Jane Prentice's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Morrison Government | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, will you please advise the House how this government has delivered on its promises to the Australian people?
Valedictory | Parliamentary Representation | House debates
How do you judge the contribution that you have made in this place? It is not by numerical standards, such as the number of speeches, or by the rank you attain or, indeed, whether you table the...
How do you judge the contribution that you have made in this place? It is not by numerical standards, such as the number of speeches, or by the rank you attain or, indeed, whether you table the world's largest petition or deliver the first speech in sign language—both of which I have done. Nor is it by column inches, by the power you accrue, by the power that you or your faction attains or, indeed, the success of your political party. All of these things may be achieved, but real results can only be measured by their impact on people and on our nation, and, may I say, are best judged by others. First, let me acknowledge the honour and responsibility the electors of Ryan granted me. From a national population of now more than 25 million, they elected me to be one of only 150 Australian citizens entrusted to serve in the House of Representatives. As the 31st female coalition member elected to the House of Representatives from Queensland, and only the sixth Queensland female coalition government minister since Federation, some 118 years ago, I feel immense pride in having served my constituents and my nation. Almost nine years ago I stood in this place, although on the other side of the chamber, next to my friend and colleague the member for Bennelong, as I do today, to deliver my maiden speech. My principles and beliefs have not changed since I first joined the Liberal Party as a junior member in 1968. I believe in the individual and that by empowering the individual we will unlock the potential of our society. I believe in maximising individual rights and minimising government intervention in the marketplace. That is why I sought election in the first place, to serve the people of Ryan. With election comes enormous responsibility: a responsibility to make decisions in the best interests of all Australians and our nation. It sounds dramatic, doesn't it? And so it is. At a time when people are disillusioned with mainstream politics and are tempted by demagogues and at a time when people, particularly younger Australians, are no longer joining political parties, it is important that they know that we do seek to govern in their best interests—that we do not regard politics as a winner-takes-all contest, with the winner being a major party and not the people of Australia. I came to this place from years of real experience: raising a family, building one of Queensland's largest event management companies and, then, spending 10 years as a Brisbane City councillor. My business experience taught me the importance of a strong economy, that you are only as good as your staff and that our economy depends on successful businesses. I digress briefly to congratulate the government for delivering an outstanding budget for all Australians last night. As the Treasurer said, small businesses are integral to every local community. My experience also taught me that individuals are the cornerstone of our economy, be they staff or employers. So, what does this mean to my role as a member? It means that I cannot be a mere delegate for my party. I must exercise my judgement in this place, in my party room and in my community. My time as a councillor on the Brisbane City Council reinforced the importance of people in communities when it comes to achieving outcomes. While I can lay claim to significant achievements, there is nothing quite as rewarding as helping an individual, a family or a community group. As I have said many times in this place, we are so fortunate in Ryan to benefit from the invaluable contribution of so many dedicated volunteers. Federal government is an unwieldy beast and frustratingly slow when it comes to getting things done. I reflect on the many cases where I, and others alike, have raised the need for change. Years later, we are still working our way through committees, reviews and consultants. We must do better. We must, as a parliament, recognise that delays in this place ultimately limit the ability of ordinary Australians to conduct their daily lives and achieve their aspirations. Every day, as the member for Ryan I have fought to deliver local projects as well as funding for medical and other research at the University of Queensland. UQ has delivered world leaders in Professor Ian Frazer with his human papillomavirus vaccine, Mark Kendall and the Nanopatch, and, most recently, Katie Schroder and her research into a cure for Parkinson's disease, to name just a few. Indeed, the University of Queensland is in the top 10 in the world for commercialisation—the only university in Australia. There are a number of issues that have occupied my time in federal parliament. Of all portfolios, the area of disability services highlights our responsibility to help the most vulnerable in our community. I thank Malcolm Turnbull for his trust and confidence in appointing me as Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services. The National Disability Insurance Scheme has the potential to deliver, but it is crucial that we get it right sooner rather than later. The reason the NDIS is needed is the very reason it is so difficult to deliver: everyone is different and requires complex support services. Time-consuming and challenging, it is also a remarkable example of what a bipartisan approach can bring to our political discourse. However, it is still a work in progress and a massive task, with much to be done. The potential rewards are life-changing for Australia's most vulnerable, who are least able to support themselves. I am disappointed that I did not get to finish the job, but I appreciated the opportunity to meet so many amazing people with challenges in their lives far greater than I hope to ever face. It does put things into perspective at times. In my first speech, I spoke about defence. I did so from a background of my great-grandfather, Sir George Pearce, Australia's longest serving defence minister; my late father, Alan Righetti, a World War II fighter pilot and a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III; and my son, a serving soldier. I thank former senator the late Russell Trood for his advice and encouragement to participate in the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program. As a result, I have been privileged to join the dedicated service men and women of our ADF every year on a variety of activities and exercises—from Talisman Sabre to Pitch Black to high altitude training on Black Hawks in PNG to RIMPAC in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and most recently with the 1st Signal Regiment at Gallipoli Barracks. My visit to Afghanistan was both confronting and rewarding. It provided me with a firsthand insight into the numerous challenges facing our troops. These observations, whether in peace or war, could never be achieved with even the most detailed briefings or white papers. I strongly recommend the ADF Parliamentary Program to all my colleagues. In an increasingly challenging region where international law is sometimes ignored, the importance of our Defence Force cannot be underestimated. As I have said before, we must not take our Pacific neighbours for granted. We must work with them to strengthen our region. