Julia Gillard, she’s going to be harder to beat isn’t she? ANDREW ROBB: Well, you know, we had Rudd’s measure. I think there’s no doubt about that. And Julia, you get a new person in, you get the honeymoon. She’s a clever politician and she’s more personable than Kevin Rudd so we’ve got to get through that. But in the end, the way we look at it, you know, they’ve changed jockeys but the horse it still the same and if we can focus the campaign on that I think we’re still in with a strong show. NEIL MITCHELL: Okay, when do you think the election will be? When are you ready for it? ANDREW ROBB: Well, we’re ready now actually because we thought Kevin Rudd might go as early as he could if he got the conditions right which obviously he didn’t. But, I think Julia Gillard will seek to go, and take advantage, rely on the sort of superficial wave of support that’s coming from her entry into it and before she really has to grapple with too many issues. Of course, she’s been the person sitting behind Kevin for two and half years and nodding furiously in agreement with everything he’s had to say. But, still there’ll be a honeymoon and they’ll try and separate that. But it’s our job to nail them on the $100 billion debt which Julia’s had a big part in. NEIL MITCHELL: Do you think what’s happened to John Howard with the International Cricket Council is an insult to Australia? ANDREW ROBB: Yes I do. Yes I do. I think it’s very much, and we had a chat about it earlier, I agree with you, I think it’s very much a case of India thinking that he was too strong of an individual, and that they would have less influence than they wished in the years ahead. I mean they do pride themselves now on being now the cricketing nation and I think it’s a big insult really. NEIL MITCHELL: When you start cutting debt, are we going to hurt? ANDREW ROBB: Well the fact of matter is people are already hurting. You see if you’ve a $100 billion debt, every day the Government is borrowing $100 million. That’s $700 million a week. And the budget predicted that that would occur for the next two years. Now someone has to pay for it, and everyone understands that. And I think July 1 today you see rates up, car rego up, power bills will be up, electricity, gas, all of these things. Now people I think will start to understand why the cost of living is going up because these things have to be paid, that’s why they go after the mining tax, all of these things flow into the cost of living. NEIL MITCHELL: Could I convince you to build a light rail from the airport to the city of Melbourne? ANDREW ROBB: Well, there are a lot of things you could convince me to do, or us to do. But the bottom line is we’ve got to get some prudence back. The problem is this Government has thought that the solution to every problem is to spend more money. And they did it before the global financial crisis that was their solution. During the financial crisis that was the solution. And it’s again the solution. And with what’s happening in Europe, we could well have a second, a double, dip and the resilience of our economy has to be restored. NEIL MITCHELL: Thanks you for your time. Look forward to talking to you during the election campaign. ANDREW ROBB: My pleasure Neil, thank you. Andrew Robb Thu, 01 Jul 2010 06:08:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1122 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1076/The-2009-Robb-Report.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1076 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1076&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1076/The-2009-Robb-Report.aspx  (3.95MB PDF) Andrew Robb Thu, 06 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1076 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1069/A-Healthy-Initiative-for-Our-Local-Kids.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1069 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1069&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1069/A-Healthy-Initiative-for-Our-Local-Kids.aspx Local community organisations looking to improve the health and wellbeing of primary school aged kids are urged to apply for funding under the 2010 Woolworths Fresh Food Community Grants program. But be quick as applications close on 2 May 2010. A total of $3 million is available with grants of up to $5,000 to be distributed to fund or assist in funding special initiatives. “Here in Goldstein there are hundreds of sporting organisations, numerous youth groups, and several scout and guide troops. “All of these organisations, and any others which are eligible, should definitely consider applying. This is a great program,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein, said. To be eligible, initiatives must: • be designed for primary school aged children; • encourage kids to lead healthier, more active lives; and, • take place outside the school curriculum. Organisations must be not-for-profit and have an ABN or be affiliated with a not-for-profit organisation that has an ABN. To apply or to find out further details, please visit the website www.woolworths.com.au and remember that applications close on 2 May 2010. Media contact: Skye Buttenshaw, 9557 4644 Andrew Robb Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1069 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1040/National-Carers-Week-Caring-for-Carers.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1040 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1040&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1040/National-Carers-Week-Caring-for-Carers.aspx As National Carers Week approaches, Bayside and Glen Eira residents are encouraged to thank local carers who continuously and selflessly give their time and energy to provide love, care and support for those in need. National Carers Week, which stretches from Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 October 2009 and includes National Carers Day on Tuesday 20 October 2009, is designed to recognise the contributions made by the 2.6 million unpaid carers in Australia. “This is an ideal opportunity for us all to say thanks to our local carers, many of whom make huge personal sacrifices to care for a family member or friend. “I encourage everyone who knows a carer to spend some time during National Carers Week, whether it be on the phone or by going for a coffee, with a friend, neighbour, or colleague, and show your appreciation for the vital contribution they make to our community,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein, said. Carers provide support to family members and friends who have a disability, terminal illness, chronic condition or mental illness, or who are frail, and support is often required 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Carers can be anyone, anytime across Australia,” Mr Robb said. For further information on Carers Week 2009 please visit www.carersweek.com.au/09/. Media contact: Skye Buttenshaw, 9557 4644 Andrew Robb Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1040 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1039/Interview-with-Neil-Mitchell-3AW-693am.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=1039 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=1039&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1039/Interview-with-Neil-Mitchell-3AW-693am.aspx Andrew talking with Neil Mitchell on AM talk-back station 3AW.     NEIL MITCHELL:                     In Laurie Oakes’ column on Saturday, Andrew Robb through Laurie, made the announcement that he is stepping down for three months from the front bench, not from the Parliament but from the front bench, to battle a form of depression. Something called diurnal variation which basically means you, well he can explain what it means but basically I’d say you feel like absolute crap for several hours in the morning and perhaps even not able to function. He’s been diagnosed, is getting treatment and is bravely speaking about it. Andrew Robb, good morning.   ANDREW ROBB:                    Thanks very much Neil, I appreciate the opportunity.    NEIL MITCHELL:                     How would you describe it? How do you feel in the mornings with this?   ANDREW ROBB:                    Well its been a life long thing actually. I’ve had it as a little kid and I just thought I am not a morning person. I suspect I am no different to many others. But it meant that most of the day I’d be firing. I’m a decision maker, I like solving problems, I like doing things, that’s why I’m in the Parliament I think, trying to make things happen. But I go to sleep taking on the world, in a good mood, and when I wake up everyday for the last fifty years that I can remember I’d be negative. The instance I woke up I’d be very negative, lacking confidence, not wanting to make decisions and it would just last a couple of hours…   NEIL MITCHELL:                     Not wanting to get out of bed I suppose…   ANDREW ROBB:                    Well a lot of that yeah. I never liked getting out of bed. But you know I am not Robinson Crusoe in that respect. I just thought this is, this is normal thing, other people have it. Everyone is a bit different and you develop strategies, but I was never good in the mornings and it’s a long standing family joke that Maureen, my wife, she would not, she’d not discuss the state of our marriage before 8:30 and the kids wouldn’t ask for money so…    NEIL MITCHELL:                     It was different to just, most of us just wake up badly. ‘Oh there’s the alarm I have got to get out of bed’ but it’s different to that isn’t it?   ANDREW ROBB:                     It is. Well it’s, it became apparent to me because you know I wouldn’t want to do media interviews or do anything really until about 8:30 it would just lift and all of the sudden I’m firing and I’m a different person. And I’d just wait until then. I had strategies to deal with the first couple of hours. You know I have been swimming 1500 metres for the last nine years. I hate getting up every morning for it but that helped. That helps, doing some exercise, doing some serious exercise but still didn’t change it, still didn’t change it and I suppose with the pressure on and all that. You know I am a senior member of the Coalition, we’re in the first term of opposition and it’s not easy. And I feel, and felt I, should be doing more heavy lifting. I have been working hard and doing things but found it increasingly difficult and thought I could be taking on more responsibilities especially in a public sense and decided to confront it a few weeks ago. Rang Jeff Kennett and within three days he had me in front one of the best professionals in the state and this guy said you know you’ve had a problem for fifty years, you’ve had it for fifty years but he said it was fixable, which was fantastic. But you don’t change your body chemistry in a few weeks.  In fact the last six weeks I thought I’d do it without telling the world, I thought I would understandably, but I found I was fine when I got up on my feet I was doing endless sort of public stuff but in between I just, I did feel crap. The side effects of some of these treatments in the short term while it tries to find what is going to work are very difficult. It’s not an exact science. It takes a while to find out what’s going to work for individuals and the last six weeks I have been to hell and back because I am trying to perform publicly, no one knew much except my wife and you know my personal assistant and a couple of other colleagues. Not even my kids. I thought I could beat this and come good, but after a while I thought this is madness I am putting enormous pressure on myself.    