Colin Boyce (Flynn, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is an honour to once again be standing here and to be elected to the federal Parliament of Australia as the member for Flynn. I want to start by thanking the people who have entrusted me to represent them for another three years, the people of Flynn particularly. This is a diverse electorate of over 132,000 square kilometres, almost twice the size of Tasmania in area. It consists of eight local government council areas: the Banana Shire Council, the Central Highlands Regional Council, Gladstone Regional Council, North Burnett Regional Council, Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, part of the Bundaberg Regional Council, part of the Rockhampton Regional Council and part of the South Burnett Regional Council. The electorate of Flynn was named in honour of Reverend John Flynn OBE, who lived from 1880 to 1951, founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and who harnessed both flying and radio to relieve suffering and to save lives in remote regions of Queensland and, ultimately, Australia.

Flynn extends from Gladstone in the east and encompasses many regional communities, including Wondai and Proston in the south, the Central Highlands district in the west, and Gracemere district in the north. The electorate is one of the largest economic generators for the Australian economy, comprising agriculture, mining resources, power generation, heavy industry and transport. The electorate is made up of many hardworking men and women, and I'm proud of my local workers who have helped me keep the lights on and who have built products or grown produce Australia and the world will need for many years to come.

As such, it's critical that these industries and these people are supported by our government and not hindered. Since being elected in 2022, I've vowed to fight to protect these jobs in Central Queensland which have been under attack for far too long. I'm pleased to report a 4.6 per cent swing in my favour and I've increased my margin to over 10 per cent on a two-party preferred basis, despite a negative swing against the coalition nationally.

Behind my successful re-election campaign were hundreds and hundreds of people who supported me, from volunteers who handed out how-to-vote cards, householders who had a sign in their yard, people who'd put up their hand and people who put their hand in their pocket to support the campaign financially. While I'm unable to individually thank everybody—it's difficult to single out everybody in this speech—I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of that support. To my wife, Terri, and my children Sarah, Tom and Scott, and their partners: thank you for your support and for keeping the family business going in my absence. To my Flynn FDC executive Tim Eversham and Rachael Cruwys and my campaign team: thank you so much.

I would like to thank everybody who's supported me along the way, especially my staff, who work tirelessly serving the thousands of constituents in the Flynn electorate. This includes my Gladstone team: my media advisor and campaign manager, Cody Vella; and electorate officers Melanie Kent-Ford, Kellie Wilkie, Natalie Ross, Leanne Ruge and April Vock; as well as support staff Liz Purnell-Webb, Julie Murphy and Rae Cowie. Thank you to Lane Buffington in my Emerald office and Margie McIntyre in my Gayndah office.

Last, but not least, I would like to thank my office manager, Nicole Lobegeier. Nicole is about to head off on maternity leave, and I would like to wish her, Aaron and Ollie all the best for their future and for the safe arrival of their new addition to their family. I also welcome Adele Austin to the team, who will be part of the Gladstone office team while Nicole is away on maternity leave. In the last term of parliament, my team and I were able to achieve some positive things, despite an incompetent Labor government.

I am most proud of protecting the Great Artesian Basin, something I have been fighting for for many years. In 2018 I expressed my strong opposition to anything that would compromise the Great Artesian Basin waters, and this was outlined in my maiden speech as the member for Callide in the Queensland state parliament. Back then, I had stopped the proposal to inject industrial waste into the Great Artesian Basin at Wandoan. A couple of years later, in 2023, I found out about a proposal to inject industrial waste into the Great Artesian Basin near Moonie in southern Queensland. Since then, I've written countless letters, made countless calls and had countless meetings to stop this madness from occurring.

In December last year, the Labor-Greens government quashed any attempt by the Nationals in parliament to ensure important safeguards were put in place to protect Australia's aquifers and, indeed, the largest underground potable water source in the world. The Nationals moved an amendment to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act so that the Commonwealth, as well as Queensland government, undertakes the appropriate assessments of carbon sequestration projects. The Nationals fought for a commonsense solution to ensure our farmers' communities have confidence in the approval process of carbon sequestration projects by asking for all of these projects to be assessed under the federal act as well. The current EPBC Act does not go far enough in ensuring an appropriate approval process is in place, and it was a disgrace it was voted down by both the Labor government and the Greens.

I commend the work of the Queensland state government, which banned carbon capture and storage in the Great Artesian Basin in Queensland, and I note an enormous effort put in by AgForce Queensland to achieve this result. However, it's critical that New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory governments do the same thing, and I'll continue to call on the Labor government to protect Australia's aquifers and oppose these proposals to sequester carbon dioxide in the Great Artesian Basin in particular.

