Warren Entsch's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2025-09-07T23:05:09+00:00
items: Whitford, Mr Deon | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Pitt, Hon. Warren, AM | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Leichhardt Electorate: Australia Day | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Valedictory | Parliamentary Representation | House debates
items: Cairns Airport | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Youth Voice in Parliament Week | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Genetic Screening | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Fourmile, Mr Gudju Gudju (Seith) | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Divers for Climate | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Alcohol Excise | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Torres Strait: School Infrastructure | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Australian Red Cross: 110th Anniversary | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Petitions: Telecommunications | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Leichhardt Electorate: Cape York Peninsula | Grievance Debate | House debates
items: Alexandra Bay State School | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Queensland: Office of the Public Guardian | Adjournment | House debates
items: Tourism Exceptional Assistance Grant | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: National Volunteer Week | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Gilmore, Mr Thomas John George, OAM | Statements by Members | House debates

Whitford, Mr Deon | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I rise to recognise the extraordinary act of bravery of young Deon Whitford, a 20-year-old proud Indigenous man who is a true hero in our community. Last Sunday, Deon was sitting in his ute in a...
encoded: I rise to recognise the extraordinary act of bravery of young Deon Whitford, a 20-year-old proud Indigenous man who is a true hero in our community. Last Sunday, Deon was sitting in his ute in a car park at Cairns when a young lad, frantic and distressed, knocked on his window. The boy pleaded for help, screaming that two young girls were caught in the raging floodwaters in a nearby drain. Without a moment of hesitation, Deon raced alongside the drain as the terrified children were swept away in a powerful current. The drain went underneath the car park, a very deadly hazard, 250 metres downstream. One of the kids was able to get out. The second one disappeared into the drain. Deon, without a second thought, sprinted to the other side. He leapt into the fast-moving water, reached out and pulled her to safety. His first priority was not himself but ensuring that these kids were safe. Emergency services arrived quickly after and assessed the child, who, thankfully, was not injured. Deon didn't seek any recognition. He simply did what he knew was right. He's been rightfully nominated by the council for a national bravery award. It's not just about award nomination; it's recognition of selflessness, courage and community spirit. It's a reminder that true heroes walk amongst us, ready to act in a moment of crisis. Today we honour Deon Whitford, a man whose bravery saved a life and whose actions reflect the best of our nation.
date: 2025-02-10T16:30:00+00:00

Pitt, Hon. Warren, AM | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I rise here today to pay tribute to my very dear friend and colleague the Hon. Warren Pitt AM. Warren was a teacher. He was a serviceman in the Reserves before serving as the member for...
encoded: I rise here today to pay tribute to my very dear friend and colleague the Hon. Warren Pitt AM. Warren was a teacher. He was a serviceman in the Reserves before serving as the member for Mulgrave—the Labor member for Mulgrave, I might add—in the Queensland parliament for nearly 20 years. He passed away peacefully in Gordonvale, south of Cairns, on 7 February. He and I shared a constituency in my early days at Yarrabah, and we worked closely together, advocating for the community. He would frequently call me up and say: 'Warren, I'm going over to Yarrabah to see the constituents. Would you like to come?' I would always say yes. I'd meet him on the Bruce Highway turn-off on the way to Yarrabah, hop into his vehicle, ALP1, and together the 'Two Warrens' would head to Yarrabah to pay a visit to our constituents. I handled federal matters; he did the state. When Warren was diagnosed with cancer, I continued visiting Yarrabah on behalf of us both, with my office working with his office to make sure that all of these issues were addressed. I did it because of the friendship that we had, and that friendship endured through all of his illness. Warren, alongside his wife, Linda—who was always willing to be part of supporting Warren—were and will always be a part of Mulgrave. That's why I submitted a proposal to name an overpass after them. It had to be both of them. They were a pair from the beginning. We now have the Warren and Linda Pitt Way, which stands as a tribute to their work in Gordonvale. I wish him well on his next journey. He will never be forgotten. (Time expired)
date: 2025-02-10T13:30:00+00:00