NEIL MITCHELL:                     So the treatment actually makes you temporarily feel worse in terms of depression?                                       ANDREW ROBB:                     Well for some people and for me it did, and sometimes you have got to have patience. This is what I have learned. You don’t turn around fifty years of body chemistry in three or four weeks. You need patience and there are lots of different pills and approaches. What works for one person doesn’t work for the next I found. The first lot I went on didn’t work for me, made me a lot worse. In fact, what has been all my life a three of four hour problem became a 24/7 problem for some days, yet I was still trying to do all the media, address board luncheons, address meetings, press conferences and all the rest of it and make out that life’s normal. But it was a killer.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     And did it, this goes right back to your childhood. Do you remember it affecting you during your childhood?   ANDREW ROBB:                    I can’t remember it during primary school but I certainly remember, I remember in form 2 where you know, I’d be walking - we lived in Reservoir - and I’d be walking to the station to catch the train to go to school at a quarter past seven. And I could remember clearly I’d be looking at old fellas who had retired and I’d be there wishing that I had gone through life and I had reached their stage. By the time I got on the train and met a couple of mates and met the girls from Santa Maria I came good and my day then would be positive and normal. But yeah, right back then I can remember I just thought it was me and probably a lot of other people were like it as well. But you live with it, develop strategies.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     Running the Liberal Party, running campaigns, running big businesses I mean that all happens in the very early hours. You know you’re up at six and at it. How did you do that?   ANDREW ROBB:                    Well a lot of times if I had to perform the adrenaline would start to pump if I had to do interviews at six o’clock. I’d hate it and I’d feel bad before I started but it seems when I, when I have got to perform the adrenaline would start pumping and often that would bring me out of it more quickly. When I finished that I’d find at 7 o’clock I’d be ok rather than 8:30. In the campaign I ran the ‘96 campaign for John Howard and the ’93 campaign for John Hewson the first meeting I’d have was quarter past five in the morning and again I’d be very negative….   NEIL MITCHELL:                     We’re going to be beaten (laughing)…   ANDREW ROBB:                    Well I wouldn’t say anything. I’d sit there and get six of my senior guys who would come and report on different things. And I’d just soak it up and they would start talking and for three quarters of an hour I’d be there listening, and then, by that stage things started to fire me up and adrenaline is pumping again and I’d find by six, six thirty those mornings again I am cool and going for it. So, I worked it, I managed it. I must say when I got to my fifties I found the little black dog that visited me for two hours every morning all my life started to get a bit bigger and sometimes lasted longer - perhaps three or four hours - and I suppose that’s been another factor that made me seek to confront it because I thought I have got more and more responsibilities in many respects and it’s going on a bit longer, I better find out or otherwise I am going to let myself down and everybody else.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     Did you suspect it was a form of depression?                                       ANDREW ROBB:                    I started to, yes, and my wife and I talked about it, especially the last few years and yeah, I thought, I was starting to think this is, a form of depression. People like Jeff Kennett - you’ve got take your hat off to him - he’s helped so many people, and I think he’s helped me. He made me think about it and think something can be done about it and the thing is, ever since I told people, over this weekend, I feel better. I’m already in a better frame of mind and people are so supportive. It’s no different to if you’ve got a cancer or some other problem, people give you some space, and they help you. The big message I want to get out to people is that for many people it is fixable. You need some patience, and time, and some space, and it’s much easier I think if those you love and you work with and, your mates and all the rest, they know about it, they can help you, rather than you trying to hide it and live a lie.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     How did you feel when the psychiatrist said, well, it’s treatable?   ANDREW ROBB:                     Well, I’m sort of almost wanting to high five (laughing). I thought, well here we go, you know, three or four weeks. I got it out of whack to some extent because I didn’t realise, as I said earlier, you don’t turn around fifty years of chemistry, body chemistry in a few weeks, I didn’t realise it was not an exact science, a bit hit and miss, as you find what’s going to work for you. But it was a great relief and, I do feel very strongly about what I’m doing in politics…   NEIL MITCHELL:                     So you didn’t consider quitting at any stage?   ANDREW ROBB:                    No. Well I wanted to find out, to see whether can I cope with this and if I can’t cope with it, well I’ll have to make some decisions, but you know, I really do, and this is not a partisan comment, I really do feel that the debt that’s been built up and all of that, I feel strongly that there’s some very bad decisions by the Rudd Government, and I want to be there to influence that and try and correct it and put pressure and keep the government accountable. All those things. I am in this business to try and make a difference. I get a big kick out of it, doing things for lots of people. It’s a great thrill if you get that opportunity. So...   NEIL MITCHELL:                     So there is still a lot to achieve?   ANDREW ROBB:                    I really want to get back in the frontline firing, you know, and I want to use the next three months to try and do that, get myself in good order, and get back there and take it up to Kevin Rudd and the others.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     Talking to Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein and frontbencher, in waiting, or well, in brief rest period. Three months. diurnal variation is the form of depression that we’re talking about, which really strikes in the morning, for several hours in the morning. Did you get ever get to a stage at any time in fifty years, because, you’ve achieved an extraordinary amount, for any person, let alone a person carrying this burden? Did you ever get to any stage where you just thought I can’t cope, this is too much?   ANDREW ROBB:                    Not really, I suppose the last few years, when I built a big commercial company – in which Kerry Packer was a part shareholder - in the late nineties after I left politics and went into business. I really enjoyed building a business, and it’s now much bigger business, it was a joint venture with a big US company and they’re now worldwide and all the rest. It was a great experience for me, gave me a big insight into business, running a big organisation, but I hadn’t been thirty years running commercial companies, I’d run organisations but not a commercial organisation. So, I felt the pressure then probably because when we’d have a problem, I hadn’t been down every dry gully, and didn’t necessarily know what to do, but I was still the CEO. I felt more pressure then, at times then I thought, can I, can I see this through? But no, in the main it’s something that I’ve managed to be honest, and, it’s just that it has got worse in my fifties and that helped make me confront it I suppose. A lot of people have got expectations about what I can do, or might do and all the rest of it, and if I could live up to those, great, but if I can’t, well I’ll do something else.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     It’s interesting, you could be excused after carrying this burden for a lifetime and now, finding the solution, once you reach that solution, saying, to hell with this, I’m going to go and look after myself, I’m going to go and party or grow sheep or whatever, I’m going to go and do something that I really want to do.   ANDREW ROBB:                     Well, you know I’ve had a great life, as you say, I’ve had lots of wonderful opportunities and a lot of it, I’ve worked for it, but you get a lot of luck on the way through. So things have opened up for me, I’ve had a great family, great kids, great wife. I’ve had a good life. This is something that I’ve just managed and I think that a lot of people out there, they manage it, because, by nine o’ clock, most days all my life, I’ve been firing, you know, I’m normal, and so it hasn’t been a real burden to me. Other people have worse disabilities, they compensate for it and they have a good life. People think poor them but you know, they’ve dealt with it and so, it hasn’t been an issue really for me. If I get on top of this well I’ll make my decisions, but at the moment, my intent is to get it right. And gosh, how good would this be if I could be better than I’ve ever been. So watch out.   NEIL MITCHELL:                      I think talking about it just in these terms does more than all the TV campaigns and the rest, because you’re personalising it, because it’s a brave thing to do, because it’s a private matter, but you personalising it, and as you’ve said a couple of times, I hope sends a message to people listening, that they might be going through a similar thing. Different levels, different variations of it, but, we keep trying to get the message through, it’s treatable.   ANDREW ROBB:                    Well, that is true, and you know, there’s been a stigma, that’s why I’ve probably tried not to tell the world in the first instance, and after a while I thought, who cares, this is ridiculous, I mean, the most important thing is to get yourself well. You’re affecting the lives of all of those people around you and all the rest of it, and what’s it matter, I don’t have to prove anything to anybody. So I thought it’s much better to get it out there, and now that it’s out there, I feel much better myself. Once you tell people you’d be surprised, everyone you know, all the people who love you, all the people who respect you, they all come in and they want to help and…   NEIL MITCHELL:                     So the response from the other politicians has been good?   ANDREW ROBB:                     It’s been, on all sides, you know, Kevin Rudd rang me from the air going overseas, Penny Wong, all my colleagues have been fantastic. Malcolm Turnbull, as soon as I told him was totally sympathetic, just wanted me to get well and all the rest of it. All my other senior colleagues, Julie Bishop, all the others. So, no, it’s been, it’s been a humbling experience really, the reactions of people. It just confirmed to me again that if people feel they’ve got something they’ve been living with, please go and get some advice. But the thing is to persist. The specialist I’ve been working with has said that the average time people spend on some medication, for things like this, is four weeks. He said it’s madness, because these things, it might take you three months before it really kicks in. You’re trying to change something that’s been with you for a long long time, perhaps all your life for most people. You’re not going to do it in a short period of time, so have patience. It is very important to confront it and have patience.