Andrew Gee's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026, National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I will be supporting this legislation, the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 and the transitional provisions bill. Almost eight per...
I will be supporting this legislation, the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026 and the transitional provisions bill. Almost eight per cent of Calare's residents are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and I believe that the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People can make a very important contribution to closing the gap that still, disturbingly and, quite frankly, disgracefully, exists in so many different ways in this country. When the Prime Minister announced the establishment of the national commissioner, he noted that Indigenous children are almost 11 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Indigenous children. This must change. I think the establishment of the commission and the office of commissioner is squarely aimed at effecting this change. This can happen through identifying the issues, recommending solutions and ensuring that the government of the day is held to account for policy on Indigenous children and young people. We need this commission to succeed. Every year the parliament pauses to hear the annual update on Closing the Gap, and, yes, while progress is being made, last year only five of the 19 targets were on track to be met, in the modern, prosperous Australia that we live in. In 1965, Charlie Perkins and a group of young Australians got on a bus in Sydney and embarked on what became known as the Freedom Ride through western New South Wales. One of the places they stopped—in fact, I believe it was the first place they stopped—was Wellington, in our electorate of Calare. They went to Nanima Mission, now called Nanima village, and saw what were, in effect, shanty houses with earth floors and no running water. They saw discrimination—effectively apartheid—in the Australia of 1965. There was segregation in the cinemas, with separate seating for Indigenous Australians and a separate entry and exit as well. There was segregation in the hospital. Indigenous women were not allowed the same maternity services that non-Indigenous women were provided and could not have their children inside the hospital. I've heard accounts of being out on the verandah or even in a shed out the back. There was segregation at the pubs. There were pubs that would not allow Indigenous Australians to enter. Interestingly enough, I spoke to one of our local Indigenous representatives, who was a member of the Australian Army, and he told me that, even as late as the 1980s, when he and his mates came through Cowra in their army uniforms and stopped at a pub for a drink, he was refused entry. It's hard to believe but it happened. We've made significant progress on closing the gap since 1965, but the gap continues. It's still there. Reconciliation in this country is not complete and the work of the Freedom Riders in this country is not complete. The detention rate of young Indigenous Australians is 21 times higher than non-Indigenous young people. Sixty per cent of young people in detention are First Nations, which is three in five of those that are incarcerated. So this bill can be a very important driver of change, and that's why I'm supporting it. I've listened to what the opposition has said about this bill and I'm very disappointed by the negativity in their response. They criticise this bill, but they put forward no meaningful policies of their own. Perhaps that is to be expected, because quite frankly their performance over recent weeks almost amounts to an abrogation of their responsibilities as an opposition. They're totally self-absorbed in their own vainglorious grandstanding rather than coming up with meaningful policies that move this country forward. As I've said, there is still a lot of work to be done on moving reconciliation forward in this country. But, as I've said, this commission can be a very important step along that long and winding journey that this country is taking. So I would commend this legislation to the House and I would encourage the opposition to start taking a more constructive approach to not only Indigenous issues but many other issues that are affecting this country rather than focusing on themselves, which quite frankly is not resonating with the Australian people. They see through what you're doing and they are appalled by it. I commend this legislation to the House.
Calare Electorate: Infrastructure | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Since the days of the gold rush, our residents have been pushing for a crossing over the...
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Since the days of the gold rush, our residents have been pushing for a crossing over the Macquarie River at Dixons Long Point, in central western New South Wales. Mid-Western Regional Council wants to access the $10 million allocated to move the project forward. Have the funds been released? On a separate note, will your government take the lead to finally build an expressway through the Blue Mountains, which has been promised for decades and never, ever delivered? The traffic jams are worse than ever, and it's just not good enough.
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
I move: (1) Schedule 1, page 3 (line 1) to page 3 (line 23), omit the Schedule, substitute: Schedule 1 — Removal of excise for draught beer Excise Tariff Act 1921 1 Subitems 1.2, 1.6 and...
