Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services) (09:38): I rise to acknowledge the outstanding contribution to the nursing and midwifery professions of Lisa Fitzpatrick AO. A registered nurse by training, Lisa’s career as secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation spanned two decades and eight Victorian health ministers, but amongst the cut and thrust of politics Lisa always remained steadfast. There is no dodging the question or beating around the bush when dealing with Lisa Fitzpatrick. Lisa’s first and last priority was always the membership. The list of the ANMF’s achievements under Lisa’s leadership is formidable, including pioneering nurse- and midwife-to-patient ratios and working with the Allan Labor government to protect them in legislation, introducing registered undergraduate students of nursing and registered undergraduate students of midwifery, as well as six public sector enterprise bargaining campaigns. Under her stewardship the ANMF grew from 32,000 members in 2001 to 111,000 members today, but the only way to get that kind of growth is to be a leader who gets things done. Lisa leaves a legacy for our healthcare system that Victorians will benefit from for generations to come. I wish Lisa more time with her family and friends and more time watching her beloved Bulldogs. Congratulations to Maddy Harradence, Nicole Allan, Sam Casey and the whole ANMF leadership team on their recent election. I look forward to working with you to further Lisa’s legacy and continue the strong and collaborative relationship the Labor government has built with Victoria’s nurses and midwives.