16/02/2017

Statement on Decentralisation – House of Representatives

The National Party is the party of infrastructure and decentralisation.  We’re serious about creating new economic opportunities in regional communities by building infrastructure that enables them to grow and prosper.  We are also serious about examining the economic and social benefits of decentralising government jobs and services – and relocating them from capital cities to the regions.

(more…)

8/02/2017

Statement on Wide Bay Burnett Jobs Package – Federation Chamber

The Wide Bay region has long struggled with high unemployment.  It is a battle that I have faced myself. I remember in my late teens and early 20s going door to door, desperate to get any job I could find to support my young family, so I understand the power of employment and the dignity that employment brings. Many people also find themselves in the same situation today, particularly young people who are sometimes forced to leave their homes and families in Wide Bay just so they can find a job.

(more…)

29/11/2016

Statement on Aged Care – Federation Chamber

In my maiden speech I spoke of the challenges we face as a nation with an ageing population, which will result in increasing demands on our aged care sector, whilst facing very difficult economic times.

(more…)

28/11/2016

Statement on Coalition Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund supporting projects in Maryborough and Gympie – Federation Chamber

I congratulate the Liberal-National coalition government on the success of its National Stronger Regions Fund. The National Stronger Regions Fund was an initiative of the National Party, led by my predecessor in Wide Bay.

(more…)

23/11/2016

Statement on Bruce Highway, Cooroy to Curra four lane project – House of Representatives

It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport to Wide Bay last week to inspect progress on the Bruce Highway, Cooroy to Curra, four-lane Section C project.

(more…)

7/11/2016

Statement on United Synergies StandBy Response Service – House of Representatives

Last week I met with Christopher John and Karen Phillips from the United Synergies organisation, whose head office is based in my electorate of Wide Bay.

United Synergies is a great organisation that helps young people, families and the wider community with child and family relationships, education support, employment, homelessness, mental health and support after suicide.

(more…)

7/11/2016

James Nash High, Gympie High, and Victory College Awards Nights – Federation Chamber

I have recently had the pleasure of attending awards nights at Victory College, James Nash State High School and Gympie State High School.

It was great to see the range of awards presented, and I congratulate the students on their achievements under the guidance of their dedicated teachers.

(more…)

20/10/2016

Funding for Ration Shed Museum, Cherbourg – Federation Chamber

I rise to congratulate the Ration Shed Museum at Cherbourg on its successful application for funding from the Coalition Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

Cherbourg, the home of the Wakka Wakka people, is an Aboriginal community in my electorate that was settled by the Salvation Army in 1899 and was taken over as a Government settlement in 1904. 

(more…)

18/10/2016

Clen up union rorts and thuggery – House of Representatives

After so many reports of bribery, bullying, intimidation and links to organised crime, it’s an absolute disgrace that Labor continues to operate a protection racket for union thuggery.

It’s no surprise that Labor and The Greens are protecting their union mates from the Coalition’s plan to tackle union rorts and intimidation.

After all, the CFMEU is a powerful donor to the Labor Party and The Greens. 

(more…)

14/09/2016

Maiden Speech – House of Representatives

I am very honoured to address the people’s house today as Wide Bay’s choice to represent them. I thank the electors of Wide Bay and recognise the trust they have placed in me. I understand my responsibility to repay that trust with hard work, honesty and fearless advocacy on their behalf.

(more…)