I've also achieved substantial wins for the electorate in health, aged care, infrastructure, energy, the environment, telecommunications, agriculture and other community initiatives. For health and aged care, my office and I have initiated and secured thousands of signatures for the reinstatement of the Gladstone Hospital maternity ward. We've called out cuts to mental health support, advocated for the fast-tracking of urgent care clinics in Rockhampton and Bundaberg, achieved positive changes to the 60-day dispensing rules, advocated for aged-care changes following the closure of the Mount Morgan aged-care facility and hosted regional health roundtables in Gladstone to address these regional health issues. We've renewed calls for an investigation into district workforce shortages of cardiologists in the Wide Bay-Burnett region and welcomed construction of the Emerald rural health training centre, funded by the previous coalition government.

With regard to infrastructure, my staff and I have opened a school of manufacturing in Gladstone, funded by the previous coalition government. We've secured reinstatement of funding for the Rockhampton ring road along with the Central Queensland LNP team. We've continued to fight to fund the North Burnett evacuation route and deliver the John Peterson Bridge, near Mundubbera, which was also funded by the previous coalition government. We've secured funding for the Palm Drive culvert upgrade in West Gladstone; secured funding for Agnes Water Skate Park via the Growing Regions Program; called for an extension for the Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot Program; called for the reinstatement of the Beef Corridors funding; delivered the Drynan Drive upgrade in Calliope, funded by the previous coalition government; delivered the Rookwood Weir project along with the Central Queensland LNP team, which was partly funded by the previous coalition government; and opposed Labor's decision to cut funding to Paradise Dam. We've called on the Labor government to make changes to the Roads to Recovery program, which disadvantages all regional councils, and we've called on the federal and Queensland governments to prioritise and bring forward funding for upgrades for the Gin Gin-Rockhampton section of the Bruce Highway.

In respect of telecommunications, we've called for further investment into regional telecommunications and have initiated and collated information from telecommunication blackspots in the Flynn electorate with federal funding. We've called for the reinstatement of funding for mobile black spot programs and achieved a Senate inquiry into regional telecommunications.

In respect of community initiatives, we've announced funding for various community organisations and local athletes, ensured Flynn has received its fair share of funding by ensuring that the Labor government honours its election commitments, actively opposed the Labor government's funding cuts to ag shows, successfully advocated for funding through the Strengthening Rural Communities grants, announced funding for community initiatives through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, opened a new office in Gayndah to better serve constituents in the southern part of the Flynn electorate, conducted and released results of Flynn's biggest survey and hosted hundreds of community mobile offices at various locations across the Flynn electorate, including at regional shows. We've helped thousands of constituents with federal government inquiries and successfully lobbied for the building of a high school in Gracemere.

On the energy and environment issue, we've criticised Labor's reckless renewable energy rollout, and we will continue to do that. We've hosted energy forums in Gladstone, Biloela and Gracemere. We've hosted nuclear forums in Gladstone to discuss the energy form. We've opposed Labor's car tax and ute tax. We spoke at the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill inquiry. We've called for and achieved changes to renewable energy legislation. We've advocated grant funding for Heritage Minerals at Mount Morgan to rehabilitate that mine project, and we've provided submissions to various state and federal inquiries.

With agriculture, we've successfully advocated for increased measures to protect Australia against foot-and-mouth disease, successfully lobbied for improvements to the PALM scheme, opposed Labor's live sheep export ban and lobbied to protect live cattle exports. We successfully lobbied against Labor's fresh food tax.

Other initiatives that we've introduced include a motion in the federal parliament addressing cost-of-living concerns. We've criticised the banks for closing regional branches and supported a Senate inquiry into banking closures. We've prevented franking credit changes detrimental to our constituents, opposed Labor's truckie tax, opposed Labor's divisive Voice to Parliament proposal, successfully lobbied for changes to the HECS system and criticised delays and called for improvements regarding Centrelink wait times. We spoke against Labor's misinformation laws, opposed the cancellation of heavy-vehicle safety and productivity programs, advocated that Australia Day remain 26 January, opposed the digital ID bill and spoke on behalf of constituents of Flynn in the federal parliament approximately 110 times.

Going to this term of parliament, it's about holding the Labor government to account and protecting the future of Central Queensland and the Wide Bay area. I have grave concerns for our regions and their future and for our traditional industries.

