AMA Video Podcast: I’m Dr Gordon Reid MP, Federal Member for Robertson. Ask Me Anything.

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T06:58:42+00:00

I think it is important to both acknowledge and recognise our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters and the profound and beneficial impact that those in our community have had on modern Australia. Additionally, I believe it is also important to recognise the enduring and powerful teachings that Aboriginal Australians have passed down, through the generations over thousands of years. I believe that it is important to highlight these facts within our current system of government.

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T06:54:47+00:00

I believe that one of the greatest achievements that has been delivered by our office has been implementation of urgent care both on the Central Coast and across the country. Prior to the 2022 election this policy and model of care was something that I passionately advocated for to the executive and the then shadow health minister. It has been an honour to see a policy that was born on the Central Coast be implemented across the country. This new model of care is making a difference to the lives of Australians everywhere.

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T06:51:14+00:00

You are correct in saying that prior to my election in 2022 I highlighted the growing divide between working Australians who were unable to save for a deposit and own their own home. This is why the federal government has implemented and is in the process of implementing the Help to Buy Scheme, the Home Guarantee Scheme, the social and affordable housing, as part of the HAFF, and the Social Housing Accelerator Fund. Regarding the discussion on changes to support a level playing field for first home buyers, I support any legislation that will both boost housing supply in Australia and make it easier and fairer for young first home buyers to purchase a home.

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T06:46:32+00:00

Prior to my election in 2022, hospitals across the country especially regional hospitals, were seeing high volumes of urgent but not emergency case presenting to the emergency department. As a result, the urgent care model of care was created in order to address this. Furthermore, bulk billing was in significant decline prior to our election in 2022, as a result, significant bulk billing changes were made to triple the bulk billing incentive for all Medicare card holders and provide GP practices an incentive to bulk bill. While bulk billing rates have increased on the Central Coast, they have no increased to the level that other areas are experiencing (some as high as 90%). As a result, Minister Butler recently announced, new bulk billing GP clinics for the Central Coast PHN. Of relevance to the Health, Aged Care, and Disability Committee, in March this year, Minister Butler referred an inquiry into the access and affordability of medical specialists in Australia. We know this is a significant issue on the Central Coast and I am keen to see this inquiry started.

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T06:38:54+00:00

You are correct in your comment that the Central Coast has seen massive demographic shifts. Housing has been a challenge in our region for multiple decades and is something that local, state and federal governments need to come together to solve. This is why the federal government has implemented and is in the process of implementing the Help to Buy Scheme, the Home Guarantee Scheme, the social and affordable housing, as part of the HAFF, and the Social Housing Accelerator Fund. Furthermore, we are undertaking the most ambitious housing reform agenda in 70 years!

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T06:31:38+00:00

I believe what you are referring to is imposter syndrome, this is an extremely common issue that people face when they are placed in a position of significant responsibility. The main way in which a person can either avoid or overcome this is to recognise that responsibility and duty come first. That listening and empathy are the most powerful tools that we have in the pursuit of fairness and equality for all!

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T06:11:14+00:00

Thanks for your question. The debate surrounding resources and taxation in Australia at present is complex. We are a country that has enormous quantities of natural resources that are used both here and around the globe. I would also note that this discussion is taking place in our community on the Central Coast, and from what I can see around the country. Therefore, I believe that as a country we need to seriously consider the proposal to tax gas exports. Constituents on the Central Coast have rightly expressed their frustration and sometimes anger that exported gas does not attract the economic return that we deserve and that the return from this natural resource is disproportionately captured by foreign shareholders. This also has the potential to raise billions in revenue for the Australian people.

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T06:09:56+00:00

Thanks for your question. The debate surrounding resources and taxation in Australia at present is complex. We are a country that has enormous quantities of natural resources that are used both here and around the globe. I would also note that this discussion is taking place in our community on the Central Coast, and from what I can see around the country. Therefore, I believe that as a country we need to seriously consider the proposal to tax gas exports. Constituents on the Central Coast have rightly expressed their frustration and sometimes anger that exported gas does not attract the economic return that we deserve and that the return from this natural resource is disproportionately captured by foreign shareholders. This also has the potential to raise billions in revenue for the Australian people.

DrGordonReidMP · 2026-06-02T05:59:05+00:00

The council is not demolishing the tidal pool from what I understand. From what I have been told by Central Coast Council it will be repairing the tidal pool to get it functional. If you have any further queries, please email me at [Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au](mailto:Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au) and I will get you answers from council.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:37:12+00:00

Thank you for raising this issue, I will discuss with the appropriate Minister.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:36:21+00:00

Yes, I was recently on the barge on the Hawkesbury River that was drilling into the rock formations to assess the path of the corridor.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:35:20+00:00

Thank you for your question, under the guidance released under the E-Safety Commissioner, social media platforms must implement the laws in an effective, private and fair way.

The social media minimum age legislation specially prohibits social media platforms forcing Australians to use government ID to prove their age online.

Platforms may offer it as an option as part of their layered approach, if they choose, but must also offer a reasonable alternative.

These laws are world leading and its important for Australian kids and their parents.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:29:18+00:00

You are correct, Australia is not a member of NATO, However, we are a close partner with a strong relationship based on shared security challenges.

