STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr GOSLING (Solomon) (13:56): Our government is supporting Australians through the biggest investments in Medicare since its inception. In my electorate, in Darwin and Palmerston in the Northern Territory, we have seen a 4.5 per cent increase in bulk-billing just in recent times. I really want to thank all those who make our health system work, all those who increase the health and wellbeing of Territorians and all Australians around our great country.

One of the organisations that supports the health and wellbeing of our ADF members and our veterans is Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags). They make beautiful quilts and laundry bags for our deployed ADF members, many deployed far from home. They don't just send quilts and laundry bags; they send a slice of home and a token of the Australian values of mateship, service and compassion.

They've made 17,430 quilts and over 37,000 laundry bags. I was very humbled to receive a laundry bag from Lois Shambrook recently. Lois is one of their volunteers, and I want to give her a very personal thanks.

She had had a posting to Darwin previously with her husband, who was in the RAAF. Lois, you absolutely nailed it! Thank you very much, Lois.

And thank you, Tracey 'Pello' Pelling, for being a wonderful MC.