The simple fact is that rural and regional Australia is being bulldozed by Labor's reckless renewables rush, and what the government does not understand is that you cannot rely on renewable energy alone. If Australia continues to go down the road of 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050, I fear a repeat of the mass power outages that we've seen in Spain and Portugal, which are countries that are both heavily reliant on renewable energy. To kick the idea of nuclear power into the long grass for the future is an absolute tragedy. Nuclear power, just like coal, is among the safest and most reliable energy sources in the world. Nuclear energy is something Australia needs to consider for the future of business and industry in this country. There are many countries around the world increasing their nuclear capacity, and they understand that renewable energy is not reliable.

Furthermore, the Labor government's unrealistic capital gains tax is not only economically reckless but also fundamentally unfair, and it sets a dangerous precedent in the Australian tax system. This proposal should be abandoned. It is fiscally flawed, ethically questionable and an administrative disaster. Australians deserve a tax system that is fair and transparent and that rewards, not punishes, prudent financial planning.

I have concerns about the sustainability of local government. This concern has been amplified by the North Burnett Regional Council's decision to increase its rates across the area by 25 per cent. While there are many factors that have led to this decision, including the effects of the flawed Local Government Act in Queensland, the current funding model from the federal government is outdated and inadequate. Today, I call on the federal government to increase the untied funding to all councils to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue indexed annually with payment timing and certainty. These are some of the policies that I will continue to call out as the federal member for Flynn.

Whether you're a blue-collar worker in Gladstone, a grazier in the Burnett, a truck driver in the mines in the Central Highlands, a support worker in Gracemere, a veggie grower in Bundaberg, a boilermaker at a small business in Biloela, a nurse in Woorabinda or someone who's just trying to have a go, I will continue to represent you and all your people. I will continue to work hard for our region and ensure we are strongly represented in federal parliament by putting the people of Flynn first. In closing, once again, I thank you and the people of Flynn for putting your trust in me.

Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is my first opportunity to speak at length in the 48th Parliament, but definitely not my first speech in this place. It is an extraordinary privilege to have be sworn in again this week for the fourth time as the member for Macquarie. I'm so grateful to the people of the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury and to my new constituents in Nepean who have put their trust in me to be their representative for three more years, and I want to thank the many volunteers who helped make that possible.

I particularly want to thank the people of Emu Plains, Emu Heights and Leonay, which are the new parts of the Macquarie electorate following the redistribution. These people very generously had conversations with me and my team of volunteers on their doorsteps, at the railway station and along the river, sometimes in 38-degree heat. It has been a real pleasure already having conversations with you, and I look forward to more of those. It's also been terrific getting to know the community groups like the Nepean District Historical Society, Emu Plains Girl Guides and Lions Club volunteers and being involved with them in the planning for the Emu Plains Anzac Day event, which the member for Lindsay restarted a year ago, and I'm very proud to be continuing that tradition.

I am looking forward to deepening my relationship with community groups in coming years and months, as I am to working with the Penrith City Council on the various election commitments that we've made that directly involve working with them. One is Labor's $4 million commitment to upgrading Jamison Park netball facilities—not technically in my electorate but used by many of my constituents and their kids. I look forward to working with Penrith council and the netball association on that and also on major projects like the Leonay Oval. We'll be making a $2.25 million investment. One part of it will be the really exciting stuff of upgrading drainage, which is not necessarily exciting but is really essential for a field that sits at the foot of the Blue Mountains. The exciting bit will be developing the master plan. There's a real vision for that site, one that's able to be brought to life in future years. Emu Plains Little Athletics Club and Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Club have hundreds of young athletes and players who rely on this oval every week, and this investment will finally give them the sort of facility that they deserve.

We also have a $1.1 million commitment to invest in local community parks in Emu Plains and Emu Heights. These are the things that make a big difference to you if you're a mum and you want to get out of the house for a break with the kids to really lovely facilities nearby or if you're a kid after school and you want to be able to have a play and let off steam before, of course, heading home to do all that homework. Our funding's going towards replacing deteriorated asphalt on the basketball court at Clissold Park, creating a multipurpose court, and a bunch of other things in Emu Plains like new pathways to make the park more accessible, and modernising of Ausburn Reserve in Emu Plains and Gough and Lucas Street Reserve. As I say, these feel like small things, but I've got to tell you that it's easy to remember what it was like being home with kids and just needing to get out to somewhere that provided a safe and accessible play space for children or grandchildren.

