As a medical practitioner Mal is greatly concerned about the levels of obesity and diabetes and was very disappointed to hear that the successful Active After Schools Communities Program will be scrapped by the Labor Government.  Also the fact that no high dependency aged care facilities have been built north of the river for 3 years is a great concern.  Mal has been working on the issue of the lack of doctors by working closely with Curtin, where he is on their advisory board, and Notre Dame in the development of their medical schools.  Mal is a regular contributor to publications such as the Medical Observer to raise awareness and improve the treatment of chronic disease and mental health.  Mal was the main driver behind the election commitment made by the Coalition for the increase in mental health funding.

Aside from medicine, Mal is passionate about innovation, the environment and sustainability.  This is reflected in his various parliamentary committees, such as the Policy Committee on Climate Change, Water, Environment and the Arts.  Mal has been a great supporter of the Conservation Council of WA’s drive for increasing the awareness of the need to develop marine sanctuaries for the sustainability of our marine life.   He is also believes very strongly that action must be taken to reduce our carbon emissions.  He has spoken on numerous occasions about the enormous threat currently posed by the acidification of our Southern Ocean.  His Committee has also looked at the impacts rising sea levels will have on Australia’s coastlines.

Over the years and into the future Mal has fought for and worked with the community to secure funding and opportunities in many areas of our local community.   If a Coalition Government is elected he will ensure that direct funding for schools is re-introduced.  Under the previous government the Investing in Our Schools program provided funding of over $4.2 million directly to P&C and P&F Groups in our electorate of Moore.  This funding was directly used to improve the learning environment of our schools, such as air-conditioning, refurbishment of libraries and classrooms.

If you also believe these issues are of critical importance then please show your support for Mal at the upcoming election.