CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms KARA COOK (Bonner) (16:45): Firstly, can I say that I'm proud to be a Queenslander every day of the week, but particularly this week following the back-to-back victories of the Brisbane Lions and the incredible win on Sunday of the Broncos NRLW and, of course, the mighty Broncos' win after 19 years. Go, the Broncos! I recently had the privilege of attending Quandamooka Festival on beautiful Minjerribah, also known as North Stradbroke Island.
It was a celebration of living culture, with First Nations singers, dancers and artists coming together to share tradition, culture and identity. This year's festival was especially significant as it was the first to be held beside the newly opened QUAMPI Arts and Cultural Centre. This striking new hub for Quandamooka arts, storytelling and truth-telling received funding from the Australian government's Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Minjerribah.
QUAMPI takes its name from the oyster and its pearl shell, a sacred and sustaining food for the Quandamooka people for thousands of years. Now it will also nourish culture and committee through art. Congratulations to QYAC and chair Cameron Costello and to all the volunteers who made the festival such a success.
I cannot wait to return next year. October is also Indigenous Business Month. It was fantastic to see all the stalls at the festival showcasing incredible Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs, including renowned artist Delvene Cocaktoo Collins.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a powerful reminder of how far we've come in the fight against breast cancer and how much more we must do to ensure that no-one is left behind. Recently, I met with Rachelle and her incredible team from So Brave, a young women's breast cancer charity doing outstanding work to raise awareness, build resilience and empower women under 40.
Their message is clear and urgent: breast cancer doesn't wait until you are 50. Routine screening in Australia starts at 50. So, for younger women, early detection relies heavily on knowing your symptoms and family history.
The Albanese government has been acting on breast cancer. We've listed lifesaving breast cancer medicines on the PBS, reducing costs that could otherwise reach over $100,000 per treatment to just $31.60, or $7.70 with a concession card. We've also invested over $190 million to establish the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, including 100 new cancer nurses through the McGrath Foundation, helping women navigate their diagnosis and care—no matter where they live.
Early detection saves lives, and every woman, no matter her age, background or postcode, deserves the very best chance at survival.