The other thing I want to mention around this new part of the electorate is that the state member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, has been an amazing support in helping me get to know this part of the world, which she has lived in for so much of her life. I think she and I have already established our meeting place as the wonderful cafe at the Penrith Regional Gallery, Cafe at Lewers. It is a perfect place to sit and make sure that at those two levels of government we're working hand in hand to support our community.

One of the things I'm really excited about as we move into this term of government is fulfilling the commitments we've made that go right across the electorate. The urgent-care clinic that is going to be opened in the Hawkesbury will be a real game changer for families there, and I'm grateful for the huge support I've had from the community in making sure we were one of those nominated to get a new urgent-care clinic. There is already an urgent-care clinic operating in Penrith, and one of the delights of doorknocking through the campaign was being able to raise people's awareness about that—something that perhaps the member for Lindsay had not been as excited about as I am, but it is proving to be, in Penrith, a really useful service, particularly for kids with sporting injuries and for older people who know that they really should get a fall looked at or a cut dealt with quickly, not to mention run-of-the-mill things; all of us will do something silly at some point or find ourselves in need of urgent but not critical care. I'm delighted to see that lower-mountains people are using that service, as well as those in the Emu Plains region. But the Hawkesbury deserve one, and that is something I will continue to work on, and I have already had conversations about getting that underway.

Aside from the fantastic commitments we've made around women's health and the changes that are already in place and that this Labor government believes very strongly in, the new endometriosis and pelvic pain and menopause clinic that is slated for the Nepean and Blue Mountains area is a game changer. I acknowledge the work of the assistant minister, who's sitting at the desk and who put so much effort into making sure women's health has been a key focus of Labor's first-term agenda as well as our second. There has already been a discussion for an expression of interest as to who might want to operate the service, looking for health organisations that already do this or have the capacity to do this. We will then build on their capacity to provide a service across that whole Blue Mountains and Nepean region. So, that's another one I'll be keeping a very close eye on.

I'm very proud to represent the Blue Mountains and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Much of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area sits within my electorate. That's why koalas are a really key election commitment for me. We have committed to creating a stronghold for koalas—a place of refuge for koalas as climate changes. Our $3.495 million—let's just call it $4 million—election commitment will address the knowledge gaps and coordinate the management of areas in this Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. That involves multiple councils, multiple other state organisations as well as the federal government so that we can offer refuge to koalas. The work of Science for Wildlife showed us, in the years following the shocking 2019-20 Gospers Mountain fires—part of that Black Summer fire season—that koalas have found refuge in the Blue Mountains. It becomes even more important, as climate changes, that we conserve these spaces and make sure they are well supported.

The commitment over the next few years will involve collecting and reviewing data across diverse sites, including looking at the connectivity of those sites, the disease that might be present in koalas and the genetic diversity. I'm proud to say that we have already living in this area the most genetically diverse koalas, and they deserve to be protected, which is why another part of it is a responsible pet ownership program to address the risk of predators, many of which are our beloved pets. This holistic program has many elements, and I look forward to talking about it in more detail. I am very much looking forward to the work that we do with people like Science for Wildlife and the different agencies that support the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, including the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute.

We are very focused on the commitments that we've made this election. One that has been a long-running and ongoing commitment from Labor to my community has been duplicating the North Richmond bridge. The commitment around this started back in 2010, my very first election, where I was unsuccessful, when the now prime minister stepped in with a federal commitment to kickstart this process. It has moved slowly through some periods—quickly when we were in government, more slowly when we were not—and I'm pleased to say it is moving now with pace. At this election we committed an additional $114 million, on top of our $400 million commitment, to ensure this project gets done, and gets done properly. There is a long way to go, but we're looking at the work on this project starting next year. There are some preliminary early-stage works that will, in fact, be starting within a matter of days, but the bulk of the project will get started next year, and that is thanks to the additional Labor commitment of funding to make sure that it's done once and it's done right.

When I think about roads in my community, they have been a key focus of what we've delivered already in our first term, and we'll continue to deliver. On the back of terrible bushfires and floods, there's been tens of millions of dollars of investment of federal funding to ensure that roads can be repaired and, more importantly, built back better, and that is something we saw in the last term of government. But we also have an additional $100 million coming into one of our key roads, the Bells Line of Road. This wasn't an election commitment; this was announced by us in government, and the state government is now working through where those sites will be. It's a road that spans two local government areas: the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury. It's a key thoroughfare for people coming from the Central West and from Lithgow through to the city as an alternative to the Great Western Highway, which, in itself, is going to be the focus of a lot of our attention, with the state government, in this term of government. The Bells Line of Road now has $100 million of investment that we will soon start to see the detail on.