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, the member for Curtin bolstered ties and directed our aid to focus on support for the empowerment of women and girls, and for health and education. And I congratulate the Prime Minister and Senator Payne on the announcement of the $2 billion Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. But we cannot rest; there is still so much more needed. And we must work smarter. There are, for example, outstanding NGOs such as the remarkable YWAM and the community ranger program organised by the wife of the member for Leichhardt. Other NGOs should take a leaf out of their books—practical, hands-on services where they are most needed. I am often torn when I hear and see the inconsistency of approaches in the Pacific by some well-meaning NGOs. This is not to say that their intentions are flawed, but we could achieve so much more by everyone working together. Australia's role in the Pacific has long been a beacon, a friend, and a neighbour who can be called upon at any time. The clear message to our Pacific neighbours is: we have your back. But as a friend our relationship can also be strengthened through the provision of accurate and timely reporting of current affairs that affect our region. This in turn leads me to call for the reinstatement of the DFAT Australia Network contract for the ABC's Asia-Pacific broadcasting services. The ABC has a charter obligation to provide international services. This is best achieved by having in situ correspondents in our region to report and engage directly. Sean Dorney was a quintessential ABC correspondent who worked for decades to inform Australians. Whilst Brexit and President Trump have dominated our headlines every morning for more than a year, Australians are genuinely interested in our near neighbours. It is of the utmost importance that honest reporting and news services are afforded to the people of the Pacific. We need to replicate Sean's inspiring independent journalism. As part of the Asia-Pacific family, we are always ready to support our neighbours through the tough times. But we also need to speak up when our friends do the wrong thing. We cannot continue to ignore the human rights abuses in West Papua—indeed, what history will regard as genocide on our very doorstep. As President Obama said so well when he addressed a joint parliamentary session in this chamber: As two global partners, we stand up for the security and dignity of people around the world. … … … We stand for an international order in which the rights and responsibilities of all nations and people are upheld. … … … Every nation will chart its own course. Yet it is also true that certain rights are universal … … … … … as two great democracies, we speak up for these freedoms when they are threatened. We partner with emerging democracies, like Indonesia, to help strengthen the institutions upon which good governance depends. … … … This is the future we seek in the Asia Pacific—security, prosperity and dignity for all. As with our politics, our nation is built on a remarkable history—history not always well recorded. In 2010, the great promoter of the Dig Tree, Dr Denver Beanland of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland, encouraged me to take an interest in the National Archives. I have been honoured to represent the coalition on their advisory council for the last eight years and have served with some remarkable colleagues from all over Australia who are committed to preserving the history and records of our country. Whilst we trust and rely on the National Archives to store the memory of our nation, we must support and fund them in the new digital age. The digitisation of World War II records is in great demand. But it doesn't happen by magic, and there are many other records urgently requiring restoration before we lose them forever. The National Archives, a foundation institution, must be supported. Clearly, I am disappointed to be leaving in this way. Contrary to misleading stories at the time, there was no deal. Impatient ambition, treachery and lies are now more than ever part of our political fabric. For the only response to be, 'Oh, come on, that's politics,' is actually very sad. It is also sad that we are increasingly seeing candidates and elected members whose primary focus is not a desire to serve their communities but to serve themselves. Personal ambition seems to be replacing an ambition for our nation. As Jimi Hendrix, of all people, said, 'We won't start to do better until we turn the love of power into the power of love.' We need members who understand what it is to start and run a business—representatives like the member for Forrest and the member for Hinkler, who know what it is to put their livelihoods on the line. As the Treasurer said last night, like so many small-business owners, they know what it is to start early and finish late—people who manage the front desk and the back office, people who pay their workers first and their wages last. We need members who understand small-business owners, whose families also go without. And the coalition last night delivered for these people in the budget. We need members who understand that every new piece of legislation invariably introduces yet more regulation and red tape that strangles and chokes enterprise and entrepreneurship. Good government is not about politicians; it is about the people we represent. When government fails, the most vulnerable in our society suffer. There is a growing distrust and cynicism in our community when it comes to politics, a frustration made worse by internal division. There is a yearning for the clarity and unity of John Howard's broad church. In this place we should not be constrained by short-term political necessity. It is, in essence, the responsibility of this place to govern for the longer-term betterment of Australia. There are so many people I wish to thank—people who inspired me, people whose wise counsel was so necessary when my heart would overrule common sense and people who, by necessity, were so often the interface between me and my electors. I recognise my colleagues on both sides of the House and in the other place. While we often take a swipe at one another and interject across the chamber, we remain committed to our constituencies. Our views, policy and political beliefs are often at odds with one another, but we do find similarities in our equally important commitment to doing the right thing. Let me not forget my appreciation for the work of the press gallery, which includes many friends. Every member in this place is supported by a range of both personal and parliamentary staff. As I said previously, a member is only as good as the team that supports them. I want to place on record my appreciation to the many dedicated workers in this building, who ensure everything runs smoothly and who support our many demands and idiosyncrasies. I thank the Clerk and the Serjeant-at-Arms and their officers and, indeed, all the parliamentary staff. Most importantly, I want to pay tribute to my staff. I would like to recognise the contributions of all those who have worked in the many capacities, both paid and voluntary, needed to facilitate my time as both the Member for Ryan and the Assistant Minister for Disability Services. To all my staff past and present: thank you. Your support and guidance, even when I wandered off track on occasion, was invaluable. We had many robust discussions and disagreements, but your input was essential. There are too many to mention individually today, but I will single out those here in the chamber—my first staffer, the forensic Luke Barnes; the ever tolerant Tristan Bick; and my long-serving manager, Christine Cahill, who has been an integral part of my office. I also thank my ministerial staff for their tremendous support in a challenging portfolio—David, Tony, Annabel, Michael, Ruth and Rohan. And I give a special call out to Max. I believe I have done my best for my constituents and for my nation. I must thank my constituents and the wider Ryan community for their trust and support through these past nine years. To those who have reached out since my preselection: thank you for your kind words of support. And, finally, my family: in a job that involves the complex life of a public figure, in this case a member of parliament, family is both support network and a haven from the slings and arrows of outrageous social media fortunes. Like all families, we've had our challenges during these years. I have lost my father and my mother-in-law. My sister survived a life-threatening health challenge. On the upside, I have gained a wonderful daughter-in-law, two fabulous grandchildren and, in keeping with the idiom of 'if you want a friend in politics', two fur family members of the kelpie variety—Rocky and Nyssa. Ian, Mum, Caitlin, George and Eboney, Katy and Peter: thank you for your unconditional love and for the backup. Zara and William: Nonna hopes that you will continue to believe that your Parliament House is a very special place and that one day you might carry on the tradition of service, gifted to you by five generations of your family, beginning with the very first parliament of our nation.
