Kara Cook MP

Ending violence against women and children requires action from all of us.

The Australian Government is developing the Second Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children, and community consultation is open until 31 July.

Whether through a short survey, an audio submission or a formal submission, this is an opportunity to share your experiences, insights and ideas to help shape the next steps in preventing and responding to family, domestic and sexual violence.

To have your say, visit: https://engage.dss.gov.au/second-action-plan/

I first met Walter a few years ago at his local cricket club when we were fighting to save it. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of seeing him in very different settings including presenting his son with his leadership badge at school earlier this year.

Walter and fellow advocate Catherine came to Parliament to share their lived experience with early-onset bowel cancer.

Walter spoke with remarkable courage about his health journey that started last year and the challenges too many young Australians face in receiving a timely diagnosis and appropriate care.

Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia and the deadliest cancer for Australians aged 25–54. Yet far too many cases in younger people are overlooked because of the outdated belief that bowel cancer only affects older Australians.

With Australia now recording the highest rate of early-onset bowel cancer in the world, hearing Walter’s story was both powerful and deeply important. His experience reinforces why we need greater awareness, earlier detection, and better support for people and families navigating this disease.

Thank you, Walter and Catherine, for sharing your story so generously and for your advocacy through Bowel Cancer Australia’s Call on Canberra event this week.

Your voices are helping to drive change, save lives, and ensure more Australians get the care they need when they need it most. 💙