Elsie Lange
In his maiden speech to parliament this week, newly elected Hawke MP Sam Rae spoke about the meaning of prosperity, the challenges of population growth, the strength of working communities and what the new government would do for his constituents.
At the May federal election, Mr Rae won the newly-created seat – encompassing parts of Hume, Melton and Mooralbool council areas – with 57.63 per cent of the two party preferred vote.
In his speech, which received a standing ovation, he described the fast-growing Hawke electorate as diverse, and its new residents as “pioneers” contributing to the social, cultural and economic tapestry of existing communities.
“But these enrichening changes also bring significant challenges. Population growth is putting our physical and social infrastructure under immense pressure,” he said.
He said after “a decade of wilful investment failure” in the region, investment was desperately needed in roads, transport infrastructure, primary healthcare and education.
“The people of Hawke are workers, and through that work they contribute to our society and they derive dignity,” Mr Rae said.
“We are the teachers, the healthcare workers, the cleaners, the farmers, the drivers and the baggage handlers. We work in hospitality, child care, factories, construction and transport.
“During COVID the workers of Hawke kept our country moving, delivering medicines and vaccines, caring for our loved ones, maintaining our domestic supply chains and putting food on our tables.
“They paid a disproportionate cost for these contributions with their health and the health of their families.”
He thanked his mum and partner before Labor and union members, community activists and friends, and apologised to his young children for “the inevitable sacrifices that we have chosen for you to make”.
He said he aimed to “stamp” the values of his constituents on the national conversation.
“Fundamental to the issues we face as communities and the nation is the concept of prosperity…I speak of the prosperity enjoyed by citizens who are both mentally and physically healthy, where we and our loved ones can access world-class health care as a matter of right,” Mr Rae said.
“I speak of the prosperity of opportunity, provided and inspired by access to education, training, fulfilling employment and vocational pride; the prosperity generated by quality of life.
“I speak of the civic structures and infrastructure that facilitate our social and economic contributions, our moral and monetary reward, and the expedient return to the embrace of our families.
“I speak of the prosperity secured by valuing our environment and our planet, by making decisions based on sustainability and triple-bottom-line outcomes, for meaningful action on climate change that creates jobs and fuels our economy with cheap, clean renewable energy.”