I move: (1) Schedule 1, page 3 (line 1) to page 3 (line 23), omit the Schedule, substitute: Schedule 1 — Removal of excise for draught beer Excise Tariff Act 1921 1 Subitems 1.2, 1.6 and 1.11 of the Schedule Repeal the items. I'm moving this amendment because while freezing the beer excise for a couple of years is better than nothing, the reality is that it just locks in sky-high schooner prices. After that, we're just going to be back in this place arguing about it all over again. I believe it is time to axe the tax, and that's what this amendment does. We need to implement a fairer system of alcohol taxation that helps ensure the long-term viability of our hospitality sector and doesn't keep stinging consumers year in, year out. That's what this amendment does. I've heard opposition members complain that this bill only freezes excise for two years, notwithstanding that it was the policy they took to the last election. The crossbench is here to help. We know things are very chaotic on the opposition benches at the moment. We know that every day brings a new episode of the soap opera—it's like Days of Our Lives. They seem very distracted, and things just aren't very happy in the happy kingdom anymore. But we are here to help, so we've drafted this amendment to give all members of this House, but in particular Nationals and Liberal Party members, the chance to vote to axe the tax. Now, they could have drafted this amendment themselves, but I'm very happy to assist them and do the heavy lifting for them. In my electorate of Calare, there are more than 400 licenced venues that employ around 1,300 people and service countless residents and visitors each year. These venues are often key employers in our smaller towns and villages—and in our larger ones as well! Our country pubs and hospitality venues don't just serve drinks; they support our local farmers, entertainers, local community groups. They keep people connected. Our country pubs and clubs want the tax axed. The Hotel Orange is one of our iconic heritage pubs. Vijay is the publican and says that the hospitality industry is one of the hardest hit when it comes to taxes. Coupled with high operating costs, it's not an easy gig. He says that freezing the tax would be good but if it were completely scrapped, that would be better. It would make business more sustainable and be good for the hip pockets of his customers. Peter Sargent, the chief executive officer of Bathurst RSL club, says: The cost-of-living crisis is about managing the basics and being able to go out and have a beer. But as the excise creeps up, this simple activity becomes unaffordable. Bathurst RSL try to keep their prices as low as possible, but with each and every excise increase it becomes harder and harder to do that. Peter is concerned that, if they keep being taxed like this, being able to go to the pub for a beer and a schnitty—that small enjoyment, that simple pleasure that a lot of everyday Australians like to experience; I love it too—will become out of reach. While the freeze on excise for two years means that the club will be able to keep prices of products lower for longer, Peter says a permanent fix would go a long way to help. That's why we need to axe the tax. This amendment is our opportunity to not only axe the tax but update, overhaul and reform the whole tax regime around beer, wine and spirits. We all know it's long overdue. The current system is no longer fit for purpose to support our local hospitality and tourism sectors. At the last election, I stood at polling booths and I heard National Party members and their Plymouth Brethren proxies constantly tell voters they were for cheaper beer. Well, this is their chance to prove it. Come in and vote for this amendment. Show us that you actually support cheaper beer. Don't just lock in sky-high schooner prices. Put aside the daily drama, the daily soap opera with multiple episodes going live in Parliament House every day. Come in here and actually do something for your constituents instead of talking about yourselves. Come into this chamber and axe the tax. I commend this amendment to the House.
Calare Electorate: Homelessness | Constituency Statements | House debates
Homelessness is a growing issue across our region, and for many it's all too easy to look the other way. On any given night there are hundreds of people sleeping rough and homeless across...
Homelessness is a growing issue across our region, and for many it's all too easy to look the other way. On any given night there are hundreds of people sleeping rough and homeless across central-western New South Wales. We need to care for our fellow human beings, particularly in a world full of conflict and strife. An incredible group of Bathurst locals came together just before Christmas and launched a new initiative: gratitude packs for men experiencing homelessness. This inspirational project was spearheaded by Nichole Day from Joblink Plus, who distributes Share the Dignity bags to local women. Nichole saw a great need for similar support for men and acted fast. In just one week, Nichole rallied support from Simon Ross from the Black Crow Cafe, Greg Sly from Loan Market Access and Dave Shawcross from the charity Men's Walk and Talk. Local businesses donated backpacks, clothing, caps, toiletries, first-aid kits, vouchers and other essentials. They made up 50 gratitude packs and distributed them in time for Christmas. I give a huge thankyou to everyone who worked with such enthusiasm and generosity to put the packs together, including Sam Forbutt from Forbutt's Pharmacy and Natalie Nixon from fifty8george. I also acknowledge the team from Men's Walk and Talk, a great community group who enthusiastically helped to drive the project, including Paul Forbes, Daryl Grant, Paul Griffin, Chris Hagney, Kevin Hines, Chris McKay, David Shawcross, Greg Sly and Brett Taylor. As word spread, more organisations and companies are joining in, and they hope to roll this initiative out across the Central West, with the aim of distributing 300 gratitude packs next time. We need to be looking after each other, and that's why groups like Bathurst Men's Walk and Talk and the great work they do are so vital. Their motto is 'No man walks alone', and this is what humanity and kindness look like. I'd also like to honour some more legends from Bathurst who do such great work caring for those who are experiencing disadvantage. Sarah Duffey from Dynasty's Rockabilly cafe is making our region a better place by regularly cooking up a storm for local charity StreetHeart. I give a huge shout-out as well to Kayla Beedon and the team at StreetHeart—they're also in Kandos—who do so much to help those experiencing disadvantage and homelessness, including Nancy Child, Lisa Churches, Chris, Bill Barling, Joseph Zhang, Louise Haworth-britt, Scott Nash, Jessica Holt, Samantha Edwards, Dean Whiting, Tracey Denton Seymour and Emily Baker. I would also like to thank and acknowledge all of the community groups and volunteers who work so hard to feed and clothe those in need. I can't name them all here, as time does not permit, but I would like to convey the deep appreciation of our region to them. They all work hard to make the Central West and our country a better place.
Calare Electorate: Hindu Community | Statements by Members | House debates
In our electorate of Calare, we have a growing Hindu community comprising well over 500 families. They've recently come together with a shared dream of building the first Hindu temple in the...
In our electorate of Calare, we have a growing Hindu community comprising well over 500 families. They've recently come together with a shared dream of building the first Hindu temple in the Central West. Currently, there is no dedicated local place to gather for prayer, festivals or cultural activities or to teach children the values and traditions of the Hindu faith. By recently establishing the Color City Hindu Corporation, the Hindu community is passionately pursuing its dream of having a space that serves as a spiritual, cultural and educational centre for generations to come. The corporation's inauguration is an important milestone, and I wish to acknowledge the corporation's committee members: president Balaji Chakravarthy, vice-president Sanjay Sood, organisation promoter Sreejith Kuramanghat, manager Monica Sood and Treasurer Lakshmikanth Tammineni. The corporation is seeking to raise funds for the purchase of land, which has been identified, and the construction of a temple. I congratulate all corporation members on the launch of this vibrant new group and support them in their advocacy efforts. Thank you to all members of the Hindu community for their significant and important contribution to the life of our region and our country.