Wheelchair Tennis | Statements by Members | House debates
This year at the Brisbane International, I was delighted to also be a spectator for the Festival of Wheelchair Tennis. This festival, funded by the government, included ‘come and try'...
This year at the Brisbane International, I was delighted to also be a spectator for the Festival of Wheelchair Tennis. This festival, funded by the government, included ‘come and try' sessions, an exhibition with Dylan Alcott and Heath Davidson and competitive matches involving several elite players. The competition saw six of the top 20 internationally ranked players compete in a doubles tournament. Along with more than 16,000 people who came through the gates during the two days of play, I had a wonderful time watching these talented athletes, and I look forward to seeing continued growth of this format of tennis in Australia. With the ATP World Team Cup coming to Brisbane in 2020, Tennis Queensland will again look to build on the 2019 wheelchair tennis event by engaging a larger playing field, and this time include a women's tournament and provide more community engagement opportunities for coaches, clubs and other stakeholders. The 2020 tournament will also launch the international wheelchair tennis calendar, providing a great lead-in to the Australian Open and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. We all know the fundamental importance of sport to the health and wellbeing of a community, and I congratulate Tennis Queensland and Tennis Australia on their determination to make tennis a sport for all abilities.
Beyond the Broncos Mentoring Program | Constituency Statements | House debates
Justin Hodges, Scott Prince and Jharal Yow Yeh are names you may have heard roared in Rugby League matches throughout Australia. But you mightn't know that they are also ambassadors for the...
Justin Hodges, Scott Prince and Jharal Yow Yeh are names you may have heard roared in Rugby League matches throughout Australia. But you mightn't know that they are also ambassadors for the Beyond the Broncos Mentoring Program. This program, which is also supported by the Australian government, aims to improve school attendance rates and year 12 attainment rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in eight high schools across Brisbane. Improving educational outcomes will lead to greater achievements in their education and offer increased opportunities for their future careers. A dedicated team of Broncos Indigenous staff provide one-on-one mentoring support, encouragement and motivation for students to achieve maximum school attendance, effort and behaviour and to complete year 12. This year, the program supports approximately 250 students in years 10 to 12. For example, at one of the most disadvantaged schools in which the program operates, the attendance rate for Indigenous students has improved from 73 per cent to more than 90 per cent. The Broncos also offer a girls academy, which values the vital role that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women play in influencing the next generation and provides culturally based support for these future leaders to succeed at school and beyond. Forty-two per cent of the 637 enrolments in this part of the program have a 90 per cent attendance rate. This program would not be the success it is today without the dedication and passion of the mentors and support staff. With 29 staff, 25 of whom are Indigenous, and more than 32,000 hours of mentoring, it is, in my opinion, worthy to recognise the tremendous input they have to the success of each and every student. Since 2010, there have been more than 3,000 Indigenous youths supported through weekly mentoring across Queensland. Features of the Beyond the Broncos program include: weekly in-school mentoring and support from the Brisbane Broncos support officers; semester challenges and rewards for attendance, effort, behaviour and achievement; group presentations on topics including culture, lifestyle and careers; support for completing year 12 and developing career pathway plans; and exclusive access to Brisbane Broncos staff, players, facilities and events. I was recently delighted to attend and join with participating students at Mitchelton State High School. I believe that this program is vital in leading the way to closing the gap, and it was encouraging to see the enthusiasm students had during the activities. The Broncos' on-field impact might be felt by opposing players, but the profound impact they have on the enrichment and improvement of Indigenous students' lives is immense. Congratulations to everyone who's involved, and I look forward to attending your future graduation! A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 10 : 35 to 10 : 48
National Security | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs: Will the minister please update the House on the importance of strong and consistent border protection measures? Is the minister aware of any...
My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs: Will the minister please update the House on the importance of strong and consistent border protection measures? Is the minister aware of any alternative approaches that would weaken Australia's borders and put lives at risk?