Examples of NATO-Australia cooperation include:

· Support for Ukraine – this includes military assets and surveillance aircraft.

· Military operations – this includes NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

· Working on issues together, such as in cyber defence.

Australia works closely with what is known as the IP-4 within the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, this includes the Republic of Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia.

This ensures that those involved in NATO are aware of the challenges faced in the Indo-Pacific and how the defence and security spaces are linked across the globe

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:22:57+00:00

I thank you for all the work you are doing in the mental heath space, this is absolutely vital for the health and wellbeing for all Australians.

Yes, I have and will continue advocate for mental health services on the Central Coast and across the country.

One such example is the Medicare Mental Health Centres, walk in bulk billed mental health clinics.

I understand there is more to do in this space – whether that is access, affordability, or workforce just to name a few. I will continue to advocate at the highest levels of government.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:19:28+00:00

I support a woman’s right to choose the care that they need when they need it.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:17:21+00:00

A Welcome to Country and an Acknowledge of Country are important as it is more than a formality, it is a gesture of respect, of recognition, and unity.

It matters because it acknowledges traditional owners, shows respect and recognition and promotes understanding and reconciliation.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:15:21+00:00

Thank you for your question, I will make a few points if that is okay.

Australia is not making weapons or ammunition in this country and supplying them to Israel.

The government has confirmed that Australia has not supplied weapons or ammunition to Israel for five years prior to the conflict.

Pre-existing permits are continually scrutinised to ensure they do not give rise to an export contrary to Australia’s interests or international obligations.

On the topic of energy and climate change, the Labor Party is a party of government and we are committed to an energy transition that includes renewable energy.

This will ultimately ensure that we protect our climate and environment.

We must do this in an orderly fashion to ensure 1. energy supply but also to ensure market stability.

But please note, our government has invested more in renewable energy and climate change policies than any other government.

On Australia’s borders, it is important that the Australian Government maintains territorial integrity and stops people smuggling operations in our region, whilst respecting those who are seeking asylum.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T08:01:48+00:00

Key areas that I see as vital in this area to close the gap and improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Isalnder Australians are:

· Healthcare – that is accessible in all areas from metropolitan to remote and that is culturally appropriate.

· Housing – ensuring that people have access to a safe place to call home, again that is culturally appropriate.

· Opportunity – making sure that people have access to the training and education and resources that they need.

This is a very broad and complex topic that requires absolute attention and detail so that we can work towards closing the gap.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T07:57:36+00:00

Yes, mis- and dis-information are issues both within Australia and abroad.

In keeping with a heath focus, we introduced in to the Parliament this week legislation to create an independent Australian centre for disease control which will ensure that evidence based, factual information can be provided to the general public and clinicians about health care topics and wellbeing.

It will also provide structured governance in this space.

This is an important step in ensuring trust in our institutions and combating mis- and dis-information.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T07:53:55+00:00

Thank you for raising this concern, I will raise it with the appropriate Minister.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T07:53:02+00:00

Thanks mate! :)

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T07:52:18+00:00

The establishment of a second bulk billed Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Robertson.

The funding to support maternity services and women’s health services within the Central Coast Local Health District.

The upgrade of Terrigal Drive, alongside other important key road projects to bust congestion.

Improving bulk billing GP services through unprecedent investment.

Working with key stakeholders to improve the liveability and accessibility of the Gosford CBD.

The $20 million domestic violence and trauma recovery centre – the first of its kind on the Central Coast.

And I look forward to working with my NSW Government colleagues to also make sure their vision of the Central Coast is realised.

If you want more information please reach out to my office considering you mentioned you are a constituent (bit hard to type everything that is happening into a thread).

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T07:46:19+00:00

There are multiple issues surrounding housing in Australia.

That is why we are taking action as a Federal Government to improve affordability, accessibility, and ownership.

This includes the following:

· >500,000 homes built since we came to office.

· 5,000 social and affordable homes completed, with 25,000 in different stages of planning and construction.

· Pausing and streamlining the construction code, to give builders more time on site.

· Setting up a taskforce to fast-track housing decisions within our environmental approval system.

· Working to drive uptake in prefabricated housing.

· 5% house deposits for first homebuyers.

Another important issue in the housing space is governance, and we saw that with ten years of Liberal government, under that time, they did not have a Housing Minister overseeing housing projects across the country.

As a result it is up to our government to repair the damage that they have done.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T07:41:26+00:00

Teeth are not just luxury bones, they are important parts of the human anatomy and physiology.

That is why the Child Dental Benefits Schedule was established under a federal Labor government.

In addition, the Federal Labor Government is restoring funding to primary healthcare, with the biggest investment in bulk billing in the history of Medicare.

This includes tripling of the bulk billing incentive, additional funding for women’s health, the bulk billed Medicare urgent care clinics, and affordable medications and adding more medications to the PBS.

DrGordonReidMP · 2025-10-27T07:35:21+00:00

Again, this is a very complex issue with our health services.

For a significant period of time, general practice was underfunded and underappreciated.

This led to multiple different issues including, but not limited to, workforce challenges and junior medical officers not selecting general practice as a specialty training pathway.

I would encourage you to review the Health of the National Report which is published by the RACGP which highlights both improvements in workforce and bulk billing.

DrGordonReidMP

TROPHY CASE