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     Look, I really admire what you’ve done. I think it is a brave thing, and it’s not an essential thing, but it’s a very positive thing to do. One last question, your children are adults now?   ANDREW ROBB:                    Yes.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     When did you tell them?   ANDREW ROBB:                    Friday.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     What did they say?   ANDREW ROBB:                    They were, well, we’re a close family, one’s in London and two in Sydney and all in their twenties. They were totally sympathetic, I mean worried in the first instance, but, fortunately I had a copy of Laurie Oakes’ column, which he did a lovely job on Saturday explaining to people, I’m still kicking, I’m fine, I’ve just got a thing that I’m confronting, I’ve got an illness that I’m confronting. I shot that through to them, they read that and they were fine and they’re in good shape.   NEIL MITCHELL:                     So they didn’t ring and ask you for money in the morning?   ANDREW ROBB:                     Yeah (laughing). Yeah, life will change.   NEIL MITCHELL:                      Well look, all the best with it, thank you for speaking with us and we look forward seeing you back in three months when we can be nasty to you again.   ANDREW ROBB:                     Thanks, I look forward to it.   NEIL MITCHELL:                      Andrew Robb, Member for Goldstein.   ANDREW ROBB:                     Thanks.   Media Contact:                       Nick Xerakias, 0410 417 173   Andrew Robb Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:1039 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/974/2009-National-Disability-Awards-nominations-now-open.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=974 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=974&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/974/2009-National-Disability-Awards-nominations-now-open.aspx Bayside residents are encouraged to nominate individuals with disability or individuals who have contributed to the disability sector for the 2009 National Disability Awards, in order to celebrate and acknowledge their contributions and achievements. The National Disability Awards, now in its third year, are a part of the celebration of International Day of People with Disability. Nominations for the Awards close on Friday 22 May 2009. “This is an ideal way by which the Bayside community can recognise the unique skills of individuals with disability or thank those who dedicate their time to the disability sector. “There are numerous organisations in the local area, such as Bayley House and Marriot House, where inspiring individuals, both with and without disability, constantly work hard to make Bayside a better place to live,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein, said. There are five Award categories in 2009: • Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award: Person, over 25 years of age, with or without a disability who has demonstrated a sustained and extraordinary personal commitment to improving and/or reshaping the lives of people with disability. • Disability Rights Young Leader Award: Young person, 12 – 25 years of age, with disability who has raised awareness and shown outstanding leadership in improving the lives of people with disability. • Business Award: Person with or without disability who has displayed an innovative approach and achieved substantial outcomes, in advancing the lives of people with disability in areas such as transport, housing, communication and technology. No age limit. • Local Government Award: Person who has challenged or lobbied, and has succeeded in implementing substantial change by breaking down barriers faced by people with disability. No age limit. • Social Inclusion Award: Person who has worked towards a more inclusive environment by creating opportunities for people with disability to participate in areas such as sport, the arts, education and the wider community. No age limit. Finalists of the 2009 Awards will be recognised at an Awards Ceremony to be held in Canberra on Monday 23 November 2009. The nomination forms and guidelines are available to download on the IDPwD website www.idpwd.com.au. Media contact: Skye Buttenshaw, 9557 4644 Andrew Robb MP Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:974 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/928/Baysides-elderly-in-need-of-certainty.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=928 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=928&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/928/Baysides-elderly-in-need-of-certainty.aspx Elderly Bayside residents will get no certainty following the release of The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Interim Report on 16 February 2009. Yet, action is long overdue. “The Rudd Government has spent the better part of 15 months talking of the problems in the sector but has failed to outline a single plan to combat the crisis. This is very disappointing,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein said. The report identifies the need for major aged care reform, insisting Australia will need an additional 144,000 (51% increase) aged care places by 2020 and an additional 240,000 (108% increase) places by 2030. “This report, which the Rudd Government sat on for three months before releasing, simply restates that which has already been said by numerous reviews undertaken by the government,” Mr Robb said. As outlined in the 2006 Intergenerational Report we are living longer - much longer. In 1967, for example, life expectancy at birth for men and women was approximately 67 years and 74 years respectively. In 2007, these figures were 79 years and 84 years respectively. By 2047, they are projected to be 86 years and 90 years respectively. “There is a drastic need for reform and to continue the Coalition’s work in delivering greater choice across the sector,” Mr Robb said. The previous Coalition Government worked hard to improve aged care services in our community. Funding substantially rose from $3.1 billion in 1996 to $8.6 billion in 2007 and we introduced accreditation standards, unannounced visits and provided greater choice for our elderly citizens as to the type of care they received. In the Goldstein alone, up to $5 million was invested in the aged care sector between 2004 and 2007, with Family Touch Home Care Services and Mayflower Retirement Community among those organisations rewarded for their tireless work. Apart from highlighting the need for greater choice in the sector, the report cites the fragmented nature of the current system. Multiple programs across multiple government departments and agencies exist which has caused inefficiencies and waste. “The fragmentation of the sector is an obstacle elderly Bayside residents face in understanding what services are available to best meet their needs. “The current structure of the aged care system in Australia needs urgent reform. The Rudd Government needs to develop a viable and sustainable system, and they should act immediately,” Mr Robb said. Media contact: Skye Buttenshaw, 9557 4644   Andrew Robb MP Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:928 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/917/Bayside-swimmers-urged-to-play-it-safe-over-Summer.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=917 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=917&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/917/Bayside-swimmers-urged-to-play-it-safe-over-Summer.aspx With the onset of summer and school holidays fast approaching it is critically important for everyone to be aware of the dangers that both our local beaches and home swimming pools pose to the safety our community, especially children. “Over summer we can expect a large number of people to take advantage and enjoy Bayside’s beautiful beaches but we all must be vigilant. It is important to remember that no Victorian has ever drowned while swimming between the flags which highlights the tremendous job that our volunteer lifesavers carry out each year,” said Andrew Robb MP, Federal Member for Goldstein. Bayside is home to five lifesaving clubs: Beaumaris, Black Rock, Brighton, Half Moon Bay and Sandringham. Home swimming pools are also potential death traps with the Royal Life Saving reporting that more than half of all the children under five years old who drowned in Australia last year died in backyard pools. This was often because the fence gate either wasn't properly secured or toddlers were able to find a way through gaps that emerge as a result of wear-and-tear that home owners either hadn't noticed or had put off repairing. "Royal Life Saving says a child under five has drowned on average every 10 days over the past 10 years. This is a horrific statistic and highlights the need to not only have secured fences but reinforces the importance of supervision at all times," said Mr Robb. A special pool safety checklist has been set up by Royal Life Saving for anyone to download. The checklist urges people to regularly check swimming pool gates, swimming pool fences as well as looking at issues like chemicals around pools, supervision issues and emergency preparation such as learning resuscitation. The checklist is available at http://www.homepoolsafety.com.au/. Donations can also be made to Life Saving Victoria at http://www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/ or to Royal Life Saving at http://www.royallifesaving.com.au. Media contact: (03) 9557 4644.   Andrew Robb MP Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:917 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/897/COAG-The-more-things-change-the-more-things-stay-the-same.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=897 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=897&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/897/COAG-The-more-things-change-the-more-things-stay-the-same.aspx   Despite years of promises by Mr Rudd to “re-engineer federalism”, to create a new era in housing, education, infrastructure, health, business regulation and much more, today’s COAG was very much “business - as – usual”. Yesterday’s COAG confirms the growing impression of this Rudd Government, as a government of all talk and little or no action. The expectations created around COAG are a triumph of spin over substance. The five year health funding agreement, welcome as it is, has all the hallmarks of a host of such agreements, across many policy areas, over the last decade. Furthermore, despite a GST windfall of $3.2 billion to the states and territories in the last year alone, the various state hospital systems have gone backwards, none more so than in NSW. After twelve months, the only innovation in Mr Rudd’s “co-operative federalism” appears to be the introduction of an impenetrable COAG mechanism, with layers of new bureaucracy, far removed from the usual checks and balances, and consultative imperatives, behind which the nine heads of government can hide. A bureaucratic structure is in the making which removes governments from individual accountability in a political sense. It smacks of Mr Rudd’s reported dream in July 2005 of turning COAG into “the senior bureaucratic clearing house for the nation”. It smacks of a lack of leadership, a lack of robust ideas, a lack of any articulated critical path, a lack of accountability. Mr Rudd’s reform program, including COAG, is being exposed for what it is - just a spending program. Now that the inherited surpluses have been spent, Mr Rudd’s reform cupboard is looking decidedly bare. Media Contact: Stuart Eaton, 0433 298 620 Andrew Robb MP Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:897 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/894/Anaphylaxis.