I'm very proud to be delivering those sorts of things. Commitments don't always come when there's an election. Sometimes they come because there's a job that really has to be done. There are still some commitments that I made in 2022 that have not quite managed to be brought to fruition by the parties who received the funding for. This term I'm very much looking forward to seeing Hawkesbury City Council deliver on $2.5 million worth of improvements to North Richmond Community Centre, upgrading it so it is more suitable as an emergency and evacuation spot. These projects often end up being complex, and I appreciate that council has been working on them as best they could, but it is very clear to me that the delivery of these projects is urgent in this term of government and I will continue to work closely with council on that, as well as on the rollout of additional mobile services. Obviously, this involves working with the telecommunications companies, and sometimes it gets complicated when councils get involved. One of our new mobile towers, at Hawkesbury Heights, has been switched on and one at Mount Tomah—again, on that really key Bells Line of Road—is not far off.

Those are the things that we keep working on. We try to work collaboratively. I find that, rather than just attacking them for not having got projects done and dusted, it is much more productive to work in collaboration. I'm definitely looking forward to them finalising the work—it's not a huge amount of money—on two small parks in Bounty Reserve in Bligh Park and in South Windsor. That's another Hawkesbury City Council project. They're also spending some of the $3 million we committed last election to Woodbury oval in Glossodia. On the Blue Mountains side, Mount Victoria's investment of a million dollars into their central park is coming along nicely. It's been sometimes frustrating for the community not to see an instant fix from those things, but working with several tiers of government can complicate things.

Two groups who have been beautifully delivering the 2022 commitment have been the Rural Fire Service and the SES. Again, it wasn't necessarily as quick as we would have liked, but I am now seeing $50,000 of expenditure in every single rural fire brigade in my electorate across the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury. These things are really creative. Some are choosing water tanks to increase their water supply. Others are putting in vermin-proof lockers, because you do not want stuff eating your uniforms. There is a range of innovation happening that is designed to serve the volunteers and the community they serve. I'm very proud to be seeing this. I look forward to visiting every one of those RFS sheds and seeing the work they've done. In 2022 we also announced investments in the headquarters of each, and that is also underway. With $1.1 million for each SES, they are very close to starting those projects. These sorts of commitments are just a sample of the things that we've done in Macquarie, and there is always more to do. The Veterans' and Families' Hub that the government has established is underway. The temporary site is close to opening, and a permanent site is already selected. What it shows me is that federal government doesn't do things on its own. We need to work with other groups.

In the last few minutes I have, I want to turn to an issue that will be a focus for me in this term. It goes to what the Governor-General spoke about when she spoke about caring for others in our community. There is a group of people who are facing increasing distress, and that's homeowners who can't afford to insure their home—likely their biggest asset—because they're in a flood prone area. This is happening across Hawkesbury-Nepean as well as in many other parts of the country. We've experienced eight floods since 2020. While none of them reached more than a one-in-20-years level, they were devastating for people. We've seen the sense of security that people had fall away. In the last week or so, I spoke with one resident who was quoted up to $85,000 a year to insure their home in a suburban area. Yes, it's on a flood plain. The average quote they had was $25,000, and this is a number I hear frequently. It is equally out of reach to the average person. Their insurance broker said there was nothing that could be done. At the same time as I reached out to the insurance industry to try and find a solution, this person was able to secure insurance where they opted out of flood insurance. They're covered for all the other perils and accidents that can occur but not for flood. For this family, that was an acceptable outcome, but there is not always a satisfactory ending in these situations. One recent home-seller had to pay $25,000 insurance on the property to secure the sale with the future buyer.

The Hawkesbury-Nepean was lucky in these last few weather events that some parts of the country faced. There was low-level flooding. But there is urgency to ensure that people can take responsibility for their own recovery by being able to access insurance in some form. We're not the only country facing this issue, and I've been grateful to the Insurance Council of Australia for giving me access to people in the United States, the UK and New Zealand to hear of the very similar challenges they're facing. We all know that mitigation is crucial in this insurance affordability issue, and our government has done more on mitigation than has ever previously been done. But exactly what to do, how to do it at a local level and what difference it makes is not yet completely clear. Obviously, responsibility for so much of the mitigation sits with the New South Wales government. As I say, this is a place where we need collaboration and cooperation. For me, one of the most urgent challenges this term is to work with the Assistant Treasurer, the emergency ministers, the New South Wales government, the insurance industry and my community to find a way forward on this very complex issue. No-one is suggesting there is a quick fix, but what is clear is that the urgency continues to mount and that, where we can't find a solution, we're creating huge distress for communities who see a place they felt secure in become a real ball and chain—a place they can't exit, a place they can't afford to leave but also where they can't afford to stay.

