❓ Ms. Stephens asks the Premier how the government's $13 million donation to Telethon will support WA's sickest children and how the government was able to provide such a significant contribution. The Premier responds by highlighting Telethon's impact on childhood health and the state's strong financial position.
AnsweredQoN 708Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
MEDICAL RESEARCH — TELETHON
708. Ms R.S. STEPHENS to the Premier:
I refer to the Cook Labor
government's commitment to making Western Australia a world-class
contributor to medical research.
(1) Can the Premier
advise the house how this government's record $13 million donation to
Telethon will help support WA's sickest and most vulnerable children?
(2) Can the
Premier advise the house how this government is able to provide such a significant
contribution?
708. Ms R.S. STEPHENS to the Premier:
I refer to the Cook Labor
government's commitment to making Western Australia a world-class
contributor to medical research.
(1) Can the Premier
advise the house how this government's record $13 million donation to
Telethon will help support WA's sickest and most vulnerable children?
(2) Can the
Premier advise the house how this government is able to provide such a significant
contribution?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(2) I
thank the member for the question and before I answer it, I acknowledge the
Anna Stewart Memorial Project participants who are in the gallery today. It is
in its fortieth year, and participating women from across a range of industries
are welcome. I want to do a welcome to the Annas! I congratulate them for their
participation in the program. It is a great program and we are really pleased
that they could be a part of Parliament today.
Yet again, Western Australia proved
that it is the nation's most generous state. I am not talking about our ability to donate GST to the other states,
although, no doubt, we have donated more than any other state to the nation's coffers. No, this time, I am
referring to the annual tradition of Telethon. Over the weekend, we once again witnessed Western Australians give more
generously than ever before. At a time of cost-of-living pressures, they
continue to give and have made us so proud to be Western Australians. From kids
donating their pocket money to corporations donating millions, we collectively
raised an incredible $83 264 216. Every year, we dig deep. This is what we have
done as Western Australians since 1968. In the five decades since, our
understanding of the many illnesses and their treatments has advanced at an
astonishing rate. We have an incredibly talented pool of medical researchers in
WA who are working towards cures and treatments every day. Not only that, we
also have a plethora of organisations that run programs to meet the needs of
kids who need an extra hand, affording them a quality of life that is equal to
their peers.
The advancement of childhood health
in Western Australia is in no small part thanks to Telethon. As Premier, I am grateful to the institution and what
it has done for kids' medicine and treatments over the last 56
years. We know the funds towards medical research, early diagnosis, equipment
and quality services can have life-changing outcomes for vulnerable kids and
their families. That is why, on behalf of every Western Australian, this
government has provided a record $13 million donation to Telethon. This was
supplemented by the Albanese government's $6 million donation on behalf
of every Australian. This has helped Telethon fund 276 grants, which includes 159
program grants, 55 research grants, 62 equipment grants and 1 657 pieces of
equipment. It is an extraordinary effort on behalf of the community. We were
able to make this donation on behalf of all Western Australians because we have
a strong economy and protected the state's finances. At the end of the
day, it is for our kids.
Each
year, Western Australians are introduced to the little Telethon stars, who are
little ambassadors of hope and resilience. This year's stars were
Florence, Nate, Charlee and Nazeem—four incredible ambassadors who
showcase what Telethon is all about. Their stories are a reminder of what
really matters and what should be
driving us here in Parliament: making sure that the health and wellbeing of our
kids is a top priority. As far as government spending goes, we can all be assured
that every dollar going to Telethon is a dollar well spent.
This is a great state. I am so proud
of the state and what we are capable of achieving. Telethon is not just the
biggest appeal of its kind per capita, it is the biggest in the world. It is
unique. It is not simply a great expression of community, it is an institution,
and I think it is something that we should all be very, very proud of. I make
one final observation. Obviously, it is important that we raise funds and bring
resources to bear to these vital health
services, but it is also important that we send a message that compassion,
giving and helping is one of the central values of our community. When
we see Telethon and kids helping kids, we know that we really are incredible
together. I congratulate Telethon on its record fundraising this year and wish
it all the very best for the future.
thank the member for the question and before I answer it, I acknowledge the
Anna Stewart Memorial Project participants who are in the gallery today. It is
in its fortieth year, and participating women from across a range of industries
are welcome. I want to do a welcome to the Annas! I congratulate them for their
participation in the program. It is a great program and we are really pleased
that they could be a part of Parliament today.
Yet again, Western Australia proved
that it is the nation's most generous state. I am not talking about our ability to donate GST to the other states,
although, no doubt, we have donated more than any other state to the nation's coffers. No, this time, I am
referring to the annual tradition of Telethon. Over the weekend, we once again witnessed Western Australians give more
generously than ever before. At a time of cost-of-living pressures, they
continue to give and have made us so proud to be Western Australians. From kids
donating their pocket money to corporations donating millions, we collectively
raised an incredible $83 264 216. Every year, we dig deep. This is what we have
done as Western Australians since 1968. In the five decades since, our
understanding of the many illnesses and their treatments has advanced at an
astonishing rate. We have an incredibly talented pool of medical researchers in
WA who are working towards cures and treatments every day. Not only that, we
also have a plethora of organisations that run programs to meet the needs of
kids who need an extra hand, affording them a quality of life that is equal to
their peers.
The advancement of childhood health
in Western Australia is in no small part thanks to Telethon. As Premier, I am grateful to the institution and what
it has done for kids' medicine and treatments over the last 56
years. We know the funds towards medical research, early diagnosis, equipment
and quality services can have life-changing outcomes for vulnerable kids and
their families. That is why, on behalf of every Western Australian, this
government has provided a record $13 million donation to Telethon. This was
supplemented by the Albanese government's $6 million donation on behalf
of every Australian. This has helped Telethon fund 276 grants, which includes 159
program grants, 55 research grants, 62 equipment grants and 1 657 pieces of
equipment. It is an extraordinary effort on behalf of the community. We were
able to make this donation on behalf of all Western Australians because we have
a strong economy and protected the state's finances. At the end of the
day, it is for our kids.
Each
year, Western Australians are introduced to the little Telethon stars, who are
little ambassadors of hope and resilience. This year's stars were
Florence, Nate, Charlee and Nazeem—four incredible ambassadors who
showcase what Telethon is all about. Their stories are a reminder of what
really matters and what should be
driving us here in Parliament: making sure that the health and wellbeing of our
kids is a top priority. As far as government spending goes, we can all be assured
that every dollar going to Telethon is a dollar well spent.
This is a great state. I am so proud
of the state and what we are capable of achieving. Telethon is not just the
biggest appeal of its kind per capita, it is the biggest in the world. It is
unique. It is not simply a great expression of community, it is an institution,
and I think it is something that we should all be very, very proud of. I make
one final observation. Obviously, it is important that we raise funds and bring
resources to bear to these vital health
services, but it is also important that we send a message that compassion,
giving and helping is one of the central values of our community. When
we see Telethon and kids helping kids, we know that we really are incredible
together. I congratulate Telethon on its record fundraising this year and wish
it all the very best for the future.
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