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
I rise to support the amendment of the member for Kennedy. At the heart of this amendment is a question that is being asked all over Australia and in particular in regional Australia, including...
I rise to support the amendment of the member for Kennedy. At the heart of this amendment is a question that is being asked all over Australia and in particular in regional Australia, including the Calare electorate, and that is: how was it that these people, who were known to the security services since at least 2019, were able to access licensed firearms? Whilst I've heard what the Prime Minister has said, the member for Kennedy really homes in on this issue and makes it clear that this is something that the nation needs to deal with. This issue needs to be brought out into the open. It needs to be made very clear that, if you are known to the security services and you are on a watchlist, you simply cannot have firearms. Nobody in our part of the world can understand how this happened. That's why we need the royal commission, and that's why I support the amendments made by the member for Kennedy.
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I am unable to support this bill, and I won't support this bill. One of the issues that many in our electorate have is that this has been a political response to the horrific crime that was...
I am unable to support this bill, and I won't support this bill. One of the issues that many in our electorate have is that this has been a political response to the horrific crime that was perpetrated on 14 December 2025. Many have noted that the government's first reaction to this atrocity was to call for firearm reform rather than a royal commission, which would shine a light on exactly what happened here. It smacked of a political response and the avoidance of scrutiny. This has caused widespread anger amongst law-abiding gun owners in our region who believe that the government has unfairly targeted them, rather than uncovering all the facts that led to this evil crime. One of the questions that many people in our communities have raised is how it is that terrorists were allowed by the New South Wales government to have access to licensed guns in circumstances where they were known to the federal security services as having links to extremists as far back as 2019. They're also asking questions such as why the terrorists' recent trip to the Philippines didn't raise any red flags. Our police and security services do an extraordinary job in keeping our community safe from threats that we never even hear about. We will never know how many attacks were prevented, but this one got through, and we need to know why so that we can stop it happening again. I know that our communities are united in finding answers to these questions; however, the answers don't lie in rushed legislation with no community consultation. The only scrutiny of this legislation occurred through a committee process which the major parties exclude the crossbench from. That's right: the major parties unite to exclude the crossbench from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, which is the parliamentary committee that ran a ridiculously brief inquiry into this legislation. At the same time the sun is setting on their old political empires, they won't even countenance crossbenchers on the committee that examines this very legislation. The committee's report was only made available minutes before this debate started, yet here we are voting on this bill. It's breathtakingly arrogant, and it makes a mockery of parliamentary processes. In Calare, we have more than 17,000 firearm-licence holders. The government has rushed these changes through without giving our regional Australians the chance to have their say. This is not the way to make good policy. We need to make sure that any changes to our gun laws are evidence based and actually address the problems they are trying to solve. The government's current proposal fails this test. It's a political response that unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners. There are elements of the government's proposed reforms that most people in our community would support and I do too. These include the reforms to firearms background checks, which would enable Commonwealth intelligence to be shared and considered as part of firearms licensing decisions. Most Australians would be surprised that this is not already occurring, and this is a failure of successive governments and the major parties. I would also support the transmission of firearms information between relevant stakeholders to facilitate a criminal intelligence assessment being made. I do, however, remain concerned about the consequences of a number of measures in the bill and the potential unintended consequences for law-abiding gun owners, including farmers, veterans, professional shooters, members of our community gun clubs and local businesses. This is no John Howard-style gun buyback, and the flaws in the compensation arrangements—particularly for legitimate, law-abiding firearms businesses—are there for all to see. The undeniable fact is that criminals are not the ones that are going to be handing in firearms as part of a buyback. What our communities would like to see is a comprehensive national effort to tackle illegal firearms and the trade in them. Sadly, the government did not take the time to consult with regional communities and rushed this legislation out while at the same time resisting a royal commission until the weight of public opinion simply became too great. I will continue to stand up for law-abiding gun owners in the Central West, and I will continue to hold the government to account on this issue. Unfortunately, this rushed response was born out of a desire to avoid the scrutiny of a royal commission. Everyone in our region supports genuine measures to make our community safer, but we need a response that is based on evidence and facts, not politics. This should be the government's priority, not targeting law-abiding citizens.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
The Jewish community and our country suffered devastating loss on 14 December last year. The heart and soul of the Australian nation is wounded and scarred as we continue to grieve over the...