Leichhardt Electorate: Australia Day | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: I'd like to take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate this year's Australia Day award recipients across Leichhardt. Starting with Cairns, Annette Jarrett was awarded Citizen of the Year,...
encoded: I'd like to take this opportunity to recognise and celebrate this year's Australia Day award recipients across Leichhardt. Starting with Cairns, Annette Jarrett was awarded Citizen of the Year, and Kaylea Canton has been awarded Young Citizen of the Year. Claudio Di Bartolomeo received Volunteer of the Year, and the Piccone family received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lastly in Cairns, there were two highly commended certificates presented to Georgina Sesto and Ella Fisher for Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively. From Port Douglas, I'd like to extend my congratulations to Jenny Guyatt, who has been awarded Citizen of the Year. Nate Martinelli and Harry Cobb were awarded Junior and Senior Sports Awards respectively, and Monika Prins received the Environmental Achievement Award. Nikita McDonald and Joan Vico have been recognised as Young Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year respectively. Alison George and Port Shorts have received the Arts and Culture Award, while John Scott received the Volunteer of the Year Award. The Civic Recognition Award went to Pam Wills Burden, and, lastly, a Certificate of Achievement went to Sam Carey-Sage. In Cook Shire, David 'Chappy' Kamholtz was award Citizen of the Year, and Sarah Frew received Young Citizen of the Year. Jacynta Hunt and Jan Bardsley-Smith were both awarded Volunteer of the Year, while the Sports Award was awarded to Albert Viranatuleo. The Arts and Culture Award has been awarded to Robyn Sheehan, and the Environment Award went to Jim Kelton. In Weipa, Shayna Reeves was awarded Citizen of the Year, and Annabelle Slingo received Young Citizen of the Year, while the Community Spirit Award went to Judey Haeusler. Lastly, I'd like to acknowledge the achievements of individuals in the Torres Strait. My good friend Napau Pedro Stephen AM has been awarded Citizen of the Year. Relna Hosea-Wuruki received Young Citizen of the Year. The Mangrove Festival on Yam Island was recognised wit…
date: 2025-02-05T09:41:00+00:00

Valedictory | Parliamentary Representation | House debates
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description: I stand here today in the chamber on probably one of the last occasions I will be speaking in my career. I can't help reflect on a journey that has spanned more than a quarter of a century. For a...
encoded: I stand here today in the chamber on probably one of the last occasions I will be speaking in my career. I can't help reflect on a journey that has spanned more than a quarter of a century. For a little bit of nostalgia here, Mr Speaker, you will see something and don't be too shocked. This is the first time this term I am actually wearing a tie. For nostalgia, I thought I would wear something that I wore back in 1996, something that was very bright that reflected my electorate to make sure that, as an early politician, people knew who I was and knew I was in the room. I have a great collection of them. I am hoping I can eventually make a quilt out of them and donate it to charity. I thought today was a very special occasion, so for the first time this term I have worn a tie and it represents the Great Barrier Reef. It has certainly been an extraordinary privilege to represent the people of Leichhardt for close to 26 years. I owe my deepest gratitude to the people of my electorate, whose trust in me has allowed me to serve for so long. From my humble beginnings as a lad porter at the Mareeba railway station at the age of 14, I never imagined where my life's path would take me: cleaning toilets in the railway station, serving in the Royal Australian Air Force, selling real estate, catching crocodiles and rounding up a few feral bulls. For most of my life politics wasn't even on the radar, but life has a funny way of leading you to places where you never, ever expect. It certainly led me here. In my maiden speech, back in 1996, I spoke of the need for better infrastructure, better connectivity, a better future for Far North Queensland. At the time there was virtually no mobile coverage in the region. Many of our roads remained unsealed, and the idea of sealing the Peninsula Development Road was just a distant dream. But today that dream has largely become a reality. Connectivity, mobile coverage, the NBN have transformed our region and we are well on our way to sealin…
date: 2024-11-25T17:33:00+00:00

