Sam Rae
ALP Federal

Minister for Aged Care and Seniors

Safe

7.63% Margin

Elected 2022

3 years

Member for Hawke (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Sam was born and raised in Melbourne. His mother was a teacher and a union activist, which he credits for his own union and political career.

Sam studied at the Australian National University (ANU), graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science. He attained his Master of Business Administration from the University of Melbourne in 2016, and also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, also from the University of Melbourne.

Sam has held a number of roles in the unions and the Labo...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for Aged Care and Seniors

Committees

  • Economics
  • Electoral Matters
  • Public Accounts and Audit

Key Staff

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First Speech in Parliament

1 August 2022

# Indigenous Rights # Infrastructure Development # Labor Rights

Personal Background and Values

  • Sam Rae attributes his presence in Parliament to his mother, Penelope, an educator and unionist, and his partner, Zoe, an industrial lawyer and trade unionist.
  • Rae highlights the importance of family, acknowledging his brothers and children, and expresses gratitude for the sacrifices made for future generations.
  • He shares admiration for Bob Hawke, his political hero, and emphasizes the collective efforts of many in his journey to Parliament.

Policy Goals and Community Focus

  • Advocates for Indigenous rights, referencing the Uluru Statement and the need for reconciliation through voice, treaty, and truth.
  • Highlights the challenges of rapid population growth in Hawke, stressing the urgent need for improved transportation, healthcare, and educational facilities, as well as local job creation.
  • Emphasizes the importance of investing in health, education, and renewable energy to ensure a prosperous future for all Australians.

Labor Party Commitment

  • Expresses a commitment to fostering prosperity for all citizens, contrasting this with the approaches of other political parties.
  • Advocates for rebalancing the relationship between workers and employers, reforming the bargaining system, and ensuring fair wages for working people.
  • Concludes with a commitment to delivering on ambitious programs that benefit the community and promote sustainable action on climate change.

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FAQ

Sharyn Broomhead is Sam Rae's Chief of Staff.

Sam Rae represents the electorate of Hawke (VIC) in the Australian Parliament.

Sam Rae is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

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Media Releases

TRANSCRIPT TELEVISION INTERVIEW SKY NEWS SUNDAY AGENDA

Media Release • 8 September

Aged Care Secondary Healthcare

AI Summary

  • Sam Rae acknowledges issues in the aged care system, attributing hospital overcrowding to a lack of aged care spots and announces upcoming capital assistance grants to improve supply.
  • He defends the government's commitment to health funding negotiations and states that discussions with NSW Premier Chris Minns are ongoing and vital for national health outcomes.
  • Rae highlights the significant increase in demand for home care packages, stating the government is introducing additional packages to address the backlog and improve aged care services.

ALBANESE GOVERNMENT DELIVERING BETTER AGED CARE FOR OLDER AUSTRALIANS

Media Release • 8 September

Aged Care

AI Summary

  • The Albanese Government prioritises high-quality aged care for older Australians.
  • Recent survey shows 95% of residents feel safe and 91% feel they can influence their daily activities.
  • New Aged Care Act will introduce a Food and Nutrition Quality Standard from 1 November, aiming to improve meal quality.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Aged Care

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 4 September

Aged Care

AI Summary

  • Highlighting workforce shortages in the aged care sector.
  • Discussion on funding challenges and resource allocation.
  • Emphasis on the necessity for improved care standards for elderly Australians.

BILLS › Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Consideration of Senate Message

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 4 September

Health Aged Care

AI Summary

  • Discussion focused on the Senate's message regarding the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.
  • Key implications for the provision of aged care services were highlighted.
  • The bill aims to improve standards and oversight in the aged care sector.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 8 September 2025

We’re putting older Australians at the centre of their care - building a system that is delivering better care for them every single day.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 5 September 2025

Health Aged Care

Today I joined Catherine King to launch the DELIVER Residential-in-Reach trial - a telehealth model bringing faster, better care to older people living in residential aged care homes across our region. Funded by the Albanese Government’s Medical Research Future Fund, the goal is simple: the right care, in the right place, at the right time - improving outcomes for older Australians.
Open Post