I am honoured today to be announced as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Education and Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health.

I congratulate and look forward to working closely with Shadow Minister for Education Senator Jonathon
Duniam and Shadow Minister for Health Senator Anne Ruston to develop policies that deliver positive
outcomes for the sector, and particularly for regional people.

In my first speech to the Australian Parliament, I spoke of my own experience with education, including the
importance of being able to complete a degree in Agricultural Science and a Master of Business Administration
without leaving the region, thanks to regional university campuses.

Access and equity in education and health are important issues for regional communities and I welcome the
opportunity to add a strong regional voice to policy considerations.

One of the key issues confronting regional communities is maintaining a strong workforce, we need to train
and keep qualified people working in the regions, but we also need to focus on producing the workforce of the
future.

Living in a region with a strong manufacturing base led me to explore the disconnect between education and
industry in Australia. Through a Churchill Fellowship, I was able to observe world’s best practice in co-operation
between industry and secondary education and the possibilities for Australia.

I have long been an advocate for regional training of doctors and extending those offerings to nursing,
midwifery and allied health.

I come to this role with an open mind, a willingness to listen and to explore new ideas, and a dedication to
achieve better outcomes for all Australians.

I will continue to represent my community with diligence as I take on this new role.