I move: That the Federation Chamber do now adjourn. Question agreed to. Federation Chamber adjourned at 19:29
Ryan Electorate: Infrastructure | Grievance Debate | House debates
The leafy western suburbs of Brisbane have always offered an idyllic lifestyle for growing families. With bushland, acreage and parkland in close proximity to the CBD, the allure of Brisbane's...
The leafy western suburbs of Brisbane have always offered an idyllic lifestyle for growing families. With bushland, acreage and parkland in close proximity to the CBD, the allure of Brisbane's western region has continued to increase year on year. From pineapple farms in Moggill to the rolling hills of bushland between Brookfield, The Gap and Upper Kedron, our end of town has seen substantial change over the last 40 years. We all know that increases in population density mean more cars, more traffic, more school-age children, a greater demand on resources and infrastructure—and the list goes on. While the northern suburbs have had upgrades to roads, trains and schools, the south-western part of Ryan has long suffered a lack of investment by successive governments. While you may well think that I speak of the plight which urban sprawl has brought to the western suburbs, it is more that I describe an increasing population which outpaces the capacity and growth of existing infrastructure. As a government, we are already delivering billions of dollars of funding for congestion-busting roads and rail projects. As the Prime Minister said recently, we want people to get home sooner and have dinner as a family. We want tradies to spend less time on the road and more time at the worksite. For some, it might be a few extra minutes in bed each morning before their daily commute to work or school. Queensland, and specifically South-East Queensland, needs updated infrastructure, schools, water storage and health facilities to ensure that our state remains a major tourist destination and, importantly, one of the world's premier locations to live, work and raise a family. In short, we need a strategic plan and a commitment to deliver it. Successive Labor state and federal governments have neglected the hardworking taxpayers and residents of the western suburbs of Brisbane. From the era of Goss, Beattie and Bligh to the current tyranny of Palaszczuk and Trad, Brisbane's western suburbs have certainly not maintained infrastructure spends at the pace of other, less densely populated areas. Long-term planning is absolutely essential to ensure that Australia identifies and protects the land required for the infrastructure that we will all need in order to meet the increasing demand on our transport and other systems and networks that results from a growing population and a growing freight need. I'd like to use this opportunity to speak about the need for increased and better infrastructure spends on roads, schools, new bridges and bridge upgrades, just to name a few. I start by raising with the House the travesty known as Moggill Road, the mere thought of which has me dreading that hour-long, only eight-kilometre commute from my home to the office. Day in and day out, this major road for those travelling to and from Brisbane's CBD is almost reminiscent of Sydney's peak-hour gridlock. We must remember that road transport infrastructure is critical to sustaining Australian communities, growing our strong economy and improving our international competitiveness. Time spent sitting in traffic would be better spent making a contribution to business, society and family. The economic impact of peak-hour chaos is detrimental to positive economic impacts. Back in 2007, the Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics undertook a study and forecast that the avoidable social costs of congestion will rise to more than $20 billion by 2020. That's now just one year away. Along with Dr Christian Rowan MP, the state member for Moggill, I have discussed at length and engaged with local road users to determine some short- and long-term positive places of investment to alleviate and futureproof congestion issues—for example, the Kenmore roundabout, to reduce congestion and bottlenecks and increase the flow. Moggill Road between the Kenmore roundabout and Kilkivan Avenue needs to add an outbound lane at Our Lady of the Rosary School to make two lanes each way. Bellbowrie needs a traffic or green bridge over the river from Weekes Road to allow for buses to travel to Bellbowrie and residents to get to the Darra or Wacol train stations. There is upgrading the Centenary bridges and adding lane capacity to the Western Freeway and the Centenary Motorway. Then there is the highly controversial Kenmore Bypass. With land already allotted and designs formulated, this bypass has long been a justifiable option. It is not just about increasing Brisbane's western transport network; it is about strategy and forethought to ensure new and updated infrastructure has the capacity and ability to cope over the longer term. Unlike the lazy Labor governments, the coalition government is responding to the needs of the economy by building infrastructure that will drive economic growth, create jobs and improve productivity. But we do need a strategic plan. We need all levels of government to be involved and we need community consultation. We need to plan not for now, not for next year, but for future generations. We need a vision and a long-term plan—and then we need to fund it and stick to it. At a time when the coalition government is giving record funding for education, the western suburbs of Brisbane are crying out for a new school. I have long advocated for the construction of a P-12 in the Pinjarra Hills area of the Ryan electorate. Every school within a 10-kilometre radius of this area is already at capacity. If our part of Brisbane maintains its demographic trends, the requirement for more schools is a must. Since becoming the federal member in 2010, I have time and time again heard from local residents who are forced to send their children to schools as far away as Ipswich, or to private schools, because of limited capacity nearer to home and local schools that cannot cater. Kenmore State High School more than serviced the local catchment when it was built in the 1970s but, since then, it has grown to a point where it is now bursting at the seams. We cannot risk our future generations' scholastic aspirations merely because of inadequate school infrastructure. Again, we have a classic bottleneck scenario here, with more than 10 primary schools in the district feeding into Kenmore State High School. If primary schools within the catchment are continuing to grow, the problem is blatantly obvious. Previously, students from the local school catchment would choose Kenmore State High School for their senior education. It was a close social community and, importantly, it was convenient for local parents. Unfortunately, with more than 10 local schools currently feeding into this one high school, the option is becoming unviable. Again, successive state Labor governments have approved development plans for new housing estates in the area but refuse to acknowledge the need for the resulting infrastructure. The old University of Queensland vet school site at Pinjarra Hills, I believe, offers a prime location for the construction of a new school. With direct access from public transport and close proximity to the now populated areas of Moggill, Bellbowrie, Karana Downs and Mount Crosby, this location could very well be the solution. While we can blame the significant neglect on successive Labor governments in Queensland—and, indeed, I do—I also believe actions speak louder than words. I use this opportunity to support the commencement of a scoping study to demonstrate our commitment and determination to offer a solution to long identified challenges. Along with my coalition colleagues, I have remain committed to the betterment of infrastructure in our respective communities. Only a strong economy and responsive fiscal policy can provide significant investment in infrastructure, as evidenced by the recent South-East Queensland City Deal. Having persisted with the slow flow of traffic on Moggill Road, the lack of state government action on a new high school in the area or even the desire to add another bridge across the Brisbane River, I believe only this coalition government has the courage and budgetary position to invest in desperately needed infrastructure to revitalise Brisbane's western suburbs. Strategic investment will transform infrastructure across the country and lay the foundations for future growth. The coalition government is responding to the needs of South-East Queensland by providing investment that will drive economic growth, create jobs and improve productivity, ultimately enhancing local residents' lives and their future generations.