Cairns Airport | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Cairns Airport has been named the Major Airport of the Year at the Australian Airports Association National Airport Industry Awards for 2024. This marks the second year in a row that the Cairns...
encoded: Cairns Airport has been named the Major Airport of the Year at the Australian Airports Association National Airport Industry Awards for 2024. This marks the second year in a row that the Cairns Airport has received this prestigious recognition. This year's award is particularly meaningful, as it recognises the airport's determination and resilience during an unprecedented flooding in December last year, following Cyclone Jasper. For the first time, floodwaters breached the airport's levee, forcing its closure and creating an enormous challenge for the team. Within two days, they'd pumped the water from the runway, cleared the debris and inspected critical infrastructure, allowing the airport to reopen and serve our region. Beyond the immediate recovery, Cairns Airport has continued to deliver significant international growth for our region. This achievement reflects the airport's commitment to innovation and resilience and its role as the key gateway to tropical North Queensland. I'd like to commend the Cairns Airport's chief executive, Richard Barker, and his entire team for their unwavering dedication, their efforts during the flooding and their ongoing focus on excellence. They are certainly setting a very high benchmark in the aviation industry. Congratulations again for a job very well done.
date: 2024-11-25T13:33:00+00:00

Youth Voice in Parliament Week | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I'm pleased to, again, be taking part in the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign. The following is a speech written by Ava, a 10-year-old student from Caravonica State School. She says: By...
encoded: I'm pleased to, again, be taking part in the Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign. The following is a speech written by Ava, a 10-year-old student from Caravonica State School. She says: By 2034, I would like to see in my community of Cairns with more protection of our environmental spaces, more renewable energy and more education of science and technology in schools. The next parliament can support this by investing in protecting our important environmental spaces, our animals, land, sea, waterways and culture. Recycling materials and reusing what we have, by doing this it will limit our need for creating new resources and our pollution into the fragile environment. Investing in technology to make more renewable energy will help the impact we are having on our country with more wind, sea and solar farms. Investing in education and schools to improve science and technology for students like me to create the ideas for the future. Better classrooms and facilities will ensure all children can learn no matter their location. My 2034 goal is important, to look to the future we need to look at what we can address now in 2024. Investing in our environment and our education can help achieve this goal. My mum and dad invest their hopes in me, will you?
date: 2024-11-05T13:33:00+00:00

Genetic Screening | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: I rise to lend my very strong support to this motion and emphasise the amazing potential of genetic screening to help us tackle cancer and other diseases. By implementing proactive,...
encoded: I rise to lend my very strong support to this motion and emphasise the amazing potential of genetic screening to help us tackle cancer and other diseases. By implementing proactive, populationwide genetic screening, we have an unprecedented opportunity to identify Australians at high genetic risk for certain diseases before the symptoms emerge, providing a pathway to better prevention to save lives and significantly reduce healthcare costs. People who carry specific genetic markers, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, face up to a 70 per cent risk of breast cancer, often at a younger age, and these cancers are also typically more aggressive. Another example is Lynch syndrome, which leads to a 50 per cent lifetime risk of bowel cancer in both men and women. For those with these genetic markers, much earlier and more frequent screening, such as MRIs or annual colonoscopies, is necessary to catch diseases at their most treatable stage. By adopting a more widespread genetic testing approach, we will not only save lives but also save taxpayers and the health system a lot of money in the process. I must acknowledge the work of Monash University, which continues to illustrate the importance of DNA screening and a more equitable approach for all Australians. Again, it's nice to see you here, Dr Tiller, in our gallery. Of the over 10,000 young adults tested in Monash's DNA Screen pilot, around two per cent were found to be of high genetic risk for cancers and heart disease. This is not rare. It equates to about one in every 50 Australians, a significant number of whom would not have been eligible for existing testing due to restrictive criteria. At least 42 participants in this study came from my electorate of Leichhardt, and one of the identified high-risk individuals is also from my region. This reinforces the reach and relevance of this issue across all of our communities. Despite the powerful evidence in favour of proactive genetic screening, the current approach remains largely react…
date: 2024-11-04T17:30:00+00:00

