You have probably seen Sam Rae in the news, especially if you live in Melbourne’s outer west — he is the federal MP for Hawke and, since May 2025, the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. This article lays out who Sam Rae is, what he does, and exactly how you can contact him.
Age: 38 years (born 29 September 1986) · Party: Australian Labor Party · Electorate: Division of Hawke, Victoria · Position: Minister for Aged Care and Seniors · Family: Partner and three children
Quick snapshot
- Age 38 – born in Canberra (Parliament of Australia)
- Federal MP for Hawke (Parliament of Australia)
- Minister for Aged Care and Seniors (Department of Health and Aged Care)
- Melton office: 100 McKenzie Street, Melton VIC 3337 (Australian Government Directory)
- Email: Sam.Rae.MP@aph.gov.au (Australian Government Directory)
- Phone (Canberra): (02) 6277 7720 (Australian Government Directory)
- Division of Hawke (Parliament of Australia)
- Covers Melton and surrounding areas (Parliament of Australia)
- Created in 2018 (Parliament of Australia)
- Federal MP duties (Parliament of Australia)
- Ministerial portfolio in aged care (Parliament of Australia)
- Australian Labor Party member (Parliament of Australia)
Below are the key facts about Sam Rae in a quick-reference format.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Samuel Thomas Rae |
| Date of birth | 29 September 1986 |
| Political party | Australian Labor Party |
| Electorate | Division of Hawke (Victoria) |
| Ministerial portfolio | Minister for Aged Care and Seniors |
| Office address | 100 McKenzie Street, Melton VIC 3337 |
| Official email | Sam.Rae.MP@aph.gov.au |
Who is the current Minister for Aged Care in Victoria?
What does the Minister for Aged Care do?
The Minister for Aged Care and Seniors is a federal role responsible for overseeing aged care policy, funding, and regulation across Australia. Sam Rae was appointed to the position on 13 May 2025 (Department of Health and Aged Care (official ministerial announcement)). The portfolio covers residential aged care, home care, and the seniors’ support programs.
Is Sam Rae a state or federal minister?
Sam Rae is a federal minister. His role sits within the Australian Government, not the Victorian state government. He represents the Division of Hawke in the House of Representatives (Parliament of Australia).
If you’re dealing with aged care issues like accessing a Home Care Package or raising concerns about a nursing home, Rae’s office is your first stop at the federal level. State matters such as hospital services stay with the Victorian government.
The implication: This division of responsibilities means constituents must direct their queries to the correct level of government to avoid delays.
Who is the member of Parliament for Melton?
What electorate covers Melton?
Melton lies within the Division of Hawke, a federal electorate created in 2018 (Parliament of Australia). Sam Rae has held the seat since his election in 2022 and was re-elected in 2025 (Parliament of Australia).
How does the Division of Hawke relate to Melton?
The electorate includes the suburbs of Melton, Caroline Springs, and parts of the Moorabool Shire. Rae’s electorate office at 100 McKenzie Street in Melton serves all residents of the Hawke division (Australian Government Directory).
Knowing your electorate helps you direct queries to the right person. If you live in Melton, Rae is your federal MP; for state matters your contact is the Member for Melton in the Victorian Legislative Assembly.
The pattern: Clear identification of your MP ensures your issue reaches the appropriate office.
How do I reach out to my local MP?
What is Sam Rae’s office address?
The electorate office is at 100 McKenzie Street, Melton VIC 3337 (Australian Government Directory). It’s open Monday to Friday, typically 9 am to 5 pm.
How can I email Sam Rae?
Use the official parliamentary email: sam.rae.mp@aph.gov.au (Australian Government Directory). Expect a reply within a few business days.
Can I visit the electorate office in person?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours. To discuss a personal matter it’s best to call first to book an appointment. The Melton office phone is (03) 9070 1960 (Australian Government Directory).
The steps for contacting any federal MP follow a similar pattern:
- Find your electorate (type your postcode into the Australian Electoral Commission website).
- Locate the MP’s contact page on the Parliament of Australia site.
- Call, email, or visit the electorate office. Include your full name and address to confirm you are a constituent.
- If the matter is urgent, mention it clearly at the start of your message.
What this means: The process is straightforward – follow the steps and use the correct contact details.
What can my local MP help me with?
Issues related to Centrelink and Medicare
Local MPs assist with federal government services: Centrelink payments, Medicare claims, NDIS, and veterans’ affairs. They can contact agencies on your behalf and follow up on delays (Parliament of Australia).
Visa and immigration matters
MPs can advocate for constituents in visa and citizenship cases with the Department of Home Affairs. They cannot override decisions but can request reconsiderations.
Veterans’ affairs and defence support
Veterans needing help with DVA claims or defence housing can approach their MP for assistance (Parliament of Australia).
The pattern: local MPs are the bridge between you and the federal bureaucracy. They cannot fix state issues like police or town planning but can refer you to the right state agency.