These are some of the many joys and challenges I look forward to in this term of parliament, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the chamber on these issues.

Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's an incredible privilege to be able to return to Canberra and rise in the 48th Parliament of Australia, having been re-elected, once again, for an historic fifth term as the federal member for Capricornia. Almost 12 years ago I stood to deliver my maiden speech as the new member for Capricornia. Today, as I rise to speak in the 48th Parliament, it is still the greatest honour of my life to represent my community, fighting every day with the same passion and determination I've carried for over a decade.

When I reflect on the recent election campaign, I'm reminded of the tireless dedication of my volunteers, friends, family and staff. Their hard work, loyalty and belief in me and the National Party made all the difference. Without them, the road to re-election would be so much steeper. I'm deeply grateful for their unwavering support.

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all involved. Firstly, to my family—Jessica, Tim, Fitzwilliam, Kirstin and my mum, Gloria: thank you. Your love and support not just during the election but throughout the last 12 years has been a constant source of strength for me.

To my incredible LNP supporters and volunteers, especially our tireless booth captains and their teams: thank you. Your dedication not just during the election campaign but year after year at markets and community stalls has been absolutely invaluable.

I also want to extend my deepest thanks to my campaign manager, Ron Carige; our treasurer, Anne Carige; and secretary Tom Birkbeck. To my hardworking staff—Dannielle Martin, Lauren Clein, Ben Springhall, Megan Kerr, Nicole Kamp, Laurie Atlas and Amiee Ford: thank you. Your commitment to assisting the people of Capricornia throughout the last term and the extraordinary effort you put in during the campaign did not go unnoticed. I also say a huge thank you to all those who financially contributed to my campaign and helped out in any way they could.

I thank my federal parliamentary colleagues for their unwavering support, including former Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton and Leader of the Nationals and member for Maranoa David Littleproud. A special thank you to Senator Matthew Canavan and his team for their unwavering support and friendship, as always.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the quiet Australians who placed their trust in me once again: the small-business owners, the mums and dads, the coalminers, the farmers and the retirees. These are the hardworking Australians who ask for little but give so much. They are the backbone of our communities and the very reason this country is as resilient as it is today. Over the past three years, these Australians have borne the brunt of a deepening cost-of-living crisis. They've watched as their grocery bills climbed, their electricity costs soared and their hopes of homeownership drifted further out of reach. To every battler, every family doing it tough and every person who put their faith in me: I will not let you down. I will hold this government accountable. I will fight for you every single day.

It is the greatest privilege to represent Capricornia in this parliament, and it was also an honour to serve as the shadow assistant minister for manufacturing during the 47th Parliament. Manufacturing is more than just an industry; it's a symbol of what Australians can achieve when we invest in skills, innovation and sovereign capability. This term of government, I am delighted to serve my party as the Chief Nationals Whip. Since becoming Capricornia's federal member of parliament, I've worked tirelessly to secure major investment in real job-creating infrastructure.

Despite Labor tearing much-needed funding from regional Australians, we saw many coalition funded projects come to completion. As well, we saved many projects from Labor's funding cuts. The $670 million coalition funded Rookwood Weir was officially opened and has begun to provide much-needed water to agriculture in Central Queensland. Water is a priority in Central Queensland, and this water is transforming our region, driving the expansion of irrigated agriculture production and opening up new business opportunities, which will boost our local economy. More than 36,000 megalitres of water will underpin agriculture growth and deliver to secure reliable and affordable water across Central Queensland, setting up local industry to succeed. Water infrastructure projects like Rookwood Weir will ensure our dry continent can continue to be not just habitable but productive.

One of the exciting outcomes of the Rookwood Weir project is the expansion of higher-value crops, like macadamia, now flourishing thanks to increased water security. These macadamias are in high demand and destined for export markets around the world, opening new and exciting opportunities for our region.

This growing export potential aligns perfectly with the continued development of Rockhampton Airport. With its strategic location, Rockhampton is well-placed to become a major freight and export hub, connecting our region's premium agriculture products with international markets. The airport itself has benefited from more than $40 million in federal investment, which I fought hard to secure. During the last term, we saw the official opening of several transformative upgrades—enhanced security systems, including state-of-the-art body scanners; a complete pavement upgrade; and vital terminal improvements—to ensure a smoother, more welcoming experience for all our visitors.