My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. Will the minister please update the House on the importance of strong and consistent border protection policies. And is the minister aware of any...
My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. Will the minister please update the House on the importance of strong and consistent border protection policies. And is the minister aware of any challenges to the integrity of Australia's borders?
Ryan Electorate: Bardon Latrobe Football Club | Statements by Members | House debates
The coalition government recognises that grassroots sporting clubs help to drive increased participation and promote the social health and community benefits of physical activity and sport. No...
The coalition government recognises that grassroots sporting clubs help to drive increased participation and promote the social health and community benefits of physical activity and sport. No truer can this be than for the many local sporting organisations in the Ryan electorate. Bardon Latrobe Football Club, located at Bowman Park, has centuries worth of history. In recent years, the club has seen an increase in growth and participation, but, to cater for this, they require some upgrades to their facilities. This, as we know, places a significant financial burden on small community clubs, which are often stretched at the best of times. The Bardon Latrobe Football Club is now the successful recipient of $500,000 worth of funding as part of the coalition government's Community Sport Infrastructure grants program. Phil Cowlishaw, the club's president, was delighted when I phoned him with this fantastic news. He said these funds will be used to build new unisex change room facilities. The club was also successful in securing $15,000 through the Stronger Communities Program to upgrade their kitchen and canteen facilities. Congratulations again to Bardon Latrobe Football Club. I'm pleased and proud to have been able to support you and your dedicated team of volunteers, and look forward to your continued growth.
Tuberculosis | Private Members' Business | House debates
To echo the words of the member for Leichhardt: it is a tragedy that, despite tuberculosis, TB, being a preventable and curable disease, 10 million people on this planet contract it every year,...
To echo the words of the member for Leichhardt: it is a tragedy that, despite tuberculosis, TB, being a preventable and curable disease, 10 million people on this planet contract it every year, and of those about 1.6 million die. I thank the member for Leichhardt for bringing this issue to the parliament again. The member for Leichhardt shares my interest and passion for Papua New Guinea and our Pacific neighbours, but he also shares another determination: the eradication of TB. It is important that we recognise this disease for what it is: insidious. That is why 24 March, World Tuberculosis Day, raises awareness about an illness that affects many of our nearby neighbours. Designated by the World Health Organization, this event marks the anniversary of the 1882 discovery by German Nobel laureate Dr Robert Koch of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. This important annual event is an initiative which acknowledges that a very preventable and treatable disease still claims the lives of more than 1½ million people every year. Tuberculosis has been all but eradicated in developed countries; however, it remains a major global health problem in most developing countries. Twelve of the world's 30 highest TB-burden countries are located in our region. These countries account for nearly half of all cases of drug-resistant TB and TB deaths worldwide. Our closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, experiences one of the highest rates of this highly contagious and airborne disease in the Pacific: 432 cases per 100,000 people. Australia does not escape the impact, with more than 1,000 cases reported each year. TB has no respect for country borders, and the presence of TB in our region, particularly in PNG, is a significant health threat to Australian residents. In 2015, Papua New Guinea was struck with an estimated 33,000 cases of tuberculosis. To put that into perspective, that is equivalent to the population of the city of Gladstone, Queensland. Treatment of this disease is not without challenges, especially for those who live in remote regions like Papua New Guinea. The standard short-course TB therapy is six months in length. This involves 28 pills each week. However, for patients with drug-resistant TB, treatment is considerably longer: 20 pills a day, plus injections for three years. Currently, more than one-third of the world's population is infected, five to 10 per cent of whom become sick or infectious at some time during their life. The case for early prevention and targeted strategies is very strong, as infectious sufferers on average will infect between 10 and 15 others each year, contributing to the pandemic nature of this disease. We do know that a person may be infected with TB bacilli in the dormant stage for many years, ultimately having active symptoms when the immune system is weakened. Even with the aid of modern medicines and technology, not all cases can be successfully treated. This very concerning position means that there are strains of TB which are resistant to all of the major anti-TB drugs we currently have at our disposal. The prevalence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis continues to increase worldwide. The World Health Organization's End TB Strategy was endorsed by all member states at the 2014 World Health Assembly, and aims to end the tuberculosis epidemic by 2035, with full elimination by 2050. In 2018, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, announced that four product development partnerships would receive $75 million in new medical research funding from 2018 to 2022, two of which will focus on TB. This funding will be used to accelerate the development and adoption of better diagnostic tools and testing protocols for TB, and research new TB drugs and treatment regimes, including drug-resistant TB. I segue to YWAM medical ships, which have joined the fight by helping to improve access to diagnosis and treatment in PNG's rural areas. They have continued to provide health services to villages and health workers in very remote parts of PNG. And the Australian government is continuing to work towards combatting the challenge of tuberculosis in the region and the need for discovery, development and rapid uptake of new tools, interventions and strategies to achieve this goal. I acknowledge the work being undertaken by organisations like Burnet Institute and the Global Fund in partnership with the PNG government and the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre. We need to work together and pool our research. To continue the fight against tuberculosis, I call for a heightened commitment as a country to increase our efforts to fight this crippling disease. I commend this motion to the House.