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=894 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=894&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/894/Anaphylaxis.aspx I rise today to speak on the critically important issue of anaphylaxis management in schools and, in particular, the availability of affordable EpiPens. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which, according to Anaphylaxis Australia, usually occurs within 20 minutes of exposure to a trigger such as milk or eggs and can rapidly become life threatening. Therefore, it must be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate and urgent medical attention. A crucial aspect of this is that the incidence of anaphylaxis due to peanut allergies, for example, has doubled over the past 30 years. It is becoming more prevalent and we therefore must become even more vigilant. In July this year Mrs Sue Newton, Acting Principal of Beaumaris North Primary School in my electorate of Goldstein, copied me into a letter to the Victorian Department of Education regarding essential funding required to purchase Epipens. Beaumaris North Primary has 515 students and currently has 19 known children who are at risk of anaphylaxis. This is significantly higher than the norm. The school has a comprehensive anaphylaxis management scheme in place, consistent with the recent Victorian government guidelines that were acted on after strong lobbying from those in the community such as Anaphylaxis Australia and the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation. However, as Mrs Newton stated: There are regular occasions … where current policies do not provide adequate safety for all children—not just those currently presenting as at risk of anaphylaxis. Mrs Newton continued: We would not be exercising our full duty of care if this group of unknown anaphylactic risks were not prepared for. There are a number of occasions, most notably lunchtime breaks, whereby there are large distances to be covered for an EpiPen to be retrieved should an anaphylactic episode occur to a student without any pre-existing anaphylactic history. It has also been documented that two EpiPens have been required during some anaphylactic episodes. In response to this, Beaumaris North Primary purchased four EpiPens at their own expense, outside their budget, so that their teachers could carry them on yard duty. Understandably, the school council at Beaumaris North has concerns about funding the expense to provide the EpiPens, as they require replacement on an annual basis. Beaumaris North assessed that they require six EpiPens annually, and with each generic EpiPen costing upwards of $135 it is unrealistic to expect our schools to fund this in full within already tight operating budgets. After receiving this letter from Mrs Newton I contacted the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, to consider Mrs Newton’s concerns and act on them. Minister Gillard noted Beaumaris North Primary School’s approach to the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development as ‘an appropriate course of action’ given that they are ‘responsible for managing schools and bear legal responsibility for the duty of care of their students’. In other words, she washed her hands of the issue. The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, however, told Mrs Newton that there was no funding available for such purposes and that the matter lies with the federal Department of Health and Ageing in relation to the possibility of considering EpiPens under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for such circumstances. However, Senator McLucas noted that, while EpiPens are available under the PBS for those assessed as high risk, schools are not eligible to purchase EpiPens at PBS subsidised prices. All of this represents a very unacceptable case of buck passing. PBS subsidised EpiPens at a rate of $31.30 or a concessional rate of $5 would significantly help schools, often on strained budgets, to be prepared. As well, there is a need for a truly national approach to training in the use of EpiPens and in their management. Nationally agreed guidelines would help to ensure that all teachers know the symptoms of anaphylaxis and are trained in the use of EpiPens in a way which satisfies health and education authorities. COAG should be the vehicle to see legislation and guidelines amended where necessary to ensure that the use of EpiPens by teachers is consistent and places safety first in clear, unambiguous terms. In circumstances where children’s lives are at stake, we must all exercise the utmost vigilance because one child’s life lost is one too many, as I am sure everyone inside and outside this House would agree.   Andrew Robb MP Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:894 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/871/Goldstein-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Forum.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=871 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=871&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/871/Goldstein-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Forum.aspx Andrew Robb MP, Federal Member for Goldstein, is set to host a forum on the important issue of autism, a complex disorder which affects some 120,000 Australians. The Goldstein Autism Spectrum Disorder Forum is to be held on Friday 31 October at the Sandringham Yacht Club from 11am. “The aim of the forum is to seek solutions to the many issues facing families and carers on a daily basis,” Mr Robb said. A range of experts will speak at the forum offering their opinion on current issues such as education, funding and program initiatives. Autism Victoria, Larmenier School, MOIRA Disability Services and Baptcare are just some of the organisations to be represented at the forum. Parents and careers will form discussion groups to discuss the many issues affecting their lives which will then feed into the wider discussion. “While there is still no known single cause for autism, there a number of avenues available to help families deal with autism such as early diagnosis and intervention. I very much look forward to the forum to see what more can be done for those with autism, and the families and carers of those with autism,” Mr Robb said. Mr Robb warmly thanked the Sandringham Yacht Club for hosting the forum at no charge. Further information on the Goldstein Autism Spectrum Disorder Forum can be obtained through Andrew Robb’s office on 9557 4664. Media contact: 9557 4644   Andrew Robb MP Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:871 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/827/Bayside-families-in-line-for-Autism-support-Robb.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=827 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=827&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/827/Bayside-families-in-line-for-Autism-support-Robb.aspx The $190 million Helping Children with Autism program offers grants of up to $12,000 to assist families with a child who suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder access early intervention programs. Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb MP, encourages all Bayside support organisations to apply for funding to assist local Bayside families who have a child with autism. “Families with a child who suffers from either a mental or physical disability do it tough, whether it be financially or emotionally or both. This funding can help take some of the burden off Bayside families and improve lifelong outcomes for their child,” said Mr Robb. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects suffers in many and varied ways. Autism Spectrum Disorders are lifelong disabilities that affect the way a person communicates and relates to other people and the world around them. People affected by autism typically display major impairments in social interaction, communication and behaviour through restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. “This funding program sees the fulfilment of the commitment the Coalition Government made to families with children with Autism in October 2007,” Mr Robb said. “I hope many Bayside families benefit from this program and I am happy to assist our local support organisations through the application process.” Applications for funding close on 28 July 2008. For more information and to apply for funding please contact Mr Robb’s office on 9557 4644 or go to the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website at www.facs.gov.au.   Andrew Robb MP Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:827 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/810/Robb-hopes-for-many-happy-returns-on-World-Blood-Donor-Day.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=810 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=810&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/810/Robb-hopes-for-many-happy-returns-on-World-Blood-Donor-Day.aspx The Australian Red Cross Blood Service celebrates World Blood Donor Day on June 14. Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb, urges all Bayside residents to make the selfless commitment to give blood. “I would like to personally thank the 5.6% of people living in my electorate of Goldstein who are currently blood donors,” said Mr Robb. “This is nearly double the average number of blood donors nationally but I know we can do even better.” Today, we are seeing the majority of donated blood going to people battling cancer, heart and other organ diseases or living with disorders treated with blood and blood products. Australia needs 21,000 blood donations per week to ensure there are adequate supplies for those people who need it, but we are falling well short. As medical technology progresses, more and more uses for blood will be developed. As a result, the need for blood continues to increase. “The ageing of Australia’s population will also have a significant impact on a greater need for blood donation,” Mr Robb said. Currently 1 in 3 Australians will need blood at some stage during their lifetime – but only 1 in 30 give it. World Blood Donor Day 2008 is also an opportunity to recognise the hardworking nurses and volunteers that support the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and the many blood donor centres across Australia. “Australian Red Cross Blood Service volunteers make an emphatic contribution to the realisation of human dignity for so many men and women,” said Mr Robb. Information on local Donor Centres and opening times can be found at donateblood.com.au or by calling 13 14 95. “As a regular blood donor, I urge all Australians, who are able, to donate blood and I hope for ‘Many happy returns’.” Media contact: Andrew Hudgson (03) 9557 4644 or 0404 020 896   Andrew Robb MP Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:810 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/796/The-price-of-private-health-insurance-to-rise-substantially-for-Bayside-residents.