The Jewish community and our country suffered devastating loss on 14 December last year. The heart and soul of the Australian nation is wounded and scarred as we continue to grieve over the senseless loss of life and violence. On behalf of the Calare electorate, I offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of these whose lives were taken in such a horrific way. I also offer sympathy, support, solidarity and love from our region to all those still recovering from their wounds and injuries. While the perpetrators of this atrocity represent the worst in humanity, those brave first responders and bystanders who risked their lives to help the wounded, to save others or to disarm the gunmen surely represent the best—those such as Reuven Morrison, and husband and wife Boris and Sofia Gurman. They had all come to Australia seeking a better and safer life, and they died trying to stop other innocent people from being murdered. There was 14-year-old Chaya Dadon and mother of two Jessica Rosen, who both shielded young children from the bullets with their own bodies; and Ahmed al-Ahmed, whose heroic actions undoubtedly saved many lives and helped end the massacre. The bravery, compassion and sheer heroism of all of them gives us hope for the future. The horror and violence of this attack sent shock waves through every corner of our nation. Alongside many in our region, I attended community vigils in Orange and Bathurst to remember those whose lives were taken or who were injured and to stand in solidarity with members of our local Jewish communities and those around Australia. At our Orange ceremony, Blair Blashki, who is a Jewish member of our community, was invited to say a few words. He said: During my whole time I've been here, in the Orange community, I've never felt anything but accepted. I've always felt that Orange is a very inclusive society, an inclusive town and a great place to live—and I'm very fortunate to be here. The biggest thing I take away from this past week is that the idea of what occurred is to try and divide us and to try and bring division between people in the Australian community. When I reflect on my life and reflect on experiences throughout my life, one of the overwhelming thoughts is that how, at all times, it doesn't matter your race, religion, colour or creed. What makes Australia "Australia" is that we are here, all together, moving forward and being as one community. We cannot let this type of event tear apart what has made Australia what we are today. We are all here today showing solidarity with the rest of the Jewish community and pushing forward and trying to find some light through all of this, as well as staying strong and staying together as one community, and that's what's got us here today. They were moving words of peace in the face of such horror and evil. Members of the Jewish community in our area are extremely appreciative of the outpouring of support, compassion and solidarity shown across our region. They have also expressed to me that they want this to be a turning point in the way our country deals with antisemitism, because the cold, hard truth is that, instead of antisemitism being called out, a blind eye has often been turned to it. This has to change. The modern, prosperous and free Australia of 2026 cannot be a place where members of our Jewish communities are murdered in our streets, in our parks and at our beaches. It cannot be a place where it is acceptable that synagogues are firebombed; that childcare centres are burned; that members of the Jewish community are assaulted; that schools, homes and cars are vandalised or destroyed; that the offices of Jewish members of parliament are attacked; or that Jewish businesses are forced to close out of fear for the safety of their staff and customers. The Bondi shooting was an attack on all Australians and our way of life. Antisemitism must be confronted, and it must be defeated. The future of the Australia that we know and love depends on it. These terrorists want us to give in to the hatred, to live in fear and to divide. But we are Australians, and we are doing what we always have done when our country has faced tragedy, trauma and challenge: we unite. As Blair Blashki implored, let us stay united. Let us not be torn apart by hate, but let Australia face this evil with the same clear-eyed, steely resolve that has vanquished other foes and other threats to our nation. And may we never forget those who had their lives cut so tragically short on that horrific December evening in 2025. I commend the motion to the House.
Commonwealth Prac Payment | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
I commend the member for Indi for bringing this very important matter of public importance to the attention of the House. The member for Indi makes a very important point. This is a very...
I commend the member for Indi for bringing this very important matter of public importance to the attention of the House. The member for Indi makes a very important point. This is a very worthwhile scheme, and it is commendable that it has commenced, but we think that it needs to be expanded. We on the crossbench want to see it made available to more students. It's a payment of $331 per week. It's available to students studying teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work degrees, and it helps them with expenses while undertaking their compulsory professional placements as part of their tertiary education. In country Australia we have a healthcare workforce crisis. There's a shortage of healthcare workers. That's why we on the crossbench want to see this scheme expanded so that it can help allied health and medical students. Allied health students like occupational therapists, physios and speech pathologists are required to undertake more than a thousand hours of practical experience just to obtain their degree. Medical students need to complete about two or three years of full-time clinical rotations—that is, roughly, 1,500 to 3,000 hours of practical experience and placements across major medical specialities. We need to understand that our allied health and medical students are crucial to the future of country Australia. They are going to be building and bolstering our country's health workforce. That's why these students need our support, because they are so crucial to regional Australia. There is a significant body of research telling us that placing medical students in regional and rural training programs makes them more likely to subsequently work in country areas. In fact, a University of Queensland study found that students who participated in a 12-week placement in a small rural town were around three times more likely to work in a similar sized community after graduating. Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renee Lyon pointed out—and it's a point well made—that 70 per cent of CSU graduates go on to live and work in regional Australia and that regional and rural students often have to travel long distances from their homes, families and workplaces to complete the practical components of their courses. It's just a fact of life for country students. In 2024 alone, more than 2,500 CSU students applied for financial assistance, yet only 750 grants were available—proof of the scale of the need. Vice-Chancellor Leon states: 'Expanding the scope of the Commonwealth track payment goes beyond fairness and helpfulness for these students. It just makes a huge difference and would make a huge difference if it could be expanded. It would enable our future rural health workforce to get on with forging their careers of choice minus the stress of whether they can afford to study outside major cities.' The vice-chancellor makes a very salient point. While I'm speaking about Charles Sturt University, I mention the fact that since the Charles Sturt University medical school opened its number of students has effectively been capped at 37. We have been fighting for five years, through two governments, to get the number of medical student places expanded. In very positive news, CSU's School of Rural Medicine has just been allocated an additional 10 places by the Australian government, which is what we've been calling for and I've been calling for in this place, in question time. That is positive—although, I have to say, it fell well short of the number of student places CSU was asking for; it's less than half of what CSU was asking for. It's a step in the right direction, but, with another round of medical student places up for grabs next year, you can be sure that country MPs on the crossbench and I will be fighting for more medical student places for our country universities like Charles Sturt University. The health of our country residents and communities is at stake here. The government can expect to hear a lot more from me on this issue. In conclusion, we want to make sure that, in country Australia, our university students are fully and properly supported so they can build our future country workforce. I commend this matter of public importance to the House, and I thank the member for Indi for bringing it here.
Agriculture Industry | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the agriculture minister. Our prime agricultural land is disappearing before our eyes, threatening Australia's food security. All over Australia we are seeing residential,...
