URGENT UPDATE: Newly re-elected Member for Dobell, McBride, has officially returned to Parliament, securing 59.4% of the two-party preferred vote in the recent elections. Immediately upon his return, McBride has been reinstated as the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, as part of the Labor Government.
As he settles back into his role in Canberra, McBride is prioritizing urgent actions to address the pressing cost-of-living crisis affecting Australians, particularly residents of the Central Coast. The Prime Minister has announced that the first piece of legislation introduced in the new Parliament will aim to reduce student loan debt by 20%, fulfilling a key promise made during the election campaign.
Starting July 1, a series of important changes have already been implemented. These include increases to minimum and award wages, enhancements to paid parental leave, and a significant incentive of $10,000 for apprentice tradies. In another pivotal move, the bulk billing incentive will be tripled beginning in November, making healthcare more accessible for all Australians seeking to see a GP without charge.
In the upcoming weeks, McBride will introduce legislation aimed at lowering the cost of general Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions to $25. This initiative is particularly significant as McBride is the only pharmacist in Parliament, emphasizing his commitment to affordable healthcare.
“I’m honoured by the trust and confidence the people of the Central Coast have placed in me to continue serving as their representative,” McBride stated. He added, “Coming back to Canberra, my focus is firmly on easing pressure on locals with targeted cost of living relief, including energy bill rebates and tax cuts. As a healthcare worker, I know the importance of affordable care close to home.”
McBride is also working on establishing an additional local Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, further underscoring his commitment to improving healthcare access for his constituents. With these initiatives, McBride aims to ensure that residents receive the support they need during these challenging economic times.
Stay tuned for more updates as McBride continues to advocate for policies that directly impact the lives of everyday Australians.
