MS THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): I am deeply honoured to stand in this chamber representing the electorate of Northcote for a second term. I thank the wonderful people of the inner north, and with renewed energy I reaffirm my unwavering promise to them: to work each and every day to deliver real outcomes for our community. Every day in government is a gift and responsibility, and I am immensely proud to be part of a Labor government propelling this to new heights.

In Northcote there are many exciting things on the horizon. We will have an early parenting centre and a mental health and wellbeing hub, more schools will be upgraded and there are transport projects on the way and more protections for our creeks. Free kinder, TAFE and nursing courses are generating opportunities like never before. A stronger health system will give people more options to access care outside the hospital. Critically, we are bringing back the SEC to drive down bills and rapidly move to net zero.

Northcote faces challenges. We must tackle cost-of-living pressures, drive investment into our suburbs and deliver reforms that create security, support innovation and safeguard our future. As the Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health I also look forward to bringing a new focus to improving women’s access to quality health care. To my community: thank you. Let us let this next chapter begin.