Domestic and Family Violence | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and the Minister for Women. Will the minister please update the House on how the government is acting to keep vulnerable women and...
My question is to the Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and the Minister for Women. Will the minister please update the House on how the government is acting to keep vulnerable women and children safe, including through our humanitarian programs?
Dividend Imputation | Statements by Members | House debates
It is now obvious to all Australians that Labor are passionate about wreaking havoc on our very way of life. They are determined to grab your hard-earned money. Consider the 900,000 Australians...
It is now obvious to all Australians that Labor are passionate about wreaking havoc on our very way of life. They are determined to grab your hard-earned money. Consider the 900,000 Australians impacted by Labor's proposed retiree tax. That is almost one million Australian retirees who will lose approximately $2,200, on average, per year. Almost 200,000 self-funded retirees stand to lose, on average, around $12,000 per year. At a recent public hearing of the Standing Committee on Economics in Brisbane, attendees were not backward in their criticism of this predatory policy. For those who are in transition to retirement, newly retired or well established in their later years, the committee heard about the significant financial impost Labor's policy would have on their way of life. The Cancer Council, which shared the sentiment of many other charities, voiced their concerns about the ability of retirees to make much-needed donations. With less income as a result of Labor's ill-thought-out policy, retirees will soon reduce their donations. If Labor and their union bosses ever again govern our country, retirees' financial security is at risk. As one submitter, Noel, said, 'This is a cruel and unfair grab for tax.' Same old Labor: more taxes and higher taxes.'
Volunteers | Adjournment | House debates
Their work is done day in and day out, week in and week out, every month of every year, without asking for recognition or special awards. They do not seek any benefits other than knowing that...
Their work is done day in and day out, week in and week out, every month of every year, without asking for recognition or special awards. They do not seek any benefits other than knowing that they have made a positive contribution to our community. I am talking about volunteers. Volunteers turn a suburb into a community. However, the vast majority of our volunteers rarely seek acknowledgement for their services and are often amongst our most humble and modest citizens. I take this opportunity to thank and pay tribute to all of our volunteers. Please know that we do notice your efforts and your communities do recognise the invaluable role you play to make others' lives richer and better. In Queensland, 18.8 per cent, or more than 714,000 Queenslanders, volunteer. Contributing more than 133 million hours of work annually, it is estimated that Queensland volunteers' worth to the state's economy is more than $11 billion. But it's not all about the money. Many volunteers feel what is colloquially known as a helper's high when directly helping others. In my electorate of Ryan, I have always been delighted to participate in a diverse range of volunteer organisations that all add to our community cohesion. Take, for example, the many volunteers who make Scouts Queensland the success it is today. As chairman of the Brisbane North Region Scouts, I take great pride in the efforts of everyone who involves themselves to make this such an outstanding movement. I pay particular appreciation to the Queensland commissioner, Daryl Scott, who is always prepared to go that extra step to ensure that this nurturing organisation continues to train and prepare our future leaders. Let me also mention the work of volunteers at our many RSLs. From their advocacy services to their camaraderie and their reach into the wider community, I know that my local RSL members are aware of the deep appreciation we have for their continued work. Local environmental groups throughout the Ryan electorate remain pivotal to the success of so many community programs. I regret that I don't have more time to attend all of the various activities. Many thanks must go in particular to the Brisbane West Conservation Network, Save Our Waterways Now, THECA and the Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network. There are too many environmental groups for me to thank in one speech, but I can say to all of them: congratulations and thank you for greening and protecting our local community. Rotary, Probus and the CWA are volunteer groups that continue to achieve both internationally and locally for those who are less fortunate. I would also like to acknowledge the work of my Zonta club, which continues to pursue our goal to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Zonta Club of Brisbane North celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018. I know that it will remain a leading advocate for women's rights and ensure equality and a life free of violence for all women for many years to come. Sadly, there is still so much to overcome. Approximately 15,000 volunteers in Queensland deliver 1.9 million meals a year to more than 11,500 people, with a wide variety of support needs, through Meals on Wheels. Independence is something we all value and is made all the more possible for many through this wonderful service. I want to recognise and say thank you to all the volunteers who make it more than just a meal. Whether it is a flood, a fire or a cyclone, Australians are the best in the world for volunteering in trying and challenging times. We all know of the vital and important community support provided by our police, fire and ambulance services, and for this we are truly grateful. But I would like to pay tribute and thanks to our Queensland State Emergency Service, the SES. With approximate 6,000 unpaid active members, the SES empowers people to help themselves and others in their communities during times of emergency and disaster, a concept of self-help and mutual assistance. Too often we hear of an SES volunteer who has lost their own property to fire or flood while they were always helping others. It is this selfless determination to assist others during testing times that defines the principles of what it takes to be a volunteer. We are all guilty of being time-poor. However, I encourage everyone to consider their potential to volunteer. Everyone can make a difference.
Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the 10th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting | Delegation Reports | House debates
I present the report of the Australian parliamentary delegation to the 10th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting, ASEP10, held in Brussels from 27 to 28 September 2018.
Fiji: General Election | Constituency Statements | House debates
I would like to start by congratulating the people of Fiji on the success of their national election on 14 November, their second since the return to parliamentary democracy in September 2014....
I would like to start by congratulating the people of Fiji on the success of their national election on 14 November, their second since the return to parliamentary democracy in September 2014. Congratulations to Prime Minister Bainimarama on his re-election. It is also pleasing to note the increase in the number of women members of parliament. Ten weeks ago a multinational observer group was established at the invitation of the Fijian government to observe their 2018 Fijian general election. The MOG undertook a program of work, observing all key electoral processes and meeting a wide range of stakeholders. This was only possible through the hard work of the 25 long-term observers and MOG secretariat staff. I particularly thank Alice Cawte and her team. Overall the MOG consists of 77 observers from a range of countries, including Senators Ian Macdonald and Claire Moore from the Australian parliament. I was honoured to be a co-chair, along with Mukesh Sahu from India and His Excellency Wajid Fauzi from Indonesia. The findings of our interim report, handed down on 16 November, were formed through the systematic collection of information by all of our observers, who visited more than 460 polling stations on election day across all four divisions, and reflected a consolidated view of their observations and perspectives from prepolling and election day as well as the weeks preceding it. While the campaign was robust, election day was peaceful and free of any security incidents. The MOG was impressed by the professionalism and transparency of the Fijian Elections Office and their staff. The successful conduct of election day was a testament to this professionalism and their degree of preparation. While the counting process itself can be time-consuming, this is a result of the high numbers of checks and balances. All votes are counted by hand and by multiple election officials in the full view of party political agents, if they wish to observe. This means it is difficult for errors to occur and easy for observers and political party agents to follow. Voter information awareness campaigns since the last election have been extensive, and this led to a good level of understanding of how to cast a vote under the still relatively new electoral system. Despite voting being non-compulsory, there was a 71 per cent voter turn-out. Women participated actively as both candidates and voters, and there was a strong female representation in the administration of the election. The MOG's assessment was that the outcome reflected the will of Fijian voters and that they were able to exercise their right to vote freely. Integral to this result was the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the FEO. Most of all, I thank the Fijian people, including the communities, the chiefs, the turaga ni koro and the everyday people, for being so open to us with their views on the electoral system and for welcoming us so warmly.
My question is to the Attorney-General. Will the Attorney-General please update the House on the importance of strong and consistent border protection measures? Is the Attorney-General aware of...
My question is to the Attorney-General. Will the Attorney-General please update the House on the importance of strong and consistent border protection measures? Is the Attorney-General aware of alternative approaches that would put Australia's strong borders at risk?
Ryan Electorate: Christmas Card Competition | Statements by Members | House debates
At this special time of the year, I would like to thank the many students in Ryan who've contributed to the Christmas spirit. Ryan's annual Christmas Card Competition has recently been 'wrapped...
At this special time of the year, I would like to thank the many students in Ryan who've contributed to the Christmas spirit. Ryan's annual Christmas Card Competition has recently been 'wrapped up'. We had hundreds of entries from all across the electorate, and I must say that the standard was of a very high quality. Congratulations to the aptly named Eliza Claus, Jack Cahill and Felicity Enever, who, along with the runners-up, will have their work distributed to more than 100,000 locals as part of my 2019 calendar. A special thankyou to the community judges, who had such a hard job choosing the winners. In recent weeks, my office has also been overwhelmed by Australian Defence Force Christmas cards creatively decorated by local school students. Christmas for our deployed troops is often one of the most difficult times of the year. They will be far from home without their families, and it's important they know that we are all thinking of them. Students showed their appreciation by sending handmade cards for deployed service men and women. It is delightful to see the children so excited to be involved and giving back to the community. I thank the students, parents and teachers for their participation and their role in spreading selflessness and positivity throughout the community at this time.
Science | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question's to the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. Will the minister please update the House on how a stronger economy enables the government to support science and technology...
My question's to the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. Will the minister please update the House on how a stronger economy enables the government to support science and technology industries? And, Minister, how would a weaker economy, through higher taxes, put this investment at risk?
Veterans | Ministerial Statements | House debates
Veterans are one of the single most deserving groups within Australia today for it is their service that affords our country the democracy and freedom that we all so often take for granted. I...
