Trish Cook, the newly elected Labor Member of Parliament for the Bullwinkel electorate in Western Australia, delivered her inaugural speech in Parliament, paying tribute to the legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel, a WWII nurse renowned for her bravery during the 1942 Banka Island massacre. Cook, who has a background in nursing, emphasized the sacrifices made by Australia’s military nurses and soldiers, stating they have fought for the democracy enjoyed today.
In her address, delivered on May 3, 2025, Cook expressed how watching the first term of the Albanese Government inspired her aspiration to enter federal politics. The creation of the Bullwinkel electorate, which includes her home of Darlington, further motivated her. She remarked, “Suddenly, here was a brand new electorate of Bullwinkel, which encompassed my home of Darlington for 17 years and was named in honor of World War Two nursing hero, Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel. I took this optimistically as a sign of encouragement.”
Cook’s journey to Parliament follows her role as deputy Shire president of Mundaring. In her speech, she reflected on her nursing experience, which included work in remote areas of Western Australia and a stint in the Solomon Islands. She articulated her commitment to address issues of fairness and injustice, particularly in health outcomes. “The professions of nursing and politics both require great commitment, honesty, and a great sense of wanting to help people and communities,” she said.
As a member of the federal Labor Party, Cook pledged to advocate for fair and equitable distribution of resources aimed at addressing the social determinants of health. She expressed her dedication to improving conditions for residents in the Bullwinkel electorate and all Australians.
Cook also addressed the challenges faced by farmers in the Bullwinkel region, particularly in light of the impending phase-out of live sheep exports. “The rural area of Bullwinkel consists of four historic Wheatbelt towns. As well as the townspeople, these rural communities include passionate farmers who produce our food and our agricultural exports,” she noted. She acknowledged the ongoing impacts of climate change on agriculture, mentioning the recent recovery of barley markets while emphasizing the transition away from live sheep exports.
During her speech, Cook was supported by various colleagues, including WA Scarborough MP Stuart Aubrey and Nedlands MP Katrina Stratton. Additionally, Mark Reed, the new State secretary, and former secretary Ellie Whiteaker, now a WA senator, were present to witness her address.
Following her speech, Cook received warm congratulations from several WA MPs, including Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman, who served as her campaign director during the recent federal election. Cook’s commitment to her constituents and her homage to Bullwinkel’s legacy set a strong tone for her parliamentary career ahead.
