I am very pleased and honoured to be appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers in the Labor Government.

With the renewed focus on regional Australia I look forward to working with Minister Simon Crean to deliver equitable access to services and infrastructure for regional, rural and remote Queenslanders.

I was born in regional Australia, I trained as a teacher in Townsville and I have worked almost all of my life in North and Far North Queensland. I have developed strong contacts in Local Government and regional communities over that time and look forward to working with them to achieve their aspirations. I also look forward to developing strong relationships in regional areas further south and south west.

In the first term of the Labor Government we embarked on a significant infrastructure building program. We will strengthen that commitment over the years ahead.

I am pleased to have responsibility for Disabilities and Carers, having worked closely with the sector. I look forward to re-establishing those relationships and working together in the future.

Bill Shorten has made significant strides in this area instigating the Productivity Commission Inquiry into a National Disability Care and Support scheme. The Government looks forward to receiving the report in July 2011. The Inquiry is examining a range of options, including whether a no-fault social insurance approach to disability is appropriate in Australia.

Working with Minister Jenny Macklin, we will also deliver on our election commitment to provide children with developmental disabilities and their carers with access to intensive early intervention services.

I am excited about the challenges that my new roles will bring and am looking forward to making a strong contribution to the Gillard Labor Government.