STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms JORDAN-BAIRD (Gorton) (13:56): This week is National Science Week. When I think back on my journey in science, I remember getting my first go at using a Bunsen burner in year 7, then falling in love with anatomy, before going on to study neuroscience at university, and it all started in the classroom, with passionate and dedicated teachers who inspired a love of science, research and discovery—and I want to give a shout-out to Mrs Stevenson, my year 12 biology teacher.

That's why it's so important that Labor is supporting teachers to qualify and get into the workforce with paid prac, and it's not just for our teachers. We've expanded paid prac to students studying to become paramedics, pharmacists, psychologists and so much more, giving real cost-of-living relief to students who are training for some of the most important jobs in this country, because you should never have to choose between getting qualified and paying the bills.

On this side of the House, we know a thing or two about supporting women in STEM. I'm surrounded by inspiring women, such as the members for Barton, Boothby, Swan, Maribyrnong and Dobell, and Senator Ananda-Rajah and so many others who have all pursued STEM in their careers. We are a government that is backing Aussie science and backing Aussie women through programs like our Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship and women in STEM and enterprise grant programs.

So, to the country of wi-fi, the cochlear implant, the electronic pacemaker and ultrasounds, happy National Science Week.