Over my past seven months in Parliament, I’ve had the privilege to engage with a number of organisations, groups, and individuals, and advocate for the common issues that directly impact our community.

One of the initiatives I am particularly proud of is my involvement and advocacy for Fadden’s Beau and Terry Kemp and the grater DIPG cause. 

The Kemp family of Biggera Waters, tragically lost their only son Ryley, to Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) at the tender age of eight.

DIPG is one of the most lethal and aggressive forms of childhood caner, a rare and swiftly progressing brain tumour that impacts a child’s vital functions.

Alarmingly, it remains one of the few paediatric cancers that doesn’t have an effective treatment.

Each year, 20 Australian children are diagnosed with this devastating, terminal illness.

Collaborating with the Shadow Minister for Health, Senator Anne Ruston, we urged the Government to allocate resources towards researching this devastating disease.

The Kemp family, alongside other affected Australians, joined Senator Ruston and I in Parliament to underscore the urgent necessity for research funding.

After penning a letter to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Ruston and I were incredibly grateful for the Federal Government’s investment of $20 million towards this cause.

This pledged funding signifies not just a financial investment, but a lifeline of hope for the bleak future faced by Australian children diagnosed annually.

With dedicated research and innovation, there is hope to improve outcomes for children battling DIPG and pave the way towards a cure for this horrible disease.

I want to thank the Kemp family for their courage in standing up for this issue and seeking a better tomorrow.