Michelle Landry's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Australia Day Honours and Awards | Statements | House debates
I rise today to proudly acknowledge the Capricornia region and the outstanding locals recognised in the recent Australia Day 2026 honours list. Professor John Rolfe AM of Rockyview was appointed...
I rise today to proudly acknowledge the Capricornia region and the outstanding locals recognised in the recent Australia Day 2026 honours list. Professor John Rolfe AM of Rockyview was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to regional economic development. Through his work as an economist and author, Professor Rolfe has helped shape policy, strengthen regional economies and deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural and regional Australia. Mr Rodney Green OAM from Frenchville has been recognised for his service to the Rockhampton community. His longstanding dedication to local organisations and community initiatives embodies the very best of community spirit and has made a lasting difference to countless lives. Mr Lyle Baker ACM of Rockhampton City has been awarded the Australian Corrections Medal for his distinguished service within corrective services and for preserving the history of the Capricornia Correctional Centre. These honourees, like so many before them, are a tangible asset to our community. Australia Day reminds us to recognise those who quietly serve others and who truly make Australia the best country in the world.
Interest Rates | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Treasurer. The Reserve Bank decision to increase interest rates will place more cost-of-living pressure on Australian families. When the Reserve Bank cut rates in August...
My question is to the Treasurer. The Reserve Bank decision to increase interest rates will place more cost-of-living pressure on Australian families. When the Reserve Bank cut rates in August last year, the Treasurer put out a long media statement taking credit for the decision. Treasurer, why is it that the government takes credit when interest rates go down but no-one takes any responsibility when the rates go up? Why don't you apologise to the Australian people?
McCamley, Sir Graham Edward, MBE | Constituency Statements | House debates
I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Sir Graham McCamley, a leader in Australia's beef industry and a proud Central Queenslander. Sir Graham stands alongside tennis great and...
I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Sir Graham McCamley, a leader in Australia's beef industry and a proud Central Queenslander. Sir Graham stands alongside tennis great and Rockhampton legend Rod Laver as a national treasure. In fact, the two used to play tennis together at the Rockhampton tennis centre. Born in 1932 near Dululu, west of Rockhampton, Sir Graham's life was shaped by the land and by the values of hard work, integrity and community that define regional Queensland. From humble beginnings on his family's cattle property, he became one of Australia's most respected cattle producers. From a young age, Sir Graham's talent was evident. At 16, he won the Queensland Country Life Young Judges competition at the Rockhampton Show, displaying an eye for quality and an understanding beyond his years. A study tour of the United States marked the beginning of a journey that would see him help establish the Brahman breed in Australia and build a cattle enterprise across Central Queensland, including Tartrus, Royles, Glen Prairie, Oakleigh, Stoodleigh and Tanderra. In 1975, Sir Graham became a founder and president of the Cattlemen's Union of Australia and a tireless advocate for producers. He believed in innovation, research and collaboration, working with the CSIRO and the University of Queensland to strengthen the future of Australian beef production. Sir Graham was the force behind the growth of the beef industry into the multibillion-dollar sector it is today. His service to agriculture was recognised with the award of an MBE in 1981 and his knighthood in 1986. Sir Graham loved the stunning natural beauty of Central Queensland and the warmth of its people. In later years, he chose to retire to Yeppoon, where he remained connected to the community. It was in this time that Sir Graham released his book Roads in the Sky: The Life of Cattleman Sir Graham McCamley, which was more than three years in the making and reflects on his life in the cattle industry. Above all, Sir Graham was a devoted husband to Shirley and father to Jennifer, Jacqueline and Russell and their respective families. He was a generous mentor to many, including me. His legacy lives on not only in the cattle industry but in the lives of those he supported, encouraged and inspired. Central Queensland and our nation are better for the contribution of Sir Graham McCamley. May he rest in peace.
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak against the government's proposed changes to Australia's firearm laws and to place on the record my support for responsible gun owners, farmers, primary producers and...
