Tell us a bit about yourself —family, background, and why you’re running.

I grew up in Western Sydney and made Bennelong my home back in 2006. My Partner and I are raising our beautiful blended family here. Like so many in Bennelong, my parents were born overseas, and that multicultural foundation is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Before entering the federal Parliament, I served on the City of Ryde Council for over a decade, including five years as Mayor. In 2022, I was honoured to be elected as your local MP, and since then, I’ve worked hard as part of a Government restoring important public services, protecting and expanding Medicare, delivering real action on climate change while delivering over $330 Million dollars in federal funding to Bennelong, including an Urgent Care Clinic at Top Ryde and significant funding for local schools, community groups and infrastructure.

There’s still a lot more to do. That’s why I’m putting my hand up again—because I want to keep delivering for our community.

What’s your plan to help local families with the rising cost of living—especially around groceries, housing and childcare?

I know families are doing it tough. That’s why tackling the cost of living has been a top priority for our Government.

Since coming to government, we’ve made real progress. Inflation has dropped from 6.4% to just 2.4%, and interest rates are starting to ease. But I know that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

We’ve focused on delivering practical, targeted relief that are long-term solutions to bringing down the cost of living.

For families in Bennelong, that means cheaper childcare, which has brought down out-of-pocket costs across Australia by around 13%. We’ve delivered tax cuts that leave 81% taxpayers in Bennelong better off than they were under Scott Morrison’s plan. We’ve capped medicine prices, introduced 60-day prescriptions, and rolled out energy bill rebates for every household.

Right here in Bennelong, we’ve opened a bulk-billed Urgent Care Clinic in Top Ryde, with another on the way in Chatswood, and we’ll now deliver the first-ever Medicare Mental Health Clinic in our community and a second Urgent Care Clinic in Chatswood.

We’re also tackling the root causes of cost pressures, with the largest housing investment in federal history. That means more affordable rentals and more social housing.

And when it comes to your weekly grocery shop, we’re taking real action to make it fairer. Labor will ban supermarket price gouging—plain and simple. We’ve tasked the ACCC with investigating unfair pricing practices, and we’re introducing new laws that will stop the big supermarkets from jacking up prices while families struggle.

This includes strengthening the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, introducing tougher penalties for wrongdoing, and giving the ACCC the powers it needs to hold the big retailers to account.

If re-elected, Labor will extend energy bill relief through to the end of the year, help households electrify, deliver more tax cuts by lowering the lowest tax rate to 14 cents in the dollar, and continue our record investment in bulk billing—bringing down out-of-pocket costs even further, and adding around 159,000 extra bulk billed GP visits in Bennelong by 2030.

What will you do to improve access to healthcare services in our area, including bulk billing, mental health support, and specialist care for families?

Healthcare should be accessible and affordable—full stop. That’s why I’ve fought to deliver more services close to home, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far in Bennelong.

We’ve opened a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Top Ryde, which is fully bulk billed, open seven days a week, and designed to treat non-life-threatening issues, helping families avoid the long wait times and high costs of the emergency department. A second clinic is on the way in Chatswood, expanding access across the electorate.

We’ve also secured Bennelong’s first Medicare Mental Health Centre, based in Ryde. It will provide free mental health care to people of all ages, with no need for a referral or a Medicare card. Mental health is health—and this centre will be life-changing for local families who’ve been struggling to access support when they need it most.

At the national level, we’re tripling the bulk billing incentive, which will lead to millions of additional bulk-billed visits across the country, and we’re investing to bring the national bulk billing rate up to 90% by 2030. That means more people in Bennelong will be able to see a GP without worrying about the cost.

We’ve also capped the price of common medicines, introduced 60-day prescriptions, and continued to expand funding for specialist and allied health services—because no family should have to choose between paying the bills and getting the care they need.

We will also stand up for our values. Labor created Medicare, protected it and will always strengthen it. We do not want a US style healthcare system in Australia Labor will always protect us from that.

What are your top 3 priorities for the Bennelong electorate if you’re elected?

Expanding affordable health and mental health care—so families can access care when and where they need it.

Protecting our environment—from local bushland to national action on climate change and environmental protection

Addressing Housing affordability – for renters, first home buyers, and those looking for a safe and affordable place to live.

What are your top 3 favourite local spots in the Ryde area (e.g. cafes, parks, walks, playgrounds)? Bonus points for a hidden gem!

The walking tracks through Lane Cove National Park – perfect for clearing the mind.

The Parramatta River foreshore—great for a stroll or a picnic with the kids – and the Meadowbank Markets, I set up when I was Mayor.

And a local gem I love? Eastwood – a vibrant town centre during the day and at night. Incredible food and some great pubs; a great place to spend a night out locally.

Website: https://jeromelaxale.com/