The project I'm most proud to have helped deliver is the Alliance Airlines heavy maintenance facility, a $25 million investment by the coalition. This facility is not only creating more than 100 local jobs but also offering apprenticeships and traineeships in aircraft engineering to high-school students from Rockhampton and Yeppoon. It's a game changer for our region, which is building skills, careers and economic opportunities for the next generation.

During the election, I proudly committed $20 million for the next stage of the airport's expansion, including an additional aircraft bay to support the growing number of military training exercises in our region and the first stage of a dedicated freight hub to kickstart Rockhampton's transformation into a true export gateway. Disappointingly, Labor did not match this commitment. They continue to take regional communities for granted and show little interest in supporting long-term growth outside the major cities. Their refusal to invest in this critical infrastructure proves that they don't take regional development seriously.

Major infrastructure projects across the Capricornia electorate continue to drive economic growth and deliver long-term benefits for our region. But time and again we've had to fight tooth and nail to protect them. Last term, alongside local community members and businesses, I stood up to save crucial economy-building projects, none more significant at the $1.9 billion Rockhampton Ring Road and the $14 million Phillips Creek Bridge upgrade nearDysart. Saving the Rockhampton Ring Road from Labor's first budget cuts was no small feat. More than 500 locals rallied to send a clear message to Canberra: regional Queensland will not tolerate vital infrastructure being stripped away. The Start Rockhampton Ring Road team fought with unwavering determination, and, without their advocacy, Labor would have gladly consigned this project to the scrap heap.

Today, stage 1 of the northern and southern sections of the ring road are nearing completion. This project isn't just about busting congestion; it's about keeping our community safe. Every day, around 2,000 heavy vehicles pass through Rockhampton, right past four schools and through 19 sets of traffic lights. The Rockhampton Ring Road will divert this traffic away from our city centre, keeping freight moving and our children safe.

Similarly, I'm pleased to see the $251 million Walkerston Bypass is now completed. This vital project has redirected heavy vehicles away from local schools in the township of Walkerston, which, for years, was impacted by trucks passing dangerously close to school zones. The bypass is delivering safer and more efficient journeys for commuters along the Peak Downs Highway and has significantly improved flood immunity with a new bridge over Bakers Creek and three new overpasses across the local cane railway network.

I also successfully fought to save the Phillips Creek Bridge upgrade from Labor's 90-day infrastructure review, Phillips Creek Bridge is a notoriously dangerous crossing where lives have been lost. This project will provide safer travel for those commuting through the coalfields of Central Queensland, ensuring they return home safely to their families. I'm proud that the $155 million Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road upgrade is now in its final stages. Another coalition funded initiative, this project is expanding the road to four lanes, improving access to private properties and fixing the deadly intersections like Dairy Inn Road and Artillery Road. These upgrades will ease traffic for the 11,600 vehicles that use this road every day and make travel between Rockhampton and Yeppoon safer and more efficient for everyone.

Importantly, we forced Labor's hand on yet another critical project, the beef roads funding. When Labor tried to cut this vital investment from the infrastructure pipeline we fought back and had $40 million reinstated. This win means we're finally seeing the beginning of sealing key freight routes in the beef corridor network, roads that are crucial for our cattle industry, our rural communities and our regional economy.

Connectivity is not just a luxury. It is a necessity, especially for those living in regional, rural and remote parts of our country. When the community of Collinsville began experiencing major mobile coverage issues, I knew immediate action was needed. The existing tower was under immense pressure, struggling to keep up with the growing demand. I met with locals, listened to their concerns firsthand and took those concerns straight back to Canberra. Through community meetings, advocacy and relentless lobbying I fought to ensure that Collinsville got the upgrades it needed. After two years of hard work I was absolutely delighted to see the fight pay off. Earlier this year a new mobile phone base station was officially switched on, providing significantly improved coverage for the Collinsville region. It's a win for safety, a win for business and a win for every resident who now has the connectivity they deserve.

Access to safe, secure and appropriate housing is one of the biggest challenges facing communities across Australia, and Capricornia is no exception. But for people living with disability, the challenge is even greater. Finding homes that not only provide a roof over their head that are designed to support their specific needs is incredibly difficult. That's why I was so proud to bring a vital project to life by securing $1 million in federal funding for Multicap's purpose-built disability housing. What began as a vision on paper is now a reality, with two beautifully designed homes that offer safety, dignity and independence for their residents. These houses are more than just buildings; they're a lifeline for those who too often fall through the cracks of our housing system. Housing security is also critical at the end of life, and I was honoured to deliver $19.6 million in funding for the construction of the Mercy Haven aged care facility in Rockhampton. This state-of-the-art centre is providing high-quality, compassionate care for our senior citizens, ensuring that they can stay close to their families and communities in later years.

