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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Portfolios

  • Minister for Aged Care and Seniors

Key Staff

  • Sharyn Broomhead

    Chief of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Matilda Edwards-Jezequel

    Deputy Chief of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

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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.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

PROTECTING OLDER AUSTRALIANS IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE

Media Release • 11 September

Aged Care

AI Summary

  • Amendments to Aged Care Rules 2025 will stop providers from charging a Higher Everyday Living Fee for previously free services.
  • Legislation aims to provide clarity and certainty for residents about service costs before 1 November 2025.
  • Consumer protections include empowering the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to order refunds for non-compliance.
  • The government will continue to update HELF guidance to align with community expectations.

SUPPORTING BETTER QUALITY RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE

Media Release • 2 September

Aged Care

AI Summary

  • AN-ACC price to increase to $303.19 per resident per day from 1 October.
  • Funding increase is part of the response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
  • Current hotelling supplement remains at $22.15 per resident per day, under review by IHACPA.
  • Government plans to invest $47 billion in aged care this year, including $1.7 billion for new aged care beds.
  • Care funding is now 65% higher than in September 2022, with maintenance of current care minute requirements.

In Parliament

FEDERATION CHAMBER › BILLS › Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner and Other Measures) Bill 2026

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 9 September

Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Affairs - General Aged Care

AI Summary

  • Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians deserve a culturally safe aged-care system, as highlighted by Mr Rae.
  • The new role of the First Nations aged-care commissioner aims to advocate for elders and ensure their voices are heard in care decisions.
  • Technical amendments in the bill are designed to strengthen protections and simplify local government roles in aged care, enhancing the overall system.

FEDERATION CHAMBER › CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Vietnam Veterans' Day, Community Events, Workplace Relations

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 20 August

Education Workplace Relations Primary Education Fair Work

AI Summary

  • Acknowledged Vietnam Veterans' Day and the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, honouring veterans and their families for their sacrifices.
  • Opened new educational facilities at St Francis Catholic College and St Lawrence of Brindisi Catholic Primary School, highlighting government investment in community education.
  • Celebrated local events including the Bacchus Marsh Rotary Art Show and a fundraising event for the Cancer Council, recognising community contributions.
  • Supported transport workers in a fight for fair pay and conditions, emphasising the government's role in improving industry standards for food delivery workers.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 8 September 2026

Emergency Management Emergency Services

Devastating news from Bacchus Marsh this afternoon. My thoughts are with the families and communities facing this unimaginable tragedy tonight. Thank you to the paramedics and air ambulance crews, firefighters and police who worked tirelessly at the scene - you are the very best of us.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 6 September 2026

Transport and Infrastructure Roads - Traffic Management

🚧 BIG NEWS for Melbourne’s west 🚧 The Western Freeway is getting a major upgrade. ✅ $550 million investment (on top of the Albanese Government’s existing $1 billion) ✅ ~30km of new lanes between Melton and Caroline Springs ✅ Widening to 3-4 lanes each direction ✅ Upgraded interchanges at Ferris Rd, Leakes Rd & Hopkins Rd ✅ New half interchange at Mount Cottrell Rd ✅ Temporary lights at Leakes Rd by early 2027 This means safer roads, less congestion, and more time back for the tens of thousands of people who drive this freeway every day. Pre-construction works are already underway.
Open Post