Genetic Screening | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: It certainly is, and I reserve my right to speak.
encoded: It certainly is, and I reserve my right to speak.
date: 2024-11-04T17:20:00+00:00

Fourmile, Mr Gudju Gudju (Seith) | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: I rise to honour an incredible man whose life and legacy left an indelible mark in our region and, indeed, in our nation: Gudju Gudju, also known as Seith Fourmile. Gudju Gudju was not only a...
encoded: I rise to honour an incredible man whose life and legacy left an indelible mark in our region and, indeed, in our nation: Gudju Gudju, also known as Seith Fourmile. Gudju Gudju was not only a dear friend but a mentor, a leader and a source of immense strength and wisdom to many people in my community, myself included. His contributions to the Indigenous sovereignty movement, social justice and environmental advocacy were profound. He was a man deeply committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yidindji people. Perhaps one of Gudju Gudju's most remarkable achievements was his unwavering determination to bring home the remains of ancestors that had been taken to Germany back in the 19th century. His journey to repatriate those remains was not just an act of cultural preservation; it was an act of restoring dignity and justice to his people. It was a victory for all First Nations Australians. Gudju Gudju was a powerful figure. Whether in his role in seeing the Aboriginal flag officially flown in Cairns—and we were one of the first cities in Australia to do so—or leading the campaign to rename Blackfellows Creek to Bana Gindarja Creek, Gudju Gudju's actions were bold, meaningful and driven by his deep passion for justice and his commitment to his people's sovereignty. In every conversation I had with him, Gudju Gudju's understanding of land, culture and history left a lasting impact. He had a unique ability to not only communicate the issues facing his people but make you feel the soul behind those issues. Despite his achievements, Gudju Gudju never ever sought the spotlight. He was a humble man. His laughter and warmth would light up a room. Above all, he was a devoted family man. To his greatest source of pride and joy, his wife, Jenny, and his children, I offer my deepest condolences. Your husband and father was a man of great courage and wisdom, and his legacy will inspire generations to come. Though we mourn his passing, we must also celebrate the inc…
date: 2024-10-10T09:41:00+00:00

Divers for Climate | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I recently had the opportunity to meet with Dr Yolanda Waters, the founder and CEO of an incredible organisation called Divers for Climate. Back when I was first appointed as the Special Envoy...
encoded: I recently had the opportunity to meet with Dr Yolanda Waters, the founder and CEO of an incredible organisation called Divers for Climate. Back when I was first appointed as the Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, in 2019, I was determined to work closely with the scientific community rather than with the activists. Initially I was hesitant, when Dr Waters requested a meeting, to meet with her, but I'm so glad that I agreed. Meeting with Dr Waters and learning about her organisation was truly an enlightening experience. Divers for Climate is an amazing organisation comprised of divers from our tourism industry predominantly—individuals who have spent much of their time with their heads under the water, witnessing firsthand the beauty and the challenges facing our reefs. What sets them apart is their balanced approach to advocacy. They're not just raising the alarm on the challenges that we face; they're also highlighting the significant advances and successes in preserving our precious marine environment. We must acknowledge the challenges, certainly, but we also must celebrate the successes and progress being made. For this, I congratulate Dr Waters and her team from Divers for Climate. They bring a level of credibility and balanced advocacy that is utterly refreshing, and I look forward to seeing more of what they will accomplish well into the future.
date: 2024-08-22T13:30:00+00:00

