Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As 2022 draws to a close, I rise to wish the constituents in my electorate of O'Connor a safe and joyous festive season. I want to thank you for placing your faith in me, and re-electing me for a fourth term, and assure you that I will continue to represent your needs and interests in the federal parliament.

It's been a difficult year for many, with COVID continuing to disrupt our lives, but O'Connor has continued to grow and thrive. We are having another bumper season in our agricultural regions, and our mining industry is going gangbusters, contributing more than $20 billion to the Australian economy. Tourism is recovering as confidence in WA travel is restored, and the amazing assets of our beautiful regions are recognised.

O'Connor has grown by 18 shires to 57, and I've enjoyed getting to know the faces who make these places unique and so special. Highlights include visiting the amazing Nungarin military museum with its enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, opening a world-class mountain bike trail in the picturesque Nannup and my very warm welcome to Waroona on one of its hottest Western Desert days at 47.1 degrees. Meanwhile, I'll continue to work towards opening an office in Merredin next year, to better serve the Wheatbelt communities.

In closing, I wish everyone, wherever you live in O'Connor, a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year.