Finding an Independent candidate to unseat Angus Taylor will need a huge combined effort. Putting minor differences aside strengthens causes. So to the two movements in Hume to unseat Angus Taylor, please join forces. You have nothing to lose and everything to win.

Mr Taylor keeps banging on about "Technology not Taxes" ad nauseam. Yet in the "Technology Road Map" just released by his department the government intends to spend $20B propping up their policy.

Where does the $20B come from, Mr Taylor? Does it fall from the sky or out of our pockets from the taxes we pay?

I'm all for government action in reducing carbon emissions but almost all economists in Australia say the best way to do this is to have a price on carbon as that is the most efficient way to reduce emissions.

What I object to is the dishonesty and glib three word slogans that attempt to obscure the inaction of the government and lack of leadership on tackling climate change.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia strongly acknowledges the vital role of carers.

Across our regional communities there are millions of Australians caring for family members or friends, care service workers and those volunteering through community organisations. In remote locations the role of carers becomes even more crucial. On the farm or in a remote district, the level of help and advice common in large cities may not be readily available.

As frontline health professionals, community pharmacists recognise the invaluable contribution of carers.

Pharmacists also understand the need for carers to care for themselves. A chat with your pharmacist can be a valuable thing to do, helping ensure carers can maintain their own physical, mental and social health.

Most of us know someone who is caring for someone else. It may be an occasional or regular visit; it may be keeping watch effectively 24/7 at home.

The recent Carers Week underlined just how big the effort has become. Research shows one in eight Australians deliver unpaid backup to family or friends. This has been measured. The replacement cost of their care is just on $1.5 billion - every week.

National Carers Week 2021 showed that:

The COVID-19 pandemic has rewritten society's rules, not least with many more people remaining at home except for essential trips to the shops or for medical care.

That in turn has effectively increased the "hours" of many carers - on hand at home when otherwise they might be at the office or moving around to earn their income.

Pandemic restrictions have shifted the way we care under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Restrictions have meant noticeable change for the elderly in care, and this impact can be magnified if the person receiving the care has some level of cognitive decline.

As a society, we thank our carers, deeply, for the work they do. But more than a word of thanks - a conversation with a health professional can make a big difference.

As well, there are resources available, such as www.carergateway.gov.au/

So we say to our carers: Thank you, but don't be reluctant to speak up about your wonderful role.