PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Trish Cook, Labor candidate for Bullwinkle is seen during the Australian federal election on May 03, 2025 in Perth, Australia. Australians headed to the polls on Saturday for the 2025 federal election, where all 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 of 76 Senate seats are up for grabs. This election is especially consequential due to a tightly contested race, with cost-of-living pressures, affordable housing, and energy policy dominating the campaign. Though most polls indicate a narrow Labor victory against the Liberal-National coalition, the result could also lead to a hung parliament, reflecting the growing influence of independents and minor parties, and potentially reshaping the balance of power in Australia in the years ahead. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)
Trish Cook, the newly elected Member of Parliament for the Bullwinkel electorate in Western Australia, delivered her inaugural speech on May 3, 2023, paying tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel, a World War II nurse renowned for her courage during the Banka Island massacre. Cook, a former nurse herself, highlighted Bullwinkel’s remarkable story as a symbol of resilience and service, reflecting on the broader contributions of Australia’s military nurses and soldiers in protecting democratic values.
In her address to Parliament, Cook expressed gratitude for the “incredible sacrifices and services” of those who have served in the military. She described her journey to federal politics as inspired by witnessing the first term of the Albanese Government and her excitement upon learning that the new electorate would bear the name of a nursing hero. She stated, “Suddenly, here was a brand new electorate of Bullwinkel, which encompassed my home of Darlington for 17 years and was named in honor of World War Two nursing hero, Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel. I took this optimistically as a sign of encouragement.”
Cook’s political career began as the deputy Shire president of Mundaring, where she developed a strong commitment to community service. In her speech, she shared her experiences as a nurse in remote and regional Western Australia, as well as her time in the Solomon Islands. Her desire to advocate for fairness, justice, and improved health outcomes was a central theme of her address.
Commitment to Health and Fairness
“The professions of nursing and politics both require great commitment, honesty, and a strong desire to help people and communities,” Cook remarked. As a federal Labor member, she pledged to advocate for the fair allocation of resources to address the social determinants of health, which are critical for improving the lives of those in Bullwinkel and across Australia.
Additionally, Cook emphasized her intention to support local farmers affected by the phase-out of live sheep exports. This issue has been contentious within her electorate, where approximately 15 percent of constituents reside outside metropolitan areas. The Bullwinkel electorate includes four historic towns in the Wheatbelt, home to many passionate farmers who contribute significantly to the nation’s food and agricultural exports.
“The rural area of Bullwinkel consists of four historic Wheatbelt towns. These rural communities include passionate farmers who produce our food and agricultural exports,” she noted. Cook acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the transition away from live sheep exports, while also expressing relief over the recent recovery of barley markets.
Support from Colleagues and Future Aspirations
Among the attendees in the gallery were Mark Reed, the new State secretary, and former secretary Ellie Whiteaker, who is now a senator. Cook received support from fellow WA MPs, including Stuart Aubrey and Katrina Stratton, during her speech.
After her address, Cook was warmly embraced by several Western Australian MPs, including Patrick Gorman, who served as her campaign director during her successful election bid.
Cook’s commitment to her community and her advocacy for the values embodied by Lieutenant Colonel Bullwinkel set a promising tone for her tenure in Parliament. As she embarks on this new chapter, her dedication to the electorate of Bullwinkel and the legacy of its namesake will undoubtedly guide her journey forward.
