As the Federal parliamentary sitting year resumes in Canberra, Labor is dragging my Coalition colleagues and I into debating again the tax cuts that we passed five years ago in Government – with Labor’s support! Fresh from a divisive, half-a-billion-dollar doomed referendum in 2023, this distracted Labor Government had a mid-January crisis brainstorm about tax…
This week I met with the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) to talk about mining projects in Mallee and the potential impact on prime agricultural land. Projects such as mineral sands mining or construction of transmission lines require proponents to complete a state Environmental Effects Statement (EES) on the possible impacts their development may have…
The Productivity Commission has confirmed just how valuable agriculture is to Australia. Last week the commission released a paper titled Productivity Growth and Wages – a Forensic Look which laid bare the importance of the sector. This paper highlighted that while agriculture – combined with mining – accounted for just over 4 per cent of…
This week in Parliament I spoke on the value of Australia’s engagement with our Pacific Island neighbours, which cannot be denied. My speech addressed Labor’s new immigration legislation.As those who live in Swan Hill, Robinvale and Mildura regions can attest, to see how migrants from the Pacific Islands contribute to our industries and communities –…
I don’t think I know anyone who does not enjoy their food and drink. It’s even in our national anthem. And here in Mallee we have plenty of home grown and manufactured produce it to boast about. Since stepping into my role as the Federal Member for Mallee, I’ve had a vision to champion our region’s…
The Labor Government’s decision to neuter the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) is deeply concerning. In the very first week of parliament, Prime Minister Albanese has demonstrated his commitment his union mates, the CFMMEU, by stripping back the powers of its watchdog to “the bare legal minimum.” The CFMMEU has been dragged to court…
Prior to being elected to Office, I spent time working in the not-for-profit charity sector. I worked with some wonderful and generous people and the invaluable contribution that volunteers make to our community. They are our quiet heroes. Volunteers are the ones helping putt meals on tables, assisting elderly, providing friendship to the lonely, giving…
Mr Albanese has promised Australia a referendum on the Voice in this first term of parliament. What does this mean? At this point we have been provided with no detail by the Prime Minister and yet it feels like we have a blindfold over our eyes and pen in our hands. We need to be…
When you’re sick and you need a doctor, it should not be a herculean task to get an appointment. But across Mallee, it often is. Under the Coalition Government, a suite of measures was implemented to target regional disadvantage. Measures I advocated for. These included funding 80 new Commonwealth Supported Places – a scheme that…
It is citrus harvest time and many growers in Sunraysia are on their knees. This year’s yield has been astounding. The export market is looking positive, despite ongoing global shipping constraints. But there is one critical ingredient missing: workers. Growers are paying up to $400 per day for workers to pick 10 bins. In a…