Mr RAMSEY (Grey—Opposition Whip) (13:33): Last Thursday, 14 November, was World Diabetes Day. This chamber will have heard many times that one of my honours in this place has been to be the co-chair of the parliamentary enemies of diabetes. Along with my good friend who’s not in the chamber at the moment, the member for Moreton, we have been the co-chairs of this organisation for some time.
Next week the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will once again be holding its Kids in the House event. I have often remarked in the past that I think this is one of the most effective lobbying methods or programs that I’ve seen in my time in parliament. It is just fantastic to see these young Australians in here, searching for help with their life from the point of view of keeping research going in the right areas to finally find a cure for diabetes.
In preparation for this event, last week I took the time to go down to the bottom of Yorke Peninsula to meet Fletcher Buchanan—a fantastic little outward-going two year-old—and his mum, Alex, and father, Luke. Alex and Fletcher will be here next week, and I’ll be looking forward to meeting up with them in the House and introducing them to some of my friends.
In the same timeframe, I’ll also be meeting up with Mike Wilson, the retiring CEO of the JDRF Foundation. He announced his retirement in September, after 20 years. Thanks for your service, Mike. We are now working with Sydney Yovic, as the new CEO.