Alcohol Excise | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: I'm here to speak in strong support of the motion moved by the member for Cowper, which highlights the critical issue of alcohol excise in our country. This is not just about beer and spirits;...
encoded: I'm here to speak in strong support of the motion moved by the member for Cowper, which highlights the critical issue of alcohol excise in our country. This is not just about beer and spirits; it's about the survival of small businesses, the livelihood of thousands of Australians and the future of an industry that is prevalent in all of our communities. We are all aware that the cost of living in Australia has been rising at an alarming rate. Electricity bills, raw material costs, transportation expenses, the list goes on—everything has been going through the roof. But what makes the situation even more untenable for our local brewers and distillers is the relentless biannual increase in alcohol excise. As it stands, Australia is ranked among the highest in the world when it comes to alcohol excise, and this is crippling our domestic industries. I recently received a letter from Rob Callin, the owner of Macalister Brewing Company, a proud and hardworking small business in my electorate of Leichhardt. Rob's story, unfortunately, is not unique. Like many other small independent brewers, Rob has faced a staggering 40 per cent increase in production costs over the past two years. I think this is the difference we are talking about now: the significant increase that we're seeing in cost of living. It's unprecedented, and it's certainly having a significant impact in this industry. The increase in production costs, coupled with automatic six-monthly increases in excise tax, is pushing these businesses to the brink. Rob tells me that, in the past 12 months, over 20 independent brewers across the country have either gone into voluntary administration or closed their doors for good. The majority of the more than 600 small brewers that are still operating in Australia have been forced to reduce staff just to keep the lights on. Small breweries like Macalister Brewing Company, Copperlode Brewing Co. and Hemingway's Brewery are an integral part of our local communities. They em…
date: 2024-08-12T17:45:00+00:00

Torres Strait: School Infrastructure | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: I rise today to highlight the substandard education and wellbeing of our young students in the Torres Strait region. Tagai secondary college on Thursday Island is currently in a deplorable...
encoded: I rise today to highlight the substandard education and wellbeing of our young students in the Torres Strait region. Tagai secondary college on Thursday Island is currently in a deplorable condition. I personally attended the school during an unannounced, impromptu visit on 9 April. Without exaggeration, I can say I've seen Third World prisons in better conditions. It's truly shameful that the school has been left to fall into such an appalling state of disrepair. The classrooms are not only outdated; they are quite literally falling apart. Portions of the ceiling are collapsing, the roofs are leaking like sieves, and the black mould is so prevalent that it made my eyes burn after just a few minutes. The toilet facilities are atrocious. Several of the cubicles are screwed shut so that the kids can't even access them, and the others are without locks altogether. I understand that the Northern Peninsula Area State College in Bamaga is in an even worse condition, and I intend to visit them next time I'm in the area, to make a similar assessment. After my visit to Tagai I wrote to the Minister for Indigenous Australians and the Minister for Education, raising significant concerns and inviting them to the school, and asking them to intervene and to support the school. Unfortunately, to date I haven't even received a response to those letters. Since then a 14-year-old student from Tagai secondary college, Catherine Paton, took the initiative to write to state and federal ministers raising similar concerns and advocating for her school. She even provided her own photos to the ministers. The situation is not acceptable. It is deeply shameful. Neither the students nor the teachers should be subjected to such disgraceful conditions. We need immediate action across all levels of government to get it fixed without delay. This would never be allowed to happen anywhere else in Australia. There would be total outrage. So why is it acceptable for the only two high schools in the To…
date: 2024-08-12T10:37:00+00:00

