Thursday, 8 February 2024

 Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Ambulance Services) (09:41): I rise to congratulate Janine Mohamed, from my electorate, who is the Victorian Australian of the Year in 2024. A leader of purpose and grace, Janine serves our community with great distinction. Over almost five years at the helm of the Lowitja Institute and as former CEO of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives, Janine has forged new pathways for Aboriginal Australians in health care as clinicians, researchers and leaders. A proud Narrunga Kaurna woman, Janine’s journey from nursing studies at the University of South Australia to her appointment as adjunct professor, her more than two decades of service in Aboriginal community controlled health and her recent award of an honorary doctorate in nursing by Edith Cowan University are all testament to her drive and commitment.

Janine’s purpose extends far beyond individual accolades. She champions the dismantling of racism, advocates powerfully for the Indigenous health workforce and works towards closing the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal people through the systemic integration of cultural safety in our healthcare system. On behalf of my community, I honour the enduring impact of Janine’s commitment to justice, equity and the health and wellbeing of First Nations people.

I also wish to offer my warm congratulations to Macedon local recipients of Australia Day honours: Associate Professor Ngaire Elwood, for service to medicine and stem cell research; Dr Jennifer Gray, for service to wildlife management and to zoological industry organisations; and Allan and Shirley Cann from Woodend, for so many years of service to our community. Congratulations to each and every one of those recipients.