Werriwa News

Happy Near Year 2026

Last year was so big.

We delivered on so many of the commitments Australians voted for at the election - including delivering the bigger ever investment in bulk billing and cutting 20% off student debt.

Now we’re in 2026, our work continues. We’re focused on helping you and your family with the cost of living.

From today, we’ve launched 1800MEDICARE, a new advice and out of hours Medicare telehealth service for all Australians.

Also from today, medicines on the PBS will only cost $25 - they haven’t been that cheap since 2004!

And our new free digital mental health service, Medicare Mental Health Check-in, is now live.

We’re making progress, but we know there’s more to do. I’m looking forward to this new year and continuing to work hard on behalf of our community.

I hope you’re getting plenty of rest and quality time with family and friends. Stay safe and enjoy the break.

We’ve launched a new health advice and out of hours telehealth service for all Australians.

We know life isn’t 9-5. And with 1800MEDICARE, neither is health care.

Wether you or your family are sick, injured or just need reassurance, under Labor, help is now just a call away.

From 1 January, Labor is making sure you won’t pay more than $25 for a PBS script.

This is another way we’re helping with the cost of living.

The last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 - more than 20 years ago.

Mental Health Check-in

Starting 1 January, Australians will have access to free mental health support without needing a GP referral or worrying about gap fees.

Our new free digital mental health service, Medicare Mental Health Check-in, will offer digital self-help tools, and from March you will be able to access Low-Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with trained professionals by phone or video.

Resources and Services

Every year I produce a complementary Pensioners and Seniors Kit for residents. This contains useful information regarding Government services, Aged Care, and benefits such as the Age Pension.

If you would like a copy please contact my office and I will have one posted to you.

My office is always available to assist with Federal Government matters that are important to you, as well as your family and friends, like Medicare, Centrelink, Immigration, Taxation, the National Broadband Network and the National Disability Insurance Agency as well as assisting community organisations.

If you would like to contact me, or need assistance, you can do so by calling (02) 8783 0977, emailing [email protected] or by visiting my website and using the Contact form linked below.