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=796 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=796&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/796/The-price-of-private-health-insurance-to-rise-substantially-for-Bayside-residents.aspx Labor’s ill-advised, ideologically driven changes to the Medicare Levy Surcharge will force a substantial rise in private health insurance premiums for Bayside residents. Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb, fears estimates from the Australian Medical Association that up to a million Australians will dump their private health insurance, will see queues at emergency waiting rooms in public hospitals increase, and the cost of insurance premiums climb. Under the Coalition, more Australians than ever before held private health insurance. “Over 9.4 million Australians had private health insurance under the Coalition, this number will be slashed by Labor. This will force up the price of premiums for those left holding health insurance,” said Mr Robb. In 2005 Goldstein was ranked 6 out of the 150 Federal Electorates when it came to private health coverage. Labor’s changes will affect Bayside residents harder than most. “Labor is taking a baseball bat to private health insurance. This will put more pressure on the already crumbling Victorian public hospital system and is bad news for the cost of Bayside residents’ health insurance.” Under the changes the Medicare Levy Surcharge thresholds will increase from; • $50,000 to $100,000 for singles, and • $100,000 to $150,000 for families. “It is not just the sheer numbers of people leaving private health insurance which counts but exactly who the people are that will dump their private health insurance,” said Mr Robb. It is reasonable to believe that those who benefit least from health insurance will be the first to leave the system. They would be those with good health – the young and the fit. “This will have a long term effect on the viability of many private health funds and see families and seniors carrying the burden,” Mr Robb said. “Labor’s plan is based on the politics of envy and will herd more people into an already dysfunctional and chronically mismanaged state healthcare system.” Media contact: Andrew Hudgson (03) 9557 4644 or 0404 020 896   Andrew Robb MP Sun, 18 May 2008 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:796 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/743/Greater-health-services-support-for-Bayside-residents.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=743 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=743&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/743/Greater-health-services-support-for-Bayside-residents.aspx The Coalition Government has announced three practical plans to increase the availability of Australian trained doctors, nurses and specialists to provide greater support to Bayside residents, in particular younger families and the elderly. The three practical plans include: • Funding 800,000 home visits by practice nurses; • Grants up to $40,000 per annum for GPs to employ practice nurses; and • Doubling medical graduates by 2012. Older Australians, veterans and their carers in Bayside will benefit from a re-elected Coalition Government’s plan to fund 800,000 home visits by practice nurses, Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein said today. “This announcement is part of the Coalition’s comprehensive plan to meet the desire of increasing numbers of older Australians who want to remain at home as they age. “The Coalition is already helping older Australians in Bayside to remain living in their own home by allocating over 200 new community aged care places for the area since 1996. The total number of aged care places has also increased by over 30% in that time and since 2004 more than $4.5 million has been allocated for new aged care places in Bayside. “A re-elected Coalition Government will build on this record with our plan to fund practice nurses to visit older Australians and veterans at home to treat their injuries and illnesses. This will particularly help local residents who would not otherwise be able to get to a local GP for an appointment,” Robb said. In addition, a re-elected Coalition Government will provide incentives for GP practices throughout Australia including Bayside to employ practice nurses. This will make 1,300 more general practice nurses, covering 2 million Australians, eligible for grants of up to $40,000 per annum to employ a practice nurse. Andrew Robb said the Coalition had also announced new training places for Australian doctors, nurses and specialists. Under the Coalition’s comprehensive plan to strengthen Australia’s health workforce the number of university medical graduates will more than double by 2012. The number of training places for medical specialists will also double by 2011 and the establishment of 25 new Australian Hospital Nursing Schools will train an extra 500 nurses a year. This coincides with the establishment of 50 Family Emergency Medical Centres across Australia to help young families and ease some of the pressure on public hospital emergency departments. “Together, these measures are helping to ensure that we have the medical workforce we need to improve the health of all Australians, including those in Bayside, now and in the future,” Robb said.   Andrew Robb MP Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:743 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/734/Assistance-for-Bayside-families-caring-for-children-with-autism.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=734 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=734&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/734/Assistance-for-Bayside-families-caring-for-children-with-autism.aspx The Federal Government will provide greater financial assistance and support to bayside families who are caring for a child with autism. The package, worth $190.7 million over five years includes a $116 million early intervention program to assist children with autism. “The early intervention program will assist young children up to age six and their families gain access to better support and services,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein said. “Eligible families and carers will also be able to access up to $8,000 in services at no cost to them, over two years, through direct funding to service providers, contributing to costs for approved early intervention services. “200 new autism specific playgroups will encourage learning and development and 20 new childhood autism advisers will help families find the best services to meet the needs of their particular child. “Importantly, eligible local families and carers supporting children with the most profound needs will be able to access up to $10,000 in services, for up to two years,” Andrew Robb said. Other elements of the package include: • Training and support for parents of young children with autism ($30 m); • New Medicare funded services to diagnose autism spectrum disorders and provide follow up services ($20 m); • Workshops and information sessions for parents with school aged children with autism ($7 m); • Professional development for teachers and other school staff ($16 m) “Given the research that shows positive results for early intervention in the autism area, this comprehensive assistance package has been developed on the back of strong economic and budget management that provides a better ability to respond. “This is certainly a huge step in meeting an important community need that affects many Australian families, including many bayside families.” Andrew Robb said. The support services will be provided from July 2008. For more information, contact Andrew Robb’s office on 9557 4644. Media contact: Megan Cox 0414 492 674 (m) or 9557 4644 (w)   Andrew Robb MP Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:734 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/731/Stronger-commitment-to-aged-care-in-Bayside.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=731 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=731&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/731/Stronger-commitment-to-aged-care-in-Bayside.aspx Two aged care service providers have been awarded aged care funding worth $429,730 to help older Australians in the bayside area to continue living in their own homes. Mayflower Retirement Community in East Brighton has received 25 Community Aged Care Packages each worth around $12,278 per year whilst Family Touch Home Care Services in McKinnon received 10 packages. These packages provide services to those who require care but want to remain living independently. “Many older people in bayside want to remain living independently in their homes but require some specialist care services or domestic assistance in order to do so,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein said. “These packages allow people to receive individually tailored, professional care in their homes. It provides local residents with choice about their aged care requirements and peace of mind for families with elderly relatives living on their own,” Andrew Robb said. “I have worked with Mayflower and Family Touch and have been impressed with their commitment to professional, quality and compassionate care for elderly people in the bayside community, “I congratulate them on their outstanding applications and wish them luck in the provision of these new services,” Andrew Robb said. “The Howard Government has worked hard to improve aged care services in our community. In 1996, there were no accreditation standards, no unannounced visits to facilities and few choices for older people as to the type of care they received. “It was simply not good enough for our seniors and I’m pleased that aged care funding in Australia has leapt from $3.1 billion in 1996 to $8.6 billion in 2007. “By funding Community Aged Care Packages, older residents now have the choice, and support, to be able to stay in their own homes for longer. In addition, increased funding and accreditation to residential care has provided senior Australians with greater choice and confidence in residential care,” Andrew Robb said. The balance of the 2007 allocations, in the form of residential aged care places and capital grants, is expected to be announced before the end of the calendar year. Details of the new community care allocations are available at www.health.gov.au/acar2007 Media contact: Megan Cox 9557 4644 / 0414 492 674   Andrew Robb MP Sun, 16 Sep 2007 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:731 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/701/Australia-needs-YOU.