Australian Red Cross: 110th Anniversary | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I am honoured to help celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Australian Red Cross. Since its founding on 13 August 1914, the Red Cross has been a pillar of support and compassion, providing...
encoded: I am honoured to help celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Australian Red Cross. Since its founding on 13 August 1914, the Red Cross has been a pillar of support and compassion, providing critical assistance during disasters and promoting dignity for all. In my electorate of Leichhardt, the Mossman branch has been an essential part of our community from the very beginning. They started 110 years ago as one of the founding branches. During Cyclone Jasper, earlier this year, they excelled in their efforts, providing vital relief for the Wujal Wujal community and the surrounding areas and ensuring that everyone had access to essential resources. The tireless work of the Mossman branch and the entire Red Cross network exemplifies the spirit of humanity and of service. As we mark this incredible milestone, we should acknowledge the dedication of the 16,000 members and volunteers who make the Red Cross's mission possible. I encourage everyone to support the Red Cross in whatever way they can. This milestone is as good a time as any to donate or volunteer, to help support the invaluable work of the Red Cross. Happy 110th birthday for tomorrow, Australian Red Cross. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to helping all those in need.
date: 2024-08-12T13:29:00+00:00

Petitions: Telecommunications | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I'd like to present petitions EN6025 and EN0611 from the Speewah community. The petitions read as follows— Speewah community is subject to continual and prolonged disruptions to...
encoded: I'd like to present petitions EN6025 and EN0611 from the Speewah community. The petitions read as follows— Speewah community is subject to continual and prolonged disruptions to telecommunications due to inadequacy of TELSTRA's battery supply at the Speewah exchange. Speewah, only 16km from Cairns, is an isolated tower with no alternate tower within reach due to terrain. In the event of loss of power, current battery capacity is a mere 59 minutes' maximum, after which community safety and business are compromised, with no internet or phone coverage, or power. Should a resident be taken ill or have an accident, there are no means of contacting emergency services. This is exacerbated after heavy rain or during cyclones, as all the creeks flood to the extent of being impassable, preventing either emergency or resident transport of the afflicted person. Our immense vulnerability was demonstrated during inundation following Cyclone Jasper. Businesses throughout the community are also profoundly impacted. Request: We therefore ask the House to : 1. Instruct the carrier TELSTRA CORPORATION to upgrade/increase the capacity of its battery supply at the Speewah exchange to provide at least 8 hours backup supply in the event of an electricity outage. This should occur before next cyclone season, ie November 2024. 2. Instruct the carrier TELSTRA CORPORATION, to provide an automated Emergency Power Plant (EPP) to power the said site once battery power is depleted, to allow charging of batteries and supply to the site in the event of extended outages, for example, cyclones. This should occur before the next cyclone season, ie prior to November 2024. from 37 citizens (Petition No. EN6205) Reasons: The Speewah community is subject to continual and prolonged disruptions to its telecommunications due to the inadequacy of the TELSTRA battery supply at the Speewah exchange. Speewah, only 16km from Cairns, is an isolated tower with no alternate tower within reach due to terrain. In the …
date: 2024-07-04T13:30:00+00:00

Leichhardt Electorate: Cape York Peninsula | Grievance Debate | House debates
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description: I rise tonight to address a matter of great significance for the people of Far North Queensland, the proposed UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Cape York Peninsula region. Queensland state and...
encoded: I rise tonight to address a matter of great significance for the people of Far North Queensland, the proposed UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Cape York Peninsula region. Queensland state and federal Labor governments have recently progressed the proposal, and I, along with many others, have great reservations about what might occur if they succeed in securing a World Heritage listing. Cape York is undeniably a treasure, rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is a landscape that demands respect and careful stewardship. It is a picturesque, wild country. Many Australians view it as a rite of passage to traverse the very tip of the northern point of the Australian continent. While the cape certainly warrants protection, the approach proposed by the government to enlist this region under the auspices of UNESCO is not only flawed but potentially detrimental to the communities that call it home. Firstly, consider the implication of this proposal on the rights and livelihoods of the traditional owners and the local residents. For decades Indigenous communities have fought tirelessly to reclaim and secure land rights. These efforts and struggles are now being undermined. Both state and federal Labor governments have effectively sidelined these communities in favour of an international body. They are ignoring their voices—from what I understand—arguably misleading them and diminishing their control on their ancestral lands. The proposal threatens to transform vast areas of the cape into zones primarily reserved for tourism. This might be fine for some areas, but it will undoubtedly restrict essential activities such as agriculture, development and mining, which many locals depend on for their livelihoods. The economic repercussions of such a limitation could be devastating, particularly for a region that thrives on the sustainable use of its natural resources. We must also remember that this proposal effectively hands over the judgement of these lands and its pr…
date: 2024-07-02T17:53:00+00:00