The implication: Knowing the boundaries of an MP’s power saves time and frustration.
How do you write to your local member of Parliament?
What format should a letter to an MP follow?
A formal letter or email works best. Use “Dear Mr Rae” (or “Dear Sam” if you prefer less formality). State your issue in the first paragraph, then provide details and any reference numbers. Keep it to one page.
What information should I include?
Always include your full name and residential address. MPs can only act for constituents. Include your contact phone number and the best time to call back.
Can I send a letter by post?
Yes. Sam Rae’s postal address for correspondence to Parliament House is: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 (Parliament of Australia). Letters are opened by staff and logged.
“As a local member, my job is to listen to the concerns of the Hawke community and represent them in Canberra. Whether it’s aged care, cost of living, or a visa issue, my office is here to help.”
– Sam Rae, official Australian Labor Party biography
The catch: Proper addressing and inclusion of your details ensure your correspondence is handled promptly.
How do I refer to a member of Parliament?
When to use ‘Honourable’
In Australia, ministers and former ministers are styled “The Honourable” (abbreviated “The Hon.”). Sam Rae, as a minister, is referred to as “The Hon. Sam Rae MP” in formal contexts (Parliament of Australia).
Is it ‘MP’ or ‘Member’?
“MP” (Member of Parliament) is used for federal members. State members use different abbreviations: MLC for Upper House, MLA for Lower House in most states. In Victoria, state members are “MLA”.
What about ministers?
When addressing a minister in writing, use “Dear Minister” or “Dear [title]”. In debate they are referred to by portfolio.
Calling a minister by the wrong title can slow down a response. Stick to “The Hon. Sam Rae MP” for formal letters and “Sam” for emails if you’re a constituent.
The implication: Correct titles show respect and help your communication get noticed.
How much does an MP get paid in Victoria?
What is the base salary for a federal MP?
Federal MPs in Australia earn a base salary of approximately AUD 220,000 per year as of 2024 (Remuneration Tribunal).
Do ministers receive additional pay?
The Minister for Aged Care receives additional ministerial salary on top of the base MP salary (Remuneration Tribunal).
How are MP salaries determined?
Salaries are set by the Remuneration Tribunal and indexed annually (Remuneration Tribunal).
The pattern: Understanding the compensation structure helps contextualise the role.
Timeline: Sam Rae’s political career
- 29 September 1986: Born in Canberra (Parliament of Australia).
- 2016–2019: Served as Secretary of the Australian Labor Party (Victorian branch) (Parliament of Australia).
- 2022: Elected as MP for the Division of Hawke (Parliament of Australia).
- 13 May 2025: Appointed Minister for Aged Care and Seniors (Department of Health and Aged Care).
The implication: Each milestone marks a step in his growing influence on federal policy.
What we know – and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Sam Rae is the federal member for Hawke, Victoria (Parliament of Australia).
- He is the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors (Department of Health and Aged Care).
- His electorate office is at 100 McKenzie Street, Melton (Australian Government Directory).
What’s unclear
- The exact date of his first ministerial appointment before May 2025 is not widely cited in top sources.
- He holds a Bachelor of Science (ANU) and an MBA (Melbourne Business School), but the full timeline of his education is not publicly listed (Parliament of Australia).
- The exact date of his re-election in 2025 is not specified in top sources.
“The Hawke electorate covers a rapidly growing corridor west of Melbourne. My priorities are making sure infrastructure keeps pace and that seniors get the care they deserve.”
– Parliament of Australia
The implication: While many details are confirmed, some gaps remain – particularly around the precise timing of his early career steps.
The implication: if you live in Melton or nearby, Rae is both your local representative and a key national decision-maker on aged care. That dual role means his office can handle both local doorstep issues and broader policy concerns.
en.wikipedia.org, alp.org.au, directory.gov.au, theguardian.com, app.advoc8.co, samraeforhawke.com.au, linkedin.com, agedcareinsite.com.au, insideageing.com.au
Frequently asked questions
What is Sam Rae’s stance on aged care funding?
He has publicly supported increased funding for home care packages and a higher wage for aged care workers. Specific policy proposals can be found on his ministerial press releases.
How can I book an appointment with Sam Rae’s office?
Call (03) 9070 1960 or email sam.rae.mp@aph.gov.au. Provide your address and the reason for the appointment.
Does Sam Rae hold regular community meetings?
Yes, his office publishes community events and drop-in sessions on his social media and website.
What is the primary issue Sam Rae campaigns on?
Aged care reform and infrastructure investment in Melbourne’s western growth corridor are his two main stated priorities.
Is Sam Rae available for school visits or events?
Contact the electorate office to request a visit. MP diaries are managed by staff and depend on parliamentary sittings.
How long has Sam Rae been the Minister for Aged Care?
He was appointed on 13 May 2025.
What are the office hours for the Melton electorate office?
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding public holidays.
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James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Monitor, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.