CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr KENNEDY (Cook) (10:28): For almost 14 years, Ashleigh Osmond, a lovely, young, vibrant mum in the Sutherland Shire, has lived with multiple sclerosis—14 years of knowing that a disease could change the course of your life and even end it prematurely. But, for most of that time, Ashleigh has been in remission. The treatment she takes has allowed her to live a healthy independent life without MS affecting every day or every decision or her being a great mum, wife, friend, family member, employee and a very productive member of society.

But, earlier this year, that certainty was thrown into doubt when two very important MS treatments faced the prospect of losing support through the PBS. I want to celebrate a partial win. We created a petition to make sure the PBS continued to fund these treatments.

I'm very happy to say to Ashleigh and to all the people suffering with MS that the government has now confirmed that these treatments will remain on the PBS and that a rapid review of MS medicines is still underway. However, while this has brought relief, people like Ashleigh deserve long-term certainty. This treatment that her neurologist has recommended would cost tens of thousands of dollars a year out of pocket if they didn't have long-term certainty.

Ashleigh put it simply: Access to these treatments has allowed me to spend much of the past 14 years in remission. People living with MS should have confidence that the treatment recommended by their neurologist will remain affordable and accessible. So I am now advocating that we give long-term certainty and long-term commitments as part of this rapid review—that these medicines will never be taken off the PBS unless better medicines become available.

I also would like to congratulate the Parish of St Stylianos Gymea on its 30th anniversary. I congratulate Father Constantine Varipatis and Deacon Chris Baghos, the parish leadership volunteers and every family that has helped build this wonderful community. From humble beginnings gathering at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre and Gymea Technology High School, St Stylianos has become a place of faith and belonging now for generations of shire families.

Volunteers teach Orthodox scripture to hundreds of local children, support older Australians, preserve Greek language and culture, and prepare meals for organisations for people in need, which I've personally handed out to housing commissions right across our electorate. They do a wonderful job. We recognise you.

We recognise that you make our community stronger and your huge contribution to the Sutherland Shire.