Veterans are one of the single most deserving groups within Australia today for it is their service that affords our country the democracy and freedom that we all so often take for granted. I rise to acknowledge and support the minister's statement on the coalition government's commitment to Australian veterans. To commemorate, pay homage, preserve and protect the very lives and memories of our veterans signifies the gratitude we must all pay them. In this year, the 100th anniversary of Armistice, Australians must not be oblivious to the ultimate sacrifice made by fellow country men and women for whom duty and service are of paramount importance. Like other members in this place, I have many relatives, past and present, involved in the ADF. My father was a World War II veteran and also a prisoner of war. My son is a current serving member and my great-grandfather was Australia's longest serving Minister for Defence. With this family involvement, I know all too well the pressures on veterans, their families and the communities in which they live. I'm proud to be part of a government which is caring for Australia's defence personnel. With 58,000 Australians serving in our defence forces for an average of 8½ years, service men and women spend a significant portion of their career in service. On leaving, many veterans still have a working life ahead of them and a full contribution that they want to make in society. Assisting them to transition from defence to civilian life is a major adjustment. However, we must ensure that no-one falls through the cracks. With 320,000 veterans with deployment service in the Australian community, it should be clear to everyone that they deserve respect and dignity for their service, no matter whether it was in conflict or in peacetime. The Department of Veterans' Affairs will provide more than $11 billion in payments and services this year alone, including pensions, income support, compensation, health care, rehabilitation, counselling services—the list continues. I place on record my thanks to DVA, which I know offers an invaluable service, and my office can attest to their efficiency and effectiveness. Australia's veterans come from all walks of life, all ages and all races. No matter their background or their qualifications, they all share one value: the defence and preservation of Australia's freedom, democracy and safety. For this we must all be truly and eternally grateful. The work of the many veterans organisations throughout Australia is truly heartwarming. I would like to take this opportunity to place on record my admiration for the efforts of an organisation well known to many here, Wounded Heroes. Wounded Heroes Association is a national community organisation that was established in 2008 to provide first-response support services for deployed personnel, the wounded and their families. As an emergency crisis provider, Wounded Heroes offers short-term emergency relief payments to individuals and their families. This can mean turning the electricity back on or filling the fridge with food if the family is going through a challenging time. We all know that too often life behind closed doors is very different for many Australians suffering from physical and/or mental health issues. No closer to the truth could this be than for our veterans, who often bear the anguish and torment of deployments. These are not easy fixes, nor in many cases are they ever fixed, but as a government and society we can lessen the burden faced by our veteran community. I believe that we must also assist those who stand behind and support our veterans—their families and their children. The coalition recently announced that we will invest $7.6 million in the Kookaburra Kids defence program to boost their targeted support for children of ex-serving Defence Force members who are experiencing mental health issues due to their service. The Kookaburra Kids defence program was first supported by our government with a $2.1 million injection of funds in a pilot program in New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland and the Northern Territory for 569 children. This extra investment will see the program expand into Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia for 1,750 children. Any support that we can provide to Defence families, especially their children, is definitely a move in the right direction. Through my contact with the CEO of Wounded Heroes, Mr Martin Shaw, I have been told that a lot of emergency response goes to sufferers of PTSD. PTSD does not rest solely with the wounded hero. It also affects smaller heroes, the children, who so often bear the brunt of postdeployment issues. As the sole partner of Exercise Stone Pillow, a sleep-out that highlights the challenges faced by veterans and their families, Wounded Heroes sees firsthand the ease with which veterans fall prey to the physical and mental anguish of their service to our country. The unfortunate realisation is that for many homeless veterans their days are not so jovial and their existence is bleak. But, with the support of organisations like Wounded Heroes and Exercise Stone Pillow, a glimmer of hope can be seen. These days, support never seems to be too far away for our veterans; however, more needs to be done so that no-one falls through the cracks. I have mentioned before in the parliament the role our RSLs play in supporting returned service men and women. Gaythorne RSL, Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL, Kenmore-Moggill RSL, Toowong RSL and The Gap RSL represent the RSL's presence in my electorate of Ryan; however, countless other organisations across Australia demonstrate the immense pride amongst the Defence family. These organisations help provide support through their financial assistance to the defence community. They provide a local place of remembrance and significant importance to those who have served as well as to the newer generations. As a country, we should never forget those who came before us and fought to give us the Australia we know today. Public commemorations serve as an enduring reminder of the service of our brave Defence men and women, but we should remember their service irrespective of whether it is Anzac Day or Remembrance Day. The lost lives of sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, friends and neighbours who selflessly volunteered to defend the safety and democracy of our great nation will always be immortalised. Politics aside, I encourage all Australians to pay their respects to all three arms of the Australian Defence Force. These veterans past and present are our veterans, Australia's veterans, and heroes all. This Chamber must always remain indebted to the veterans in our communities and their families, some of whom stand among us in this building.
Woolley, Mr Bruce | Statements by Members | House debates
Fake news is cheap to produce, and too often genuine journalism is expensive. On this note, I rise to recognise Bruce Woolley, a highly respected foreign correspondent and lecturer at the...
Fake news is cheap to produce, and too often genuine journalism is expensive. On this note, I rise to recognise Bruce Woolley, a highly respected foreign correspondent and lecturer at the University of Queensland, who recently put down his pen and announced his retirement from January next year. Bruce's contribution to the University of Queensland during these past six years follows an extensive career in journalism and media. Bruce worked extensively for the ABC and their Canadian counterpart, the CBC. He won awards from the Australian Journalists Association and the New York Festivals, including gold and silver medals as well as the Best of the Festival Grand Award. Bruce has been instrumental in improving and reporting the intercultural communication in developing countries by actually taking his students to Indonesia, Vietnam and India. Importantly, Bruce has also been assisting students in finding employment post graduation. Bruce Woolley is a strong advocate for free press and was recognised by the University of Queensland with a teaching excellence award in 2017. Bruce may not be a household name synonymous with the investigative reporting that we hear about today, but he has been an integral part of UQ's fabric and, most importantly, has helped to develop so many emerging journalists who graduated from the university. I congratulate Bruce on his career, and I know the member for Moreton joins me in wishing him the best for his future endeavours.