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=701 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=701&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/701/Australia-needs-YOU.aspx The gap between the number of blood donors and the number of Australians who need blood is set to widen, according to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS), unless Australians step up their efforts as blood donors. Recent government forecasts suggest that demand for blood is expected to more than double in the next ten years. "The forecast increase in demand means that Australia will need around 2 million individual blood donations each year to ensure that people, young and old, have the lifesaving products they need to survive," Andrew Robb said. Currently, a little more than half a million Australian blood donors give just over 1.2 million donations. The half a million donors represent around 3.5% of the eligible donor population, compared with an average of 4.4% for other comparable nations. "If the proportion of blood donors in Australia was equivalent to the international average, and if all those donors gave blood four times a year, then we would have sufficient donations to meet forecast demand. "This is not just a challenge for the Blood Service, but for the entire country and for all Australians. “Together, as a community, we need to ensure there are sufficient blood and blood products, voluntarily given by Australia's donors, to meet the medical needs of our community, “In the electorate of Goldstein, 6,332 people donated blood in 2006. This is approximately 7% of enrolled voters” Andrew Robb said. To help remind Australians of the need to give blood, the Blood Service will publish updated data in each of the four seasons. "By giving blood in each of autumn, winter, spring and summer, you will help to save up to 12 lives in one year." "Being a blood donor, or becoming a blood donor, is a very practical way to help those in need” For more information on becoming a donor, please visit www.donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95. Media contact: Megan Cox 9557 4644 or 0414 492 674   Andrew Robb MP Tue, 22 May 2007 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:701 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/671/Gardisal-vaccination-to-help-Bayside-women-in-fight-against-cervical-cancer.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=671 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=671&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/671/Gardisal-vaccination-to-help-Bayside-women-in-fight-against-cervical-cancer.aspx The cervical cancer vaccination, Gardisal, developed by former Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer, was today included in the National Immunisation Program to help reduce the incidences of cervical cancer in the 20,000 women and girls in Bayside under the age of 26. “Gardisal fights against the human papillomavirus, which causes around 70 per cent of cervical cancers,” said Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein. “This vaccination, which has been proudly developed by an Australian, will go a long way to dramatically reducing the incidences of cervical cancer in Australian women.” “Bayside girls aged between 12 and 13 will start to receive the vaccinations from April next year through the school based vaccinations programs, and a catch up program will be run for girls aged 13 to 18 also in a school based program. Women aged 18 to 26 will be able to be vaccinated at no cost by their GPs for the next two years commencing in mid 2007.” “However, all women who receive the vaccination still need to remain vigilant in having regular screenings by their doctor for cervical cancer.” “I am very pleased that the Federal Government has decided to fund Gardisal as part of the vaccination program, it has the potential to make a big difference to the lives of bayside women.” For further information on Gardisal or the vaccination program please contact the office on 9557 4644 or visit www.health.gov.au Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567   Andrew Robb MP Wed, 29 Nov 2006 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:671 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/661/Special-disability-trusts-to-provide-for-future-care-of-children-with-disabilities.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=661 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=661&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/661/Special-disability-trusts-to-provide-for-future-care-of-children-with-disabilities.aspx Families will now be able to place up to $500,000 in a Special Disability Trust which will not impact on any support income, such as the Disability Support Pension, which they may receive, now allowing families to plan for the future care of a child with a disability. “Many people with children who have a disability have expressed their frustrations about how they were being penalised for planning for their children in advance, because they were losing their support pensions which they relied upon,” said Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein. “This new measure will give parents much greater peace of mind, as they will be able to make plans, and ensure that their children will have enough money to be well cared for after they are gone.” “Parents will be able to save and put away up to $500,000 into the Special Disability Trust, without having any of their government income support affected.” A sample trust deed and booklet explaining the requirements of the trust is available at www.facsia.gov.au or by calling 1800 059 059. Or please call the office on 9557 4644 for further information. Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567   Andrew Robb MP Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:661 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/656/600M-boost-for-veterans-health-care.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=656 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=656&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/656/600M-boost-for-veterans-health-care.aspx Veterans holding Gold cards or White cards will benefit from a $600 million funding increase announced today to ensure that veterans continue to enjoy access to high quality health care, said Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein. “In recent months information had emerged that some doctors were reluctant to give full credit to the Gold card, and that some specialists were unwilling to treat veterans under the Gold card system,” said Andrew Robb “Because of this, the Government has decided to enhance the amounts paid to general practitioners, dentists, optometrists, specialists and health professionals to ensure that they are willing to give full credit to the Gold card system, and to provide veterans with high quality health care.” “Our veterans have made, and continue to make an important contribution to Australia. They served with honour and courage, and have always made Australians proud.” “We owe a special duty to those veterans and widows of veterans, and this $600 million funding increase is designed to ensure that the 300,000 veterans or war widows with a Gold or White card will continue to receive the highest quality, free, health care.” “Around 70 per cent of those entitled to a Gold Care are over 75 years of age, as a result, they require not only treatment from general practitioners, but also a range of other specialists. This funding boost will ensure that our veterans will not have any problems finding specialists happy to treat them under the gold care system.” The new fees will be effective from 1 November 2006. Please contact the office on 9557 4644 if you have any further queries. Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567   Andrew Robb MP Tue, 12 Sep 2006 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:656 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/647/Brighton-Beach-Primary-kids-are-active-after-school.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=647 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=647&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/647/Brighton-Beach-Primary-kids-are-active-after-school.aspx Students at Brighton Beach Primary School in Brighton are having fun and keeping fit taking part in the Australian Governments Active After School Communities program, said Andrew Robb the Federal Member for Goldstein. Active After School Communities is a program aimed at improving the health and well being of Australian primary school children by involving kids in regular, organised physical activity. “Childhood obesity, and its related problems such as juvenile diabetes and asthma, are very important issues that all parents must address,” said Andrew Robb. “This program, which encourages kids to be active, and shows them how much fun being active can be, will have long term benefits for the health and wellbeing of tomorrow’s adults. “Getting kids excited about exercise, helping them to improve their co-ordination and introducing them to different sports will help put in place the building blocks to ensure that they go on to become active teenagers and healthy adults. Mr Robb today visited Brighton Beach Primary School, and tried his hand at a game of softball with the students. “I am really proud of the staff and students at Brighton Beach Primary School not only for taking part in this great program, but for the spirit and enthusiasm they all show in carrying it out. “Also, I would like to show my great appreciation for the many local sporting clubs, organisations and community groups who have helped Brighton Beach Primary establish an interesting and challenging program.” Brighton Beach Primary is one of 1400 schools currently participating in the Active After School Communities program, this number will increase to 3250 schools in 2007. Participating schools receive funding to cover the cost of teachers staying behind to participate, transport re-arrangement costs, program delivery and equipment. For further information on the Active After School Communities please visit www.healthyactive.gov.au Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567 1106EO   Andrew Robb MP Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:647 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/646/Bayside-students-benefit-from-healthy-school-communities.