From Meryl's Desk As we roll into 2025, it's important to remember the importance of staying safe online. Although digital social spaces like Facebook and Instagram are a hub for our personal online lives, there is much more to cyber security than that. It's more than just having a good password. Last year, the Albanese Government passed Australia's first Cyber Security laws. All Australians should feel safe and secure when giving their data out to third parties like telecommunication companies or banks. That's why we are establishing new laws to keep our personal data safe, and expanding existing last resort powers to enable Government assistance for major security threats. The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service has also been established by the Australian Government to deliver free assistance to help small businesses navigate cyber challenges and recover from cyber incidents. The Australian Government will establish an SMS Sender ID Register to help disrupt scammers who impersonate businesses or organisations like the Australia Post. No-one wants to feel like they've been given the short end of the stick, and that's why we need to ensure that SMS messaging is a safe mode of communication, reducing the number of Australians being ripped off. These matters can be difficult, and we know that many older Australians are vulnerable when targeted by these scams. That's one reason why I am hosting a free Seniors Forum for our community on 30 January 2025 at Soldiers Point Bowling Club. There will be an opportunity to speak to me, alongside representatives from Telstra, Centrelink, and local Police. I look forward to meeting you. Please RSVP by emailing meryl.swanson.mp@aph.gov.au or calling 02 4983 2401. This is just one of my measures that ensures our community remains safe, accessible, and supported now and into the future. HEALTH MATTERS Last year, I invited Mark Butler, Minister for Health to our electorate, meeting workers and individuals to share their experiences with the health care system, and how a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will benefit our community. We know what happens when hospital Emergency Departments are crowded, and waiting times too long. We need to deliver a serious solution. That's why I am continuing my petition for a fully bulk-billed Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in our electorate. This will take the pressure off our hospitals by providing walk-in care for cuts, fractures, infections, insect bites, burns, and other urgent care. I urge you to sign my petition at www.merylswanson.com.au As your Federal Member, I can assist you with: Centrelink Communications (including NBN) Alanyl MERYL SWANSON MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON AW7412048 Immigration Medicare Child Support NDIS Tax Veterans' Affairs Superannuation 35 Sturgeon Street 4983 2401 Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 meryl.swanson.mp@aph.gov.au Aged Care www.merylswanson.com.au Authorised by Meryl Swanson ALP Raymond Terrace From Meryl's Desk As we roll into 2025 , it's important to remember the importance of staying safe online . Although digital social spaces like Facebook and Instagram are a hub for our personal online lives , there is much more to cyber security than that . It's more than just having a good password . Last year , the Albanese Government passed Australia's first Cyber Security laws . All Australians should feel safe and secure when giving their data out to third parties like telecommunication companies or banks . That's why we are establishing new laws to keep our personal data safe , and expanding existing last resort powers to enable Government assistance for major security threats . The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service has also been established by the Australian Government to deliver free assistance to help small businesses navigate cyber challenges and recover from cyber incidents . The Australian Government will establish an SMS Sender ID Register to help disrupt scammers who impersonate businesses or organisations like the Australia Post . No - one wants to feel like they've been given the short end of the stick , and that's why we need to ensure that SMS messaging is a safe mode of communication , reducing the number of Australians being ripped off . These matters can be difficult , and we know that many older Australians are vulnerable when targeted by these scams . That's one reason why I am hosting a free Seniors Forum for our community on 30 January 2025 at Soldiers Point Bowling Club . There will be an opportunity to speak to me , alongside representatives from Telstra , Centrelink , and local Police . I look forward to meeting you . Please RSVP by emailing meryl.swanson.mp@aph.gov.au or calling 02 4983 2401 . This is just one of my measures that ensures our community remains safe , accessible , and supported now and into the future . HEALTH MATTERS Last year , I invited Mark Butler , Minister for Health to our electorate , meeting workers and individuals to share their experiences with the health care system , and how a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will benefit our community . We know what happens when hospital Emergency Departments are crowded , and waiting times too long . We need to deliver a serious solution . That's why I am continuing my petition for a fully bulk - billed Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in our electorate . This will take the pressure off our hospitals by providing walk - in care for cuts , fractures , infections , insect bites , burns , and other urgent care . I urge you to sign my petition at www.merylswanson.com.au As your Federal Member , I can assist you with : Centrelink Communications ( including NBN ) Alanyl MERYL SWANSON MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON AW7412048 Immigration Medicare Child Support NDIS Tax Veterans ' Affairs Superannuation 35 Sturgeon Street 4983 2401 Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 meryl.swanson.mp@aph.gov.au Aged Care www.merylswanson.com.au Authorised by Meryl Swanson ALP Raymond Terrace