Wednesday, 15 May 2024

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:11): It is a privilege today to rise and speak on how we are all continuing to support the fight against motor neurone disease. This morning I was proud to join with everyone in the chamber here today as we donned our blue beanies and joined the mighty Neale Daniher, his family and his Big Freeze. This year the Big Freeze turns 10 – 10 years, a remarkable achievement – and even more importantly, because of Neale, his family and their work, Australia is a world leader in MND research, with new clinical trials, new drug development and early identification. And today I am very proud to say that our government is continuing to support that work with $250,000 for FightMND.

For all of us this fight has taken on recently an even more personal aspect, and I mean of course our wonderful, incredible and dear friend the member for Pakenham Emma Vulin. There is no-one who loves her community more or indeed works harder than the member for Pakenham. Earlier this year the member for Pakenham was incredibly brave as she shared with us, the public and her community her diagnosis, and we have seen that bravery again in action today in the chamber. Like more than 2000 Australians and their families, the member for Pakenham is in her own personal battle with the beast. I want to take a moment to refer to the member for Pakenham’s first words in this place when she was elected. She said to her community, ‘I hope I do you proud and fight when I need to fight.’ Emma, you have absolutely delivered – sorry, the member for Pakenham has delivered – the first one in spades. Your community is so proud of you, of what you have delivered for your community and of what you have already achieved. On the second, as you continue to fight for your community and continue that representation as the strong, proud member for Pakenham, we will be with you for your fight every single day.