2025-11-07
Primarily focussing on NDIS cuts, getting dental into Medicare, healthcare for individuals with ADHD and general affordability of healthcare; and a plethora of other issues
By Senator Jordon Steele-John
It's an incredibly exciting time to be part of our movement. Never has it been more important to get involved and reform our broken political system, which rewards billionaires and corporations at the expense of our climate and the rising cost of living.
The past few months have been busy in parliament, and unfortunately, the Albanese government continues to fall short of addressing the critical issues our community faces. I've focused particularly on holding the government accountable for concerns raised during doorknocks, community BBQs, phone calls, and street conversations.
As the portfolio holder for Disability Rights and Services, we've had a demanding few months, consistently questioning the government's decisions and seeking answers for the disability community. I've spent hours asking questions at Senate Estimates and participated in public hearings as a member of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. With so many unanswered questions, I raised concerns about Thriving Kids and the NDIS during Question Time. A highlight of October was the large rally organized by the disability community at Australian Parliament House. Our message was clear: it's unacceptable that the Labor government continues to cut billions of dollars from the NDIS.
On health, I've continued my work to build parliamentary consensus on getting Dental Into Medicare, ensuring people can afford GP visits, and guaranteeing access to healthcare for individuals with ADHD. I highlighted the concerning trend of more and more people relying on their superannuation or AfterPay to access essential healthcare. You can view my speech on this here.
The WA Local Government elections have concluded, and I am incredibly proud to report that the Greens WA achieved their best result ever. We welcome new Greens Councillors in the City of Belmont and Town of Victoria Park, and we successfully retained Sophie Greer in the City of Vincent.
As we approach the end of the year, the big days keep coming. In November, I'll be flying to Darwin to attend our National Conference, where I look forward to speaking with members, office bearers, and campaigners from across the country.
Also in November, Australian Greens leader Larissa Waters will be visiting WA. We'll be heading to Karratha to speak with First Nations people and see the disastrous Burrup Hub Project for ourselves. If you'd like to say g'day to Larissa while she's in town, please join me at a "politics in the pub" event I'm hosting on November 17th in Leederville. More information is available, here.
I want to leave you with this: there has been significant conversation and concern regarding the government’s proposed changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The Labor Party is actively promoting their proposed laws, which, in their current form, have been assessed to have an even worse outcome for our environment than the status quo. Our Greens team knows we need environmental laws that truly protect our environment, our native forests, our critical habitat, and our climate. You can view my recent speech in the Senate on this here.
Now is the time to get involved in our movement to protect our environment and help the many Western Australians suffering the worst effects of the liveability crisis.
In solidarity,
Senator Jordon Steele-John
Senator for Western Australia
Header photo: NDIS Rally at the Australian Parliament House Office of Senator Jordon Steele-John.