My question is to the agriculture minister. Our prime agricultural land is disappearing before our eyes, threatening Australia's food security. All over Australia we are seeing residential, industrial and renewable developments on our finest farming country. Our prime agricultural land needs to be preserved for agriculture. Will you support my Protecting Australia's Prime Agricultural Land Bill, and will you come to the Calare electorate and meet with our local farmers?
Rearrangement | Business | House debates
by leave—I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the private Members' business order of the day relating to the Stopping Wind Farms in State...
by leave—I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the private Members' business order of the day relating to the Stopping Wind Farms in State Forests Bill 2025 being called on immediately and given priority over all other business for final determination of the House. I'm moving to suspend standing orders because this matter is urgent. It can't wait. The Stopping Wind Farms in State Forests Bill 2025 needs to be debated and brought on for a vote. The major parties have all let our local residents down. It's been a failure of politics and politicians. When the National Party passed laws that allowed wind farms into state forests, it abjectly failed to properly regulate it. That's the cold, hard truth, and the result has been chaos and conflict. Communities are divided. You've got family members pitted against family members, neighbours fighting neighbours, broken friendships, extreme mental health anguish as residents worry about the property values of their homes, fear and uncertainty. It's the same story with the creation of renewable energy zones in New South Wales. The National Party created them and it totally failed in its duty to control them. It would've been a very simple thing to clearly set out where the developments can and can't go, to protect the rights of local residents so that they have a say, their rights are protected and their voices are heard, and that there was genuine consultation, not just tokenistic tick-a-box consultation. They could've mandated that, but the National Party failed to do so. So, rather than pretending to ride around on white horses, the National Party should apologise. It should own up to its failures and come into this House now to support this bill. All of the major parties have had a hand in this. They are all guilty of failing these residents. It's been an ongoing failure across the political divide and all parties need to bear responsibility for it, including the Labor Party in New South Wales. Across the political spectrum, it's been a sad case of politicians not doing their jobs and letting down their local residents and their local communities. This bill is a chance for them all to redeem themselves. We need to give them the opportunity to come down into this House, into this chamber, and vote for this bill. I would expect National Party members to be in here, and we want government members too. I went and saw the Minister for Climate Change and Energy about this bill and I think he does understand that there are developers doing the wrong thing. So we want him and all members down here to support this bill, because our residents are demanding urgent, immediate action. I've been working with local residents in impacted communities for many years and, while I've had some success in getting wind farms moved or modified for local residents, such examples are sadly few and far between. This is because the consultants from these companies come out from the city, Sydney or Melbourne, and say that they're going to do things differently and that they'll consult in a meaningful way, and then they fail to do so. That's because the truth is that the decisions about turbine heights and placements are for the most part made in foreign boardrooms over oceans and far away from our local residents. Moving turbines away from impacted residents and reducing their height actually costs money, and compromising with local residents means they just don't make as much of it—the profits are less. It's a business decision. A lot of developers come out into our area and say soothing words like, 'We're going to sponsor the local footy team and that will make it all right,' but it doesn't. I've had constituents in tears worried about the value of their homes when they have turbines slated for 700 metres from their homes. I asked the House to look at what has happened in the Oberon area with the Pines Wind Farm proposed by Tag Energy and Stromlo Energy. They have failed to carry the community with them. People have rebelled against the pseudoconsultations. Residents have, quite frankly, felt duped. The developer claimed to be putting turbines only in state forests and then started shopping them around outside of these boundaries, and now they're hitting up the community of Trunkey Creek. These residents are in shock—it's a small farming community—to have this suddenly foisted upon them. The whole thing has been deeply traumatic for the whole area. They were supposed to be only in state forests, and now they're shopping them all over the place. Over at Portland, where Someva is developing the Sunny Corner Wind Farm, there's just a tick-a-box consultation without genuine compromise. Now we have a Spanish company releasing its plan for the Canobolas state forest near Orange. Our communities are sick of this patronising, disingenuous and, frankly, bogus approach to consultation and community engagement. Out at the Boree Solar Farm near Geurie it's the same old story—a shocking lack of consultation in the face of prime agricultural land being threatened. The Kerrs Creek Wind Farm is another example. That's being run out of the United Kingdom by the McAlpine companies. There's terrible consultation and only tokenistic compromise. My bill steps in to fix the failures of the state governments and all political parties, and enables the federal government to use its Constitutional powers to make laws to stop turbine developments in these state forests. This federal legislation would override failed state legislation. Clause 3 of the bill uses the corporations power of our Constitution to provide that a corporation must not construct, install or commission a wind farm in a state forest. To put it beyond doubt, it includes the Sunny Corner State Forest near Portland and Lithgow, the Vulcan State Forest, the Mount David State Forest and the Gurnang State Forest—they're all in the Oberon area—and also the Canobolas state forest near Orange. The bill is not limited to those state forests; it's for any state forest. It's now up to all parties to get behind this bill. The folks impacted by the Sunny Corner State Forest wind farm proposal want action on this, as do those folks around Oberon, Orange and wherever these state forests are. It's now up to all parties to back it in, including the National Party—they need to stop the infighting, the bickering and the plotting, start being an effective opposition and come in to support this legislation. I look at these benches over here and I see the opposition imploding before our eyes. We've had the attempted forced retirement of the members for New England and Riverina—they are trying to rissole them out. That seems to be going pretty badly. The member for New England looks set to hit the eject button on his seat in the party room. They've already lost a senator, and it looks like the member for New England, if the state dinners are anything to go by, is the next to depart. Anyone who is a leadership threat is moving on, or they're trying to move them on. Then you had the ham-fisted attempt to break away from the Liberal Party, which lasted 48 hours when they realised that they would lose pay, lose staff, lose positions, and they would have Liberal Party members running in their seats in three-cornered contests. This bill is the crossbench getting the job done in the face of, let's face it, a shambolic opposition. And because they're so busy trying to tear each other down in their own, misguided quests for personal glory, and because they're no longer truly standing up for country people, the crossbench and the Independents are answering the call of our communities. We are doing the heavy lifting in the face of political failure in this House. It is not just the chaotic opposition; it is also the government that needs to be answering the call on this bill because our communities are tired of the failure. They are tired of the false promises and the empty words. They want their voices heard and they want these wind farms in state forests stopped, so I would urge all members of the House to heed that call and listen to the communities and what they are asking for. We need to put an end to the anguish and the pain that our communities are experiencing. We need to put an end to the bogus tick-a-box consultation which is not genuine and is basically fly-in fly-out tick-a-box consultation. We need to bring those voices into this parliament and this bill is a way to do it. It is widely supported in our area and it is widely supported by our impacted residents, who have had enough; they have had a gutful. I urge all members of this House to come into this chamber and support the Stopping Wind Farms in State Forests Bill 2025. I commend this to motion to the House.
TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise today to recognise an outstanding initiative by Regional Development Australia Central West, the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue. This program connects 10 year 11 students with 10 community...
I rise today to recognise an outstanding initiative by Regional Development Australia Central West, the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue. This program connects 10 year 11 students with 10 community leaders, fostering mentorship and opportunities across the Central West of New South Wales. This year's students were Rose Kelly, Abby Foster, Nina Cuddy, Bianca Wong, Harmony Winterflood, Amelia Hatton, Sofia Howard, Lauren Day, Tully Schwarz and Milo Mages. I had the privilege of mentoring Milo, a remarkable year 11 student from Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange. Milo joined me out on the road to the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days, where he proved himself to be an expert and able photographer and media adviser. Milo's achievements speak volumes. During Local Government Week, his debating team won the Mayor's Cup, and Milo himself was awarded the Kerry Parkes Memorial Trophy for best speaker. Looking ahead, Milo is continuing his leadership journey, serving as Gordon House prefect in 2026 at Kinross Wolaroi School. Programs like TEN4TEN are absolutely vital. They open doors, build confidence and strengthen the ties between young people and their communities. I commend Regional Development Australia Central West for championing this initiative and investing in the next generation of leaders, just like Milo. Well done, Milo, and congratulations to all of this year's students.
Consideration of Legislation | Business | House debates
I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following from occurring immediately: the Member for Calare presenting a Bill for an Act to protect...
I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following from occurring immediately: the Member for Calare presenting a Bill for an Act to protect Australia's prime agricultural land, and for related purposes; debate on the second reading of the bill proceeding immediately for a period of no longer than one hour; and any questions required to complete passage of the bill then being put without delay. Today is a historic day for Australia. Today I bring to this House our country's first bill to protect Australia's prime agricultural land. It is legislation that is crucial to the future of our country. This bill will secure and safeguard not only Australia's prime agricultural land but also our nation's food security. It's hard to believe that a country which relies so much on agriculture to sustain it has never before passed legislation to protect the land that is the source of such bounty and prosperity. The member for Kennedy and I are committed to bringing this legislation before the parliament because this matter is urgent. Our prime agricultural land is at serious risk. The gross value of agricultural production has increased by 34 per cent in the past 20 years to $82.4 billion in 2023-24. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences has forecast that the gross value of agricultural production will be $95 billion in 2025-26. Agricultural exports were valued at $71.5 billion in 2023-24 and accounted for more than 10 per cent of all goods and service exports. In 2024-25 the value of Australian agricultural exports surged to $77.2 billion, or 15.1 per cent of Australia's total exported goods. These statistics demonstrate how important agriculture is to our country and also to the future of regional Australia. As the population of the world continues to increase, so too does the importance of food and water resources. Their social, economic and strategic importance can't be underestimated. This being the case, why hasn't anyone made any effort to safeguard our prime agricultural land? Other countries, like Canada, are way ahead of us. British Colombia, for example, has been protecting its best agricultural land for many years. As the Australian population grows, the footprints of our cities, towns and villages continue to grow as well. Around our country, including regional Australia, residential developments and urban sprawl are encroaching onto some of our finest agricultural land. This is the land that feeds and nourishes us, yet we're building houses on it. It's wrong, and it must stop. It's not just residential development that poses a threat to prime agricultural land. Across regional Australia, foreign corporations are rolling out renewables projects, some of which are on prime agricultural land. I'm not against renewable energy, but at some point our national interest has to be the paramount consideration. To be clear, we should not have foreign corporations or anyone else effectively deciding how our prime agricultural land is used. Our prime agricultural land should be off limits. Residential and industrial developments need to go elsewhere. Our prime agricultural land should be preserved for agriculture. I should haven't to spell it out, but food security is a key part of national security. A nation which can't feed itself is a vulnerable one. It would be a national tragedy if we continued to squander this extraordinary resource by building residential and industrial development on top of it. The Protecting Australia's Prime Agricultural Land Bill provides that, if a person, which includes a corporation, is in possession of prime agricultural land, the person must not use the land for a purpose other than agriculture or permit another person to use the land for a purpose other than agriculture. It also provides that, if a person purchases prime agricultural land, the person must ensure that the land is not used for a purpose other than agriculture. The bill also makes it a requirement that a person in possession of prime agricultural land that is being used in part for a purpose other than agriculture at the date of commencement of this proposed act must not expand or extend such usage. The bill further requires that, if prime agricultural land is being used for a purpose other than agriculture as at the date of commencement and such non-agricultural use ceases, the prime agricultural land must once again be used for agriculture. The House needs to urgently consider this bill because our prime agricultural land is under threat and it can't be taken for granted. The general public listening to this debate may well be asking: 'How has this been allowed to happen? How come nobody has stood up to protect our prime agricultural land?' The truth is that there has been a shocking failure of politicians at all levels of government to do their jobs—lazy local councils prepared