Copies of my speeches to the Australian Parliament are available by visiting this link to the Parliament of Australia website Search Hansard – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)
I said in my maiden speech that when it comes to agriculture, big business needs to play fair and farmers deserve to receive a fair price for their product. I also said I was concerned about the devastating impact the ongoing Coles and Woolworths milk price war is having on the dairy industry.
Good morning. I would also like to begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of this land — the Ngunnawal people — and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
I also extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may be present here today.
Thank you Nola Marino for your kind words — it’s great to be here to represent my colleague, the Minister for Rural Health, Bridget McKenzie.
Bridget was unfortunately unable to make it here today, but I know how passionate she is about palliative care — particularly for people living in rural and regional communities across Australia.
14/02/2018 Speech – Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial – Federation Chamber A landmark of international significance is now emerging in Queen’s Park, Maryborough in the electorate
14/02/2018 Speech – Stronger Communities Funding – Federation Chamber It takes something special to make me dance in public, yet that’s what I found myself
14/02/2018 Speech – Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra upgrade Section D – Federation Chamber Members in this place will not be surprised that I rise
13/02/2018 Speech – Tribute to Mr Bill Roberts – Federation Chamber I rise to pay tribute to and say farewell to Mr Bill Roberts who
12/02/2018 Speech – Aged Care – Federation Chamber Last Friday, I was very pleased to welcome the Minister for Aged Care to Wide Bay to
18/10/2017 Speech – National Police Remembrance Day – House of Representatives Police Remembrance Day is a solemn occasion when we commemorate and pay tribute to
16/10/2017 Speech – Heritage Wonders of the Gympie Region – Federation Chamber The National Trust and my local daily newspaper, The Gympie Times, have put
16/10/2017 Speech – Mental health – Federation Chamber I rise to support the motion moved by the member for Fisher and acknowledge his strong promotion
21/06/2017 Speech – Making the case for Section D Cooroy to Curra – Federation Chamber Earlier today I led a delegation of Wide Bay mayors, Mick
13/06/2017 Statement calling for upgrades to the Bruce Highway through Wide Bay – House of Representatives After the spate of horror fatalities on the Bruce
07/06/2017 Statement on the re-opening of the Tait-Duke Community Cottage in Tewantin It is a pleasure to be here today to join in the re-opening
11/05/2017 Statement on Road Safety and the Bruce Highway – House of Representatives Mr Deputy Speaker, this is National Road Safety Week and I wear
22/03/2017 Statement on New Export Opportunities With China – House of Representatives The Coalition Government is securing new markets for farmers. Australian farmers export around
22/03/2017 Statement on Family and Domestic Violence – Federation Chamber There are some things our society simply should not tolerate – and domestic violence is
21/03/2017 Statement on Gympie Branch Older Women’s Network – Federation Chamber It was a great pleasure to meet with members of the Older Women’s Network
20/03/2017 Statement on Wide Bay Motor Complex – Federation Chamber The great city of Maryborough in Wide Bay is known for its serene environment and
2/03/2017 Statement on Road Safety – Federation Chamber I rise today to speak about the national road toll and the recent disturbing increase in the
28/02/2017 Statement on Aged Care – House of Representatives I rise to support the Coalition Government’s initiative, Increasing Choice in Home Care, which gives elderly
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
In the spirit of Australia, I acknowledge all citizens who contribute to making our nation the greatest on earth.
I acknowledge our defence force personnel, past, present, and emerging, for their service to our nation, and particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Australia.
I also acknowledge the Australian taxpayers who, through their hard work, pay for the infrastructure, health, education, and emergency services that keep our proud nation healthy, safe, and prosperous.