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=646 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=646&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/646/Bayside-students-benefit-from-healthy-school-communities.aspx 10/06EO Eight bayside schools are helping to spread the healthy eating message to their students through the Healthy School Communities Program, Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein said today. “The Healthy School Communities Program provides $1500 grants to schools, and school organisations such as parent and friends organisations, to establish programs and projects which help encourage their students to develop healthy eating habits,” said Andrew Robb. “Hundreds of bayside students have benefited from this program with 8 local schools receiving funding since 2005.” The local schools participating are: • Beaumaris Primary School which has set up a program to increase awareness of its students about the benefits of healthy eating and increased physical activity • Brighton Primary School which has engaged dieticians as guest speakers to discuss healthy eating with students, parents and teachers • Cheltenham Primary School which has implemented a health school canteen policy • Gardenvale Primary School which has, in partnership with a local organisation, implemented programs to increase awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and exercise • Katandra School in Ormond which is involving its students in the development and maintenance of a vegetable garden to reinforce the healthy eating messages • Ormond Primary School which has engaged guest speakers to reinforce healthy eating messages with parents, teachers and students, host a ‘health lunch’ to demonstrate healthy eating and will also get students to develop and maintain a vegetable garden • Sandringham East Primary School which has established a vegetable garden to reinforce healthy eating messages • Sandringham Primary School has developed a ‘no dig’ garden and will use the produce in healthy foods available from the school canteen. “Childhood obesity, and the long term health issues that it creates, are big issues facing Australian parents and students today. Increased levels of obesity, asthma and other illnesses mean that we need to act now to ensure that our children now and understand the principles of a balanced diet and exercise to stay healthy. “The Healthy School Communities program is vital to ensuring that our young people get these messages and is one part of a broader Australian Government program to address these issues. “I congratulate the eight local schools, and schools organisations, who have gotten involved in this important program.” The Healthy School Communities grant offer has been extended and schools are encourage to apply for funds while they are still available. Grant applications and information are available from www.healthyactive.gov.au or by contacting the Office of Andrew Robb on 9557 4644. Media enquiries: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567   Andrew Robb MP Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:646 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/622/Free-Pneumococcal-vaccine-for-older-Bayside-residents.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=622 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=622&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/622/Free-Pneumococcal-vaccine-for-older-Bayside-residents.aspx All Bayside residents aged 65 years or over are now eligible to receive their free flu and pneumococcal vaccinations for 2006. “The Government is committed to helping protect older Australians from the flu and pneumococcal disease by once again offering free vaccinations to the over 65’s” said Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein. Older people are more vulnerable to pneumococcal disease and influenza, and these diseases which can lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses are most prevalent in winter and can be fatal to older Australians. “With winter and the cold and flu season approaching a vaccination is a simple and safe method of protecting elderly residents from potentially life threatening illnesses.” “I strongly encourage elderly Bayside residents to take up this free vaccinations.” A prescription is not needed to get the vaccinations, older Australians simply need to visit their doctor or immunisation provider and ask for the free vaccination. In 1996 the Australian Government expenditure on vaccines was $13 million. Vaccine expenditure by the Howard Government in 2004-2005 was $285 million, which is a 22-fold increase. Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567 Andrew Robb MP Wed, 22 Mar 2006 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:622 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/617/Therapeutic-Goods-Amendment-Repeal-of-Ministerial-Responsibility-of-RU486-Bill--Speech.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=617 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=617&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/617/Therapeutic-Goods-Amendment-Repeal-of-Ministerial-Responsibility-of-RU486-Bill--Speech.aspx Mr Speaker, I rise today to speak against the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Repeal of Ministerial Responsibility of RU486) Bill. I did not come to this place to be a moral crusader, but on issues such as this I will seek to stay true to my own convictions. As such, I will vote against this legislation. I cannot support any legislation where my vote, as much as the legislation itself, has the potential to encourage more abortions. At a personal level, abortion is one of the most difficult and confronting issues facing society. It is, no doubt, a deeply personal and traumatic matter for so many women. And while the fate of the foetus is practically, and ultimately, a decision of the individual woman, it can be a deeply personal and traumatic matter for the father of the foetus. For those, like myself, who believe that human life begins at conception it only magnifies the moral dilemma and, despite what many in this debate have suggested, it is a moral issue for men and women alike. For that reason I am acutely conscious of any decision I take in this House which might telegraph support for a lessening of the absolute seriousness of the decision to have an abortion. My concern is that a “yes” vote - by the community’s Federal Parliamentary representatives - to delegate responsibility for the availability of the abortion pill to a purely technical process, sends a powerful message, especially to young people, that we, as a community are becoming more indifferent to, or blasé about, abortion. It will further condition Australians to see pregnancy as merely another medical condition, where abortion is seen as elective surgery, or an elective drug treatment, without at the same time encouraging our fellow Australians to also consider the moral, ethical and social dimensions surrounding such a momentous personal decision as aborting a foetus. We must not underestimate the impact of the public policy decisions we make, in terms of their effect on the moral compass of Australians. Take for instance the situation in China. The Chinese Government has for many years advocated a one child policy. This policy has meant that many couples in China routinely carry out terminations in order to comply with this policy. This has reportedly created a “conditioning” of that community where terminations are acceptable, almost routine, like the removal of a wisdom tooth. In the same way a “yes” vote on this Bill will have the effect of absolving those people who may be confronted with this most difficult issue from properly considering the moral and social aspects of such a decision. A decision by this Parliament to delegate responsibility for the use of an abortion drug to a technical committee would further the aim of those in our community who would prefer to medicalise pregnancy as though it is simply another medical condition. Whatever personal decision an individual arrives at, to me it seems seriously wrong and dehumanising to encourage the decision to be seen as principally a medical matter; to downplay or to expunge the spiritual and social dimension of any decision to have an abortion. As well, the revolution in biotechnology is seeing the development of a range of most extraordinary drugs that will go to market over the next decade. Drugs to do with intellect enhancement, mood elevation, biopharma developments of drugs in plants and food, and other abortion medication, to name a few– the use of which will pose highly controversial moral and ethical considerations for our society. I cannot see how the community will accept that the decisions about the availability and conditions of use of these future drugs should be left simply to a technical committee which looks only at the safety and efficacy of a particular drug, just as I can’t accept that this current debate is only about the safety and efficacy of RU486. These are all decisions which have much broader ramifications than safety and efficacy; these are decisions we have been elected to take because they are important matters which , in the end, can very materially shape the type of society in which we live. We must not shirk our responsibilities. The strategy of those advocating this amendment has been to narrow the debate; to assert that it is not about abortion, to claim that this Bill is purely about removing the responsibility of the health minister of the day to decide the quality, safety and efficacy of this drug and place the decisions with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Yet, in the way the debate has unfolded it has become political, it has become about abortion. I suspect it always was. Ironically, this is evidenced by the fact that correspondence urging me to vote “yes” invariably includes advice to me that my electorate is undoubtedly pro-choice, and that I should vote accordingly. And so, how we vote on this Bill will be read in the broader context of the Parliament’s general attitude about abortion. This strategy to narrow the debate supposedly to technical matters is a clever strategy. It is a strategy which allows people to have a foot in both camps. It allows individual members and senators to profess opposition to abortion while voting wittingly or unwittingly to further numb the community’s sensibilities to the moral and social issues that should also be in people’s minds when contemplating abortion. In voting “no” I am not trying to impose my ultimate views about abortion on others. Rather, in all good conscience I cannot be party to a ‘yes’ vote that further conditions the community to see abortion as merely a medical condition and in doing so sends a message that encourages more abortions. [ends] Media enquiries: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567   Andrew Robb MP Tue, 14 Feb 2006 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:617 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/598/Free-chickenpox-vaccinsations.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=598 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=598&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/598/Free-chickenpox-vaccinsations.aspx From November 1 2005 certain age groups will be eligible for free chickenpox vaccinations as part of the Federal Governments National Immunisation Program. The chickenpox vaccination will be available for all children born on or after 1 May 2004, and there will be a catch-up program undertaken for children aged between 10 and 13 who have not had the vaccine and who have not had chickenpox. Also, from November, children will be able to receive an injectable polio vaccine instead of the oral vaccine. Chickenpox has the potential to cause serious complications such as skin infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. Each year seven Australians die from chickenpox and around 240,000 are affected, resulting in 1,500 hospitalisations. However, this disease is preventable with the vaccination. Previously parents had to pay up to $55 per dose of the chickenpox vaccination resulting in many children missing out on the vaccine. It is hoped that this new funding will increase the uptake of this vaccine, protecting more young Australians. Since the Howard Government came to office in 1996, spending on vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program has experienced a 22 fold increase with 2004-05 spending being estimated at $285 million. Eligible people should contact their local GP or immunisation provider. Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 316 620 Andrew Robb MP Mon, 07 Nov 2005 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:598 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/592/Bentleigh-Medicare-office-extends-opening-hours.