to rubberstamp developments regardless of their impact on agriculture, lazy and derelict town and city planning and lazy state governments failing to pass planning laws to properly protect our prime agricultural land. At a federal level, the major parties have also been asleep at the wheel on this issue since the time of Federation. Where have the so-called guardians of the bush, the National Party, been on this? They claim to be the protectors of agriculture, but in 12 years in New South Wales government and nine years in federal government they utterly failed to live up to one of their founding tenets and very reason for existence—not one piece of legislation. They have completely and abjectly failed to protect our vital and irreplaceable prime agricultural land. And let's not forget that it was the National Party that created renewable energy zones in New South Wales and which also passed laws to put wind farms into state forests and then abrogated its responsibility to properly regulate them. They've created chaos, pitting neighbour against neighbour, failing to ensure that there is genuine consultation between developers and communities and failing to properly protect the rights of neighbouring landholders. The failure has been epic. It's been of epic proportions. Since being in opposition, instead of getting on with the job of formulating legislation like this, the National Party have spent their time fighting each other and their coalition partners. Who could forget the attempted forced retirement of the members for New England and Riverina. Well, the member for New England has taken the hint, and they may well live to regret it. I don't think he's going to go quietly into the night. Then they split from the Liberals over what they said was a matter of extremely high principle, only to call it off two days later when they realised they would lose staffing positions, take a pay cut and have Liberals running in their seats. In the spirit and tradition of the English cricket team, they still claim to be the victors in the seat of Calare, despite that not being reflected on the score board. Things are so bad that they are going to be out of power for years, and yet the country is crying out for effective opposition. The public is sick of the petty political power plays and the back-stabbing. Because of the chaos, the grandstanding, the veritable bonfire of the vanities on the opposition benches as they scrap over the spoils of defeat, it falls to the crossbench to do the heavy lifting for Australia, and that is what this bill is all about. Australia's farmers are the best in the world. Our prime agricultural land is a precious gift that must be protected. It defies belief that we continue to build houses, parking lots and industrial developments on it. If we don't act now, it will continue to disappear before our eyes. I urge members of the House to come into this chamber and support this bill right now. To the National Party: don't just say you support agriculture. Come in and vote for it. This bill is the Independents doing your jobs for you. To those Liberal and Labor Party members and, indeed, to all members, I say to you: remember where your food comes from. It doesn't just magically appear on supermarket shelves. To all members of this House: I remind you that our nation's ability to feed itself comes from the great food baskets of country Australia and its prime agricultural land. It's also where the fibre comes from that makes the clothes we wear. To all members of this House: this is your moment to stand up for agriculture, to stand up for our nation's food security. Come into this chamber and support the Protecting Australia's Prime Agricultural Land Bill. I commend the bill to the House and I seek leave to table a copy of the bill and the explanatory memorandum. Leave granted.
Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
I rise to support the member for Bradfield in her comments and in her amendment. This parliament operates on the principle that every representative comes here with an equal voice. The fact that,...
I rise to support the member for Bradfield in her comments and in her amendment. This parliament operates on the principle that every representative comes here with an equal voice. The fact that, on certain committees, crossbench members are effectively being shut out is profoundly undemocratic and shows that it's the old political parties at work. This is a case of the major parties looking down their noses and sneering at crossbench members by suggesting that somehow we can have crossbench members on some committees but, when it comes to defence and intelligence, they are going to be shut out. I think it is disgraceful, and I think the Australian public expects that everyone comes into this place and gets an equal go and has an equal say. The fact that the major parties are trying to shut out crossbench members is disgraceful. It's profoundly undemocratic and it will not be forgotten on the crossbench. At some point, our friends on that side of the aisle and our friends over here are going to need the crossbench, and we will remember the condescension and the sneering nature with which you have treated the crossbench members when it comes to this legislation. We will not forget this.
Great Western Highway | Statements by Members | House debates
In 2007, the National Party turned the first sod on the Bells Line of Road expressway. This kicked off a golden age of broken promises, delays and funding raids on a fast road over the Blue...
In 2007, the National Party turned the first sod on the Bells Line of Road expressway. This kicked off a golden age of broken promises, delays and funding raids on a fast road over the Blue Mountains that all major parties are guilty of. The Bells Line of Road expressway was abandoned by the National Party when city people objected. So much for standing up for the bush! When they had the chance to build it, they squibbed it—12 years in power in New South Wales, nine years in power federally, and nothing's ever been built. Then, when it came to power, the current government grabbed $2 billion that the previous coalition government had allocated to the Great Western Highway, and we never saw it again. Not one of these major parties has any vision for an expressway to Sydney—not one. The federal National Party, for all its talk, has not put forward any plans for an express road to Sydney. They are going to be out of power for years and have been reduced to a complaints desk. The state and federal Labor parties have no plan either. While the major parties dither, the traffic jams from the Central West to Sydney are worse than ever. Country people deserve better than this. We demand better from the major parties. We demand an expressway to Sydney.