Alexandra Bay State School | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Alexandra Bay State School, in the Daintree Rainforest, near Cow Bay. It is a very small school and one which I visited previously. During my previous...
encoded: Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Alexandra Bay State School, in the Daintree Rainforest, near Cow Bay. It is a very small school and one which I visited previously. During my previous attendance it became very apparent to me that the kids were complete Lego fanatics. As the House should know, this region and this community has experienced some horrendous weather recently with Cyclone Jasper and the prolonged wet season. I thought it would be a good idea to bring a little bit of Lego cheer to the kids at Alexandra Bay State School. Between myself and the local Jabalbina Aboriginal Corporation we pooled together $700 for new Lego for the school. I also encouraged Channel Nine's Lego Masters program to get involved by contributing some set pieces and a special message from Brickman himself. Brickman challenged the kids to build their school out of Lego in under two hours. It was a fantastic morning and warmly received by the kids, staff, parents and all who had been through such a rough period. I thank all those that made it possible: principal Gavin Irvine; teacher Nicola Cox; Jabalbina CEO Joshua Paterson; Channel Nine, and Lego Masters producer Adrian Swift; and Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught himself. In closing, a message for Brickman himself: I understand the kids are well progressed in their 'build the school' challenge and are looking forward to your comprehensive assessment. It'll be on its way shortly, and we look forward to you making your own assessment.
date: 2024-06-25T13:33:00+00:00

Queensland: Office of the Public Guardian | Adjournment | House debates
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description: In recent months, I've been in receipt of several disturbing accounts from members of the public who have recounted their experiences with Queensland's Office of the Public Guardian. These...
encoded: In recent months, I've been in receipt of several disturbing accounts from members of the public who have recounted their experiences with Queensland's Office of the Public Guardian. These stories they've shared with me paint a deeply troubling picture of an organisation that, instead of safeguarding the vulnerable, appears to be exercising control and coercion, with an alarming lack of transparency and accountability. In all my years, I've never encountered a government-sanctioned entity that operates with such a veil of secrecy, acting seemingly as a law unto itself. This issue has been raised before. The public broadcaster, the ABC, on Four Corners, has previously published exposes on this very issue. But it seems that, in the years since this media attention, very little scrutiny has been applied and, accordingly, very little has changed. In fact, in my estimation, things have deteriorated even further. Last week, I issued a press release expressing my concern regarding the OPG's actions. While the release did not receive widespread media publication, it was shared amongst the very community who are suffering at the hands of the OPG. Since then, my office has been inundated with correspondence from individuals across Australia, sharing their harrowing experiences with guardianship authorities in the broader system, including the Public Trustee and the various state based tribunals and how they all interface. These accounts reveal a disturbing pattern of total overreach, where individuals under guardianship orders are isolated and find it impossible to regain control or where loved ones are entirely shut out. Shockingly, these guardianship authorities are quite willing and able to weaponise the financial resources of those under their control to quash any legal challenges, effectively silencing dissent and perpetuating their control. The OPG will readily sell property and other income-generating assets to fiercely defend its right to control this person's own lif…
date: 2024-05-30T12:41:00+00:00