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=592 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=592&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/592/Bentleigh-Medicare-office-extends-opening-hours.aspx From today bayside residents will have greater opportunity to claim their Medicare Benefits, register for the Medicare Safety Net or access the Family Assistance Office, with the Centre Road Bentleigh Medicare Office extending their opening hours. “The extended opening hours will provide a major benefit for customers by allowing greater opportunity to visit a Medicare office on their way home from work” said Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein. “These changes are all about providing better customer service.” These extended opening hours will apply to 121 Medicare offices around Australia. Recently, some offices have extended their hours to open on Saturdays or evenings. This is part of the ongoing program to make Medicare services as accessible as possible. From 5 September 2005, the Bentleigh branch will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. “We want to provide the best possible service to Medicare customers.” For further information or to find out the opening and closing hours visit www.hic.gov.au or call 132 011. Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 316 620 Andrew Robb MP Mon, 05 Sep 2005 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:592 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/557/Building-a-healthy-active-Australia.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=557 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=557&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/557/Building-a-healthy-active-Australia.aspx The Australian Government as part of its Building a Healthy, Active Australia is continuing to expand the Active Afterschool Communities program. The Active Afterschool Communities program was piloted in 20 schools during term 1 of 2005, and will be expanded to 3,250 schools by 2007. The Active Afterschool Communities program aims to improve the health, well being and motor skills of young Australians by encouraging a balanced approach to nutrition and physical activity. Five schools in the bayside region will now be taking part in this program; Caulfield Primary School, Glen Huntly Primary School, Haileybury College, McKinnon Primary School and Ormond Primary School. “I am pleased to congratulate the bayside schools who will now be taking part in this wonderful program” said Andrew Robb, the Federal Member for Goldstein. “This free national program which runs after school from 3:00pm to 5:30pm is a wonderful way to get kids into being healthy and active.” “The Federal Government has allocated $90 million to this program over the next four years, highlighting the Government’s recognition of obesity in children as a significant issue in Australia.” “I look forward to welcoming more bayside schools to this program over the next four years.” Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567 Andrew Robb MP Tue, 21 Jun 2005 14:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:557 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/538/Healthy-and-active-school-communities.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=538 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=538&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/538/Healthy-and-active-school-communities.aspx The Commonwealth Government will send two resource kits to every school to assist them in encouraging students to eat well and be physically active. The resource kits, one containing Australia’s Physical Activity Recommendations for Children and Young People and the other with best practice examples of school-based physical activity and healthy eating programs, will be received by the principals of primary and secondary schools from next week. Almost one in five children in Australia is now overweight or obese. This is an increasing threat to our nation’s health. Schools can assist young people to develop healthy and active life skills. The Commonwealth and state and territory governments have been working together on initiatives to combat obesity. There is now national legislation to ensure that all schools include at least two hours of physical activity each week for primary and junior secondary students. “It is vital that all Australians take an active role in ensuring that our children remain healthy and active” Andrew Robb AO MP said “These kits are designed to help schools with ideas to help implement the Governments policy to keep our kids fit and healthy.” Schools will also receive a reminder about grants of $1500, which are available until 1 December 2005 for activities that encourage healthy eating. A grant kit was sent to all schools in 2004, under the Healthy School Communities program, as part of the Prime Minister’s $116 million initiative to address overweight and obesity. So far, over 500 grants totalling more than $760,000 have been made for projects including breakfast programs, creating vegetable gardens, healthy cooking classes and health food expos. The grant application form is also available from www.healthyactive.gov.au Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567 Andrew Robb MP Sun, 20 Mar 2005 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:538 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/516/Free-Pnemococcal-vaccination-available-for-young-and-senior-Australians.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=516 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=516&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/516/Free-Pnemococcal-vaccination-available-for-young-and-senior-Australians.aspx Under the Howard Government’s pneumococcal vaccination program, a free vaccine will be distributed to protect new born babies and senior Australians. Andrew Robb said that “pneumococcal disease occurs most frequently in children under two and people aged 65 years or over, this vaccination will provide the best possible protection against the disease.” “This vaccine can be given by your local doctor, and for those aged over 65 it can be given at the same time as your free influenza shot.” “Around 20,000 people in the Bayside area are over 65 and will be eligible to receive these free vaccines and I encourage as many of you as possible to get it done.” The Howard Government has increased childhood immunisation rates to around 90%, which is an increase of 50% since 1996. The two new vaccine programs will result in a vaccination expenditure of $245 million in 2004 – 2005, a 20 fold increase since 1996. Further information can be obtained from the Immunisation Infoline on 1800 671 811 or at www.immunise.health.gov.au . Media Contact: Kathryn Hodges 0409 132 567 Andrew Robb MP Tue, 15 Feb 2005 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:516 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/521/Adjournment-Speech--Health-Insurance-Rebates.aspx#Comments 0 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=73&ModuleID=389&ArticleID=521 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=521&PortalID=0&TabID=73 http://www.andrewrobb.com.au/Media/Speeches/tabid/73/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/521/Adjournment-Speech--Health-Insurance-Rebates.aspx Mr ROBB (Goldstein) (4.38 p.m.) —This afternoon I would like to highlight the importance for the 20,000 Australians aged over 65 in my electorate and the more than one million Australians over 65 nationally of the government's promise to increase the private health rebate from 30 to 35 per cent for those aged 65 to 69 and to 40 per cent for people over 70. The higher rebate will be available for hospital cover, ancillary cover and combined cover and, importantly, will take effect from 1 April 2005. On a typical policy for couples or families, this rebate increase will reduce premiums by about $100 to $200 a year over and above the existing 30 per cent rebate. I think it is critical that older Australians have the opportunity for choice and peace of mind when things go wrong, and this added assistance gives them choice of doctor and choice of hospital. Many of these older Australians have had private health insurance for most of their adult lives. They have contributed during their younger years while enjoying good health, and it is really our responsibility to provide them with insurance cover at an affordable price when they reach their older years. [start page 105] This initiative for older Australians builds on the federal government's 30 per cent rebate, which has proved to be a very effective policy. In all, the rebate has made it possible for more than 8.6 million Australians to keep or to take up hospital insurance. Many of those are on lower or fixed incomes. Many are pensioners or self-funded retirees. They do not want their health choices to be determined by a bureaucrat as would happen under Medicare Gold, the alternative Labor proposition. They want to exercise choice. The rebate makes this possible and the higher rebate for seniors will make it even more possible for around one million Australians. The success of this policy is borne out by the fact that the premium cost to consumers is around three per cent of average weekly earnings. This is back to being equivalent to the cost to consumers that we saw in 1990. It has been a highly successful policy, it has been taken up by many and the rebate undoubtedly has taken pressure off public hospitals and made public hospitals available to many uninsured Australians. We are now seeing from 50 to 80 per cent of chemotherapy, surgery for malignant breast conditions, hip replacements, same-day mental health treatments and cataract operations being conducted in private hospitals. It has been a massive success. It is important also to compare this with the alternative. We saw today in the Financial Review that the Leader of the Opposition said, amongst other things: Now here we are with Medicare Gold, which is being described as Whitlamism. He said it somewhat defensively. Of course it is being described as Whitlamism because it is pure Whitlamism. Medicare Gold is unfunded and would be a massive burden on future budgets. It is not thought through; it is unworkable; it is reckless; it is Big Brotherish—big government. We will find bureaucrats making decisions on behalf of Australians rather than Australians exercising their own choice. It is patronising in that it says people could not or should not be allowed to make a choice of doctor or hospital—some greater authority will make it for them—and it is pure Whitlamism because it is a con: it suggests that we can have something for nothing. Price something at nothing and the demand will increase dramatically. Then we will see increased waiting lists. It will be self-defeating and hugely costly to the budget—it is a joke. On this matter, the real difference between the parties is that the Liberal Party has faith in people making the best decisions about running their own lives. For all their rhetoric about opportunity, the Labor Party do not. In the end, the Labor Party think that government knows best, they believe in the nanny state and they do not trust people to make sensible choices about their lives, including their health care.   Andrew Robb MP Sat, 11 Dec 2004 13:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:521