Early Childhood Education | Constituency Statements | House debates
It's an honour to recognise a group of unsung heroes who underpin our communities: our early childhood educators. On the weekend it was my privilege to officially open the 2025 Central West Early...
It's an honour to recognise a group of unsung heroes who underpin our communities: our early childhood educators. On the weekend it was my privilege to officially open the 2025 Central West Early Childhood Awards, presented by the Central West Early Childhood Collaborative. The awards, held in Bathurst, brought together around 300 early childhood educators from across the Central West. The awards recognise centres, leaders and educators who strive for excellence, create meaningful learning experiences and build strong connections with families and communities. These wonderful people are nurturing the promise of our region and our nation, and they deserve our sincere gratitude and appreciation. I would particularly like to thank the founder of the awards, Katherine Wilson, who is a truly inspirational leader in early childhood education. I also thank her fellow members of the Central West Early Childhood Collaborative, Kim Laird, Brad Campbell, Haylie Sloan, Janine Lewis and Samantha Stevenson. I also congratulate the wonderful nominees and award winners. The Molly Ticehurst memorial award for outstanding educator cert III went to Ivy Stack. Mila, Suphinda Wongsamphankhiri won the outstanding early childhood educator diploma award. Jan Mills was awarded the Charles Sturt University outstanding early childhood teacher. The outstanding early childhood trainee award went to Maddison Hotham. Meg Corby was awarded the out-of-school-hours educator. The outstanding family daycare educator award went to Susannah Davey. Carlie Chapman won the Samara Golding-Piper memorial award for excellence in leadership. The outstanding achievement award for everyday excellence went to Elly Mackinnon. And the families choice award winners, voted on by families, were Rachael Denning, for diploma; Tiarnah Maddams, for trainee; Haylee McIntosh, for certificate III; Sushil Khadka, for early childhood teacher; Amanda McGothigan, for daycare educator; and Caitlyn McDonald, for outside school hours. I also congratulate Pied Piper Preschool from Wallarawang for excellence in pedagogy and practice, Waratah Early Learning Centre, Orange, was awarded excellence in food and menu. Excellence in sustainability was awarded to Circle Early Learning, Blayney. Rise Early Learning, Orange, was awarded for excellence in team work and culture. Eugowra Community Children's Centre won two awards: the excellence in community award and the award for respectfully integrating First Nations knowledge and perspectives. And the award for excellence in inclusion went to Forbes Learning Ladder. Again, my congratulations go to all the winners and to the Central West Early Childhood Collaborative for a truly inspirational awards ceremony. We are very grateful for the wonderful work of all our early childhood educators. On behalf of this parliament, I thank and recognise them all.
Housing | Questions without Notice | House debates
To the Minister for Housing: in the midst of a national housing crisis, the Central West of New South Wales and country communities around Australia are missing out on key national housing...
To the Minister for Housing: in the midst of a national housing crisis, the Central West of New South Wales and country communities around Australia are missing out on key national housing funding. Community housing providers like Housing Plus can't get a look-in with the Housing Australia Future Fund. The statistics show that regional New South Wales is not getting its fair share. The Housing Australia Future Fund is in danger of being known as the 'Housing Australia Future Fund for City People'. When will country people get a fair go from this fund?
To the Minister for Housing—
Great Western Highway | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. In 2007 the National Party turned the first sod on the Bells Line of Road expressway. This...
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. In 2007 the National Party turned the first sod on the Bells Line of Road expressway. This kicked off a golden age of broken promises, delays and funding raids on a fast road over the Blue Mountains that all major parties are guilty of, and the traffic jams from the Central West to Sydney are worse than ever. Will your government commit to turning the Great Western Highway into a genuine expressway to Sydney?
Calare Electorate: Community Organisations | Statements by Members | House debates
Today I rise to recognise the outstanding work of the Central West Charity Tractor Trek Group. Every year, the Tractor Trek takes place, which sees vintage tractors and their drivers trekking...
Today I rise to recognise the outstanding work of the Central West Charity Tractor Trek Group. Every year, the Tractor Trek takes place, which sees vintage tractors and their drivers trekking around the Central West to raise money for worthy causes, including the charity Little Wings. This year's trek just concluded and was conducted over three days and 300 kilometres around Rylstone and its surrounding districts. Besides the Tractor Trek, the trekkers hold a 24-hour Central West 'tractorthon'—where tractors run for 24 hours around Canowindra Showground—which this year raised a further $20,000 on top of the $150,000 for worthy causes, including Little Wings. At the Canowindra tractorthon, some even do laps in mankinis, and, trust me, you cannot unsee that! I congratulate and thank all of our wonderful tractor trekkers, including the tractor trek committee: director Malcolm Porter, deputy director Nick Clancey, treasurer Debbie Porter and secretary Melanie Bone—and, indeed, all of the wonderful volunteers who get behind the Tractor Trek. The small but mighty charity Little Wings flies sick children and their families from country areas to the city for medical treatment. They fly in and out of the Central West on a daily basis. The federal government currently assists Little Wings with $500,000 per year, and this funding is due to expire in 2027. The organisation costs $6 million a year to run. As a funding expiration looms, it's clear that more funding is needed, and it needs to be made permanent. I call on the government to support country people and country communities— (Time expired)