Sam Rae
ALP Federal

Minister for Aged Care and Seniors

Safe

7.63% Margin

Elected 2022

4 years

Member for Hawke (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Sam was born on 26 September 1986 and grew up in Tuggeranong , ACT, alongside his two brothers. 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 holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the same university. Prior to entering politic...

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  • Minister for Aged Care and Seniors

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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.

Read Full Speech

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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See It In Action

Media Releases

TRANSCRIPT - RADIO INTERVIEW - ABC RADIO NATIONAL

Media Release • 4 June

Health Social Services Neurological Conditions Aged Care

AI Summary

  • Previous assessment system caused long wait times and unspent funds; new Integrated Assessment Tool aims to improve efficiency and fairness.
  • Human assessors conduct evaluations, but the application of aged care rules is standardised and automated, limiting human override of decisions.
  • Introduction of a priority pathway for MND patients reflects ongoing government efforts to enhance care responsiveness and system improvements.

PRIORITY AGED CARE SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIANS WITH MND

Media Release • 3 June

Health Social Services Neurological Conditions Disability Health Funding Disability Services Aged Care

AI Summary

  • Motor Neurone Disease is now recognised as a condition warranting priority access to the Support at Home Program.
  • Older Australians with MND will receive urgent access to funding under the amended Aged Care Rules.
  • A rapid review of the Support at Home prioritisation mechanism is set to improve care allocation.
  • The Government has allocated $40.1 million for the Neale Daniher National MND Clinical Network to enhance access to clinical trials.
  • Ministers emphasise the need for responsive care systems to address the urgent needs of MND patients.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Aged Care

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 3 June

Aged Care

AI Summary

  • The Minister acknowledged the distress caused by older Australians dying while waiting for home care support.
  • He referenced the Royal Commission's recommendations that led to bipartisan efforts to improve aged care, including the new Support at Home program.
  • The Minister reported a decrease in waiting times for accessing home care under the Support at Home program, signalling progress in service delivery.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Aged Care

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 2 June

Aged Care

AI Summary

  • The Minister acknowledged the case of Greg, who is waiting for a Support at Home package while facing terminal illness.
  • A record number of older Australians now have access to ongoing support, but many, including Greg, remain on waiting lists.
  • The government plans to deliver additional in-home care places to reduce wait times and improve access to care by 2026-27.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 18 June 2026

Education Primary Education

Great to be out at St Bernard's primary school in Bacchus Marsh today to chat to the Year 3s. Lots of burning questions - thanks to these legends for having me!
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 16 June 2026

Fantastic to be celebrating the opening of the Creative Hub at St Francis Cobblebank. The Federal Government has invested $4.5 Million into space for students to learn robotics, media, art, visual communications and food tech. Thanks to School Principal Marlene Jorgensen and College Captains Miguel and Achraj for their hospitality.
Open Post