Tourism Exceptional Assistance Grant | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: I rise on an issue affecting the tourism industry, particularly in the Port Douglas region in my electorate. It relates to the mishandling and apparent failure of the Tourism Exceptional...
encoded: I rise on an issue affecting the tourism industry, particularly in the Port Douglas region in my electorate. It relates to the mishandling and apparent failure of the Tourism Exceptional Assistance Grant following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Jasper. When Cyclone Jasper hit, it left behind a trail of destruction that severely impacted on our local tourism businesses. On face value, the grant initiative that was received and was aiming to address the impacts felt by the effectiveness in tourism was very well received; however, the administration of these grants, particularly concerning our region's tourism accommodation providers, has been nothing short of a bureaucratic debacle. It's come to light that the applications from these accommodation providers, while initially appearing to be fully compliant with the requirements, now have been unjustly rejected. These are real businesses who are struggling. These are real families who were encouraged to apply, who have invested time, considerable effort and significant financial resources into a lengthy application process. The industry has repeatedly raised concerns about this, but they've been met with a total lack of empathy from the Queensland minister for tourism and member for Cairns, Michael Healy. You'd think that having a tourism minister based in your own electorate would be advantageous. Minister Healy has proven himself time and time again to be both an ineffectual member of parliament and certainly an incompetent minister. This isn't about ticking boxes or filling in forms; it's about delivering on a promise for those in dire need. It's about the survival of an industry that forms the backbone of Far North Queensland's economy. It's about supporting an industry that Minister Healy was once himself a part of for many years prior to his election to the Queensland parliament. Unfortunately, it's an industry he now appears to be content to turn his back on. I wrote to Minister Healy on 18 April requesting h…
date: 2024-05-30T10:06:00+00:00

National Volunteer Week | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Last week was National Volunteer Week, and, on Friday 24 May, I had the distinct pleasure of attending and presenting the FNQ Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Novatel in Cairns. It was a...
encoded: Last week was National Volunteer Week, and, on Friday 24 May, I had the distinct pleasure of attending and presenting the FNQ Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Novatel in Cairns. It was a fabulous and well-attended evening where the community was able to come together and recognise those people and organisations who go the extra mile and give so generously of their time and their skills. I'd like to extend my congratulations to all the nominees and the finalists for this year's awards, and I'd like now to take the opportunity to recognise the winners in their respective categories. Precious Moyo won the Youth Changemaker award, Jim Ritchie won the Community Champion award, Elizabeth Groves won the Wisdom Warrior award, Dennis Winn won the Innovator Impact award, Deborah Pergolotti won the Legacy Builder award, Allison Worrel won the Excellence in Volunteer Management award and lastly OzHarvest received the Community Project Award for their market rescue team's efforts. Every week they rescue food from Rusty's Markets that would otherwise go into landfill. It's packed, refrigerated and given away to local charities. I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate FNQ Volunteers, who were the organisers of this event. It was a great success, and I once again give a big thankyou to all the volunteers across our region for all the outstanding work they do. They certainly make a difference.
date: 2024-05-29T13:41:00+00:00

Gilmore, Mr Thomas John George, OAM | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I rise with great sadness to speak on the passing of one of Far North Queensland's finest. We lost a stalwart of public service and a true son of Mareeba, Mr Tom Gilmore OAM. His passing not only...
encoded: I rise with great sadness to speak on the passing of one of Far North Queensland's finest. We lost a stalwart of public service and a true son of Mareeba, Mr Tom Gilmore OAM. His passing not only leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him but also marks the end of an era of dedicated community service that is rare to behold. Tom was more than a political figure; he was an icon and a true leader. Born and raised in Mareeba, Tom's journey from local council through to the Queensland parliament and back into the mayor's office is a testament to his unwavering dedication to our region. What set Tom apart was not just his political acumen but his genuine love for the people and the land that he represented. He was a man who valued family, community and service above all else. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Sally, his daughters, Elisa and Catherine, and the broader Gilmore family and their friends. Tom will be remembered not just as a fine public servant but as a true friend, a mentor, a dedicated visionary and a proud Far North Queenslander. Vale, Tom Gilmore. Thank you for your service and your friendship. You will be sorely missed.
date: 2024-03-19T13:50:00+00:00