Additionally, I was also proud to secure $8 million in federal funding for the Fitzroy Community Hospice, which has now officially opened its doors. This 12-bed facility in Rockhampton is the first regional hospice in Queensland, providing compassionate community based end-of-life care. It delivers holistic support not just for patients but for their families and carers as well, offering dignity, comfort and guidance during life's most difficult moments. I fought hard for this service because everyone, regardless of where they live, deserves access to quality palliative care close to home. The Fitzroy Community Hospice is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in services that truly matter.

The Capricornia region is one of the best places in Australia to live, work and raise a family, and has been made even better by significant investments I've secured to support its continued growth. Tourism is thriving, and I'm proud to have delivered the funding needed to keep pace with this momentum. One stand-out project is the brand new Keppel Bay Sailing Club, now officially open thanks to a $20 million investment from the coalition. This world-class facility has quickly become a centrepiece for sport and tourism on the Capricorn Coast, creating local jobs, injecting life into our hospitality sector and attracting national and international sailing regattas to our beautiful shoreline. From health care to infrastructure, and from housing to tourism, these investments are building a stronger, safer and more prosperous future for all of Capricornia. I am incredibly proud to have secured a record investment of more than $7 billion for Capricornia—an achievement that reflects years of hard work, persistence and unshakable belief in the potential of our region.

For too long, Capricornia was overlooked by Labor, taken for granted as a safe Labor seat and left behind when it came to serious investment. But that has changed. Capricornia is no longer ignored. It is now recognised as the economic powerhouse it truly is, driving growth through agriculture, resources, defence, manufacturing and tourism. This investment isn't just a number; it's real funding for roads, hospitals, aged care, water security, job creation and essential services that strengthen our communities and build a better future for local families.

Serving as the member for Capricornia has been the honour of my life. As members of parliament, we are entrusted with a profound responsibility: the ability to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of our constituents. Whether it's standing up for residents who need help, improving the essential services families rely on or delivering the infrastructure that drives jobs and opportunity, our role matters. On every one of these fronts, I am incredibly proud of what I've been able to achieve for Capricornia. This is the region where I was raised and where I chose to raise my two daughters. It's more than just an electorate; it is my home, and it's a community I care deeply about. As we begin the 48th Parliament, I remain as determined as ever to fight for Capricornia's future. I will continue working hard every day to deliver for our region and hold the Labor government to account. Capricornia is full of potential, and it is the honour of my life to represent it in this place of democracy. Thank you.

Carina Garland (Chisholm, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is a real honour to be returned to this place. It is not a fact lost on me that the last person to have served two consecutive terms was the wonderful Anna Burke. Her second election was in 2001, so I do not take lightly the privilege and honour that the people of Chisholm have bestowed upon me by returning me here to this place to represent them. I want to use this time to reflect on the wonderful support that I've received from my community in Chisholm and the determination with which I will continue to fight for what our community needs.

Over 500 people in my local area volunteered on my campaign, which is an incredible number of people. We knocked on over 50,000 doors and made over 80,000 phone calls attempting to contact every single person in my electorate. We were focused, as the broader Labor campaign was, on optimism for our community and for our country. We know that it is only Labor governments that build. Our campaign was focused on how a re-elected Albanese Labor government will build Australia's future.

Delivery is really important for governments. We've heard in this place a number of times, and certainly over the last day or so, about how faith in institutions has been declining over the years. It is through delivery—through being a government that says they're going to do something and then does it—that we restore faith in institutions in the government. I look forward to being part of the second-term Albanese Labor government, where we will continue our record of delivery on the commitments that we make to people in our communities.

There are many people that I will thank in a moment, but I want to acknowledge the extraordinary support that I received from the caucus—from colleagues such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, the Minister for the Environment and Water and former Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Murray Watt, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister for Housing, the Treasurer, the Prime Minister, of course, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Minister for Skills and Training, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, the then Assistant Minister for Women, Kate Thwaites. I want to acknowledge all their support because I really felt that I was going into a pretty intense campaign with some of the best leaders in our country on my side. That really encouraged me, and I know it certainly encouraged the volunteers that they spoke to when they came to visit me. I'm very grateful and will always be grateful for their support there.

Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The debate is interrupted in accordance with standing order 43. The debate may resume at a later hour. The member will have leave to continue speaking when that debate is resumed.