I rise today to speak against the government's proposed changes to Australia's firearm laws and to place on the record my support for responsible gun owners, farmers, primary producers and sporting shooters who rely on firearms for their livelihoods, safety and way of life. Let me be clear from the outset. Australia does not have a gun control problem. What we have is the Albanese government attempting to use tragedy as a cover for ideology. The horrific ISIS-inspired extremist Islamic terror attack at Bondi shocked our nation to its core. Australians mourn the innocent lives lost and stood united against evil. But what we must not do—and what this government is now doing—is exploit that tragedy to justify laws that would punish the very people who do nothing wrong and divert attention away from the real issue: extreme Islamic terror. That is the uncomfortable truth that the Prime Minister refuses to confront. Instead of addressing the real failures that led to the attack, this government has developed a knee-jerk policy that proposes firearm restrictions that target farmers, regional Australians and responsible gun owners—people who obey the law, follow the rules and pose no threat to public safety. This is not leadership; this is political weakness and, some would say, political cowardice. What we do know about the Bondi attack is deeply troubling. The perpetrator was known to authorities. The perpetrator was on an ASIO watchlist. There were failures in coordination, intelligence sharing and bureaucratic decision-making. Those are the failures this parliament should be examining, and, thanks to the pressure applied by the coalition and everyday Australians, those answers will come from the royal commission into the Bondi terror attack. But, rather than address the real problem, the Prime Minister has chosen to ignore the breakdowns within his own government's systems and shift the blame onto everyday Australians who legally and responsibly own firearms. It takes a pretty devious government to use the tragedy of Bondi to tighten firearms laws. And you know what, Mr Speaker? The people of Australia know this. Jeffrey Ross, Queensland State President of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Inc., said in a letter to me: A firearms buyback and any major change to firearm laws are a cynical distraction from the authorities' likely failures leading up to the terrorist attack and a waste of taxpayers' money. Firearms owners are being used as a scapegoat and we are rightly scathing of the political motives behind these measures. In my electorate of Capricornia, ever since the Prime Minister announced this legislation, my office has been inundated with emails and calls from constituents worried that they are being punished yet again by the Albanese government. Let us be clear. Bondi was not a failure of gun control; it was a failure of the Albanese government. Under this legislation, the people who will pay the price are not extremists, not hate preachers, not criminals and not terrorists but farmers who need firearms to protect livestock, rural families who rely on them for safety and sporting shooters who have complied with every law this parliament has ever passed. This is just wrong. The National Party has always taken a responsible approach to firearms policy. We believe in strong laws. We believe in proper licensing, storage requirements and background checks. And we believe those laws legislated by the Howard government are working. Farmers did not cause Bondi. Sports shooters did not cause Bondi. Responsible gun owners did not cause Bondi. Islamic extremists did. If the government is serious about preventing attacks, then it should be strengthening intelligence coordination, resourcing counterterrorism agencies properly and ensuring that watchlists mean something. Regional Australians already feel under siege from this government from policies made in Canberra boardrooms by people who have never set foot on a farm and never understood the realities of rural life. The National Party will stand with responsible gun owners. We will stand with the farmers. We will stand with regional Australians. Australians want accountability, honesty and laws that actually make them safer, not laws that are simply a vanity project for this prime minister. I will be opposing this legislation.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
I rise today to offer my deepest condolences following the horrific terror attack that occurred on the evening of 14 December at Bondi Beach, an attack that violated the nation's collective...
I rise today to offer my deepest condolences following the horrific terror attack that occurred on the evening of 14 December at Bondi Beach, an attack that violated the nation's collective consciousness and will forever be seared into the soul of our nation. The night should have been a time of joy; it was the first night of Hanukkah, the festival of light. Jewish families gathered peacefully, as they have every year at this time for 30 years, on one of Australia's most iconic beaches to celebrate faith and community. No-one except the sinister, ISIS-inspired perpetrators knew what was about to unfold. Through our screens we witnessed the scale and brutality of radical Islamic extremism and ideology, incompatible with any civil society, one that left 15 people murdered. Innocent people shot down, targeted because of their faith. Bystanders ran for safety. Others tried to shield their loved ones as this nation and the world watched in disbelief. The murdered were people who believed Australia was safe. The murdered believed they could celebrate their faith openly. The murdered believe they had a tomorrow. I honour each of the 15 lives taken. Remember Matilda Britven, just 10 years old, the youngest victim, a child celebrating Hanukkah innocently with two things every 10-year-old loves: cake and animals at a petting zoo. She was a little girl with her whole life ahead of her. Rabbi Eli Schlanger, aged 41, the Bondi rabbi. A husband to Chaya and a father of five, including a newborn son, and a pillar of the Jewish community, he had devoted his life to service, faith and kindness. Boris Tetleroyd loved Bondi Beach, loved Australia and loved his community, a devoted and loving father. Boris and Sofia Gurman were married for 34 years. Boris bravely confronted the attacker and disarmed him. He and Sofia died in each other's arms after the shooter deliberately targeted them. Reuven Morrison, 62, charged unarmed towards a gunman in a desperate attempt to defend others, an act of unimaginable bravery. Edith Brutman is remembered by her family as a woman of integrity and strength who met prejudice with principle and division with service. Marika Pogany, aged 82, devoted thousands of hours to delivering meals to others simply because caring was who she was. Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a quiet servant of his community, was sharing prayer and connection when his life was taken. Peter Meagher, known as Marzo, a retired police detective who served the public for decades, was killed whilst pursuing his passion for photography. Tibor Weitzen, 78, a beloved grandfather, husband and cherished member of the Bondi Chabad and Russian Jewish communities, was killed while trying to shield a family friend. Dan Elkayam, a French national who made Australia his home, was a talented footballer and a joyful soul who was deeply loved by all who knew him. Adam Smyth, a husband and a father of four, was innocently walking with his wife along the beach, living life and loving his family. Tania Tretiak was attending in love and solidarity with her Jewish husband, reminding us that this attack struck not only Jews but all Australians and our shared values. And we remember Alexander Kleytman, aged 89, a Holocaust survivor who endured the worst antisemitism in history during World War II only to be murdered in Australia while shielding his wife, Larissa. In the midst of the horror of the Bondi terror attack, ordinary Australians did extraordinary things. Civilians who were unarmed and unprotected stepped forward to help strangers to shield others and give aid. They refused to let fear win. Our police officers ran towards danger without hesitation. Their bravery and resolve prevented an even greater tragedy. But they were not alone. Our Bondi lifesavers' rapid response and selfless courage turned a scene of terror into one of hope. Trained to protect life in the water, their heroism was just as effective on land, as they worked to treat the injured, guide people to safety and restore order in moments where every second mattered. These men and women did not ask who someone was, where they came from or what they believed; they acted because lives were at stake. Their heroism reminds us that, while terrorism seeks to divide and terrorise, the Australian spirit responds with unity, courage and compassion. We thank them and we'll never forget their bravery. Passing laws that fail to address the stain of antisemitism and Islamic terror is a betrayal of Australia and of those who lost their lives at Bondi. While 15 innocent lives were taken, their light can never be extinguished. Their lives will light the path to a better Australia.
Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Manufacturer SMW Group in my electorate of Capricornia has seen its power bills skyrocket by 70 per cent in just four years. As a...
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Manufacturer SMW Group in my electorate of Capricornia has seen its power bills skyrocket by 70 per cent in just four years. As a result, the owner has told me he has held off hiring over 100 new staff. Minister, when will the power prices come down?
Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Centre | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise today to acknowledge one of Capricornia's true community treasures, the Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Centre. Housed within the original 1906 courthouse, the old jail and the historic Mount...
I rise today to acknowledge one of Capricornia's true community treasures, the Sarina Tourist Art and Craft Centre. Housed within the original 1906 courthouse, the old jail and the historic Mount Pelion schoolhouse, this precinct is a living reminder of our region's heritage. The Sarina Tourist Art and Craft community provides a valuable connection to its past and shares traditions and knowledge with the next generation as well as with tourism visitors to the region. Visitors will find some beautiful hand-crafted arts and crafts created by artisans from across the Sarina community—pieces that are unique to the area and made with local passion. The centre also provides ample parking, including parking for vehicles with caravans. So, to all the caravan travellers, add this spot to your list of stops. You will absolutely love it! I should mention, too, that the team is always looking for volunteers, so I would encourage anyone wanting to establish themselves in the Sarina art scene to consider getting involved. It's a way to make a real impact. I commend all the volunteers, including the two Jennys who I met with recently and who welcome visitors with warmth, knowledge and pride. Their work keeps Sarina's heritage alive and thriving.
National Disability Insurance Scheme | Statements by Members | House debates
Last week in Rockhampton, providers from across Central Queensland came together for an important NDIS provider forum which I was proud to co-host with the shadow assistant minister for the NDIS,...
Last week in Rockhampton, providers from across Central Queensland came together for an important NDIS provider forum which I was proud to co-host with the shadow assistant minister for the NDIS, Phil Thompson MP. The theme of the day, 'Sharing challenges, shaping solutions', gave frontline providers a desperately needed opportunity to speak about the reforms they need. Providers know better than anyone where the system is working and where it is falling short. We heard reports of NDIS participants being dumped at hospitals because of the lack of resourcing. Recent changes to pricing structures, coupled with growing pressures across the sector, are causing confusion, delays and inconsistency in service and, importantly, are putting lives at risk. In regional communities like Capricornia, these challenges are amplified and deeply felt. Workforce shortages, extensive travel requirements and rising operational costs continue to place strain on local organisations. Our providers want to deliver the best support, but they need a system that enables, not restricts, their work. The insights gathered in Rockhampton will play a vital role in shaping the coalition's ongoing work to strengthen the NDIS, ensuring it remains sustainable, fair and, above all, centred on the needs of participants.
Energy | Constituency Statements | House debates
I rise today to speak openly and honestly about the state of our nation's energy policy and the need for a cheaper, better and fairer path forward. The truth is that Labor's reckless rush to net...
I rise today to speak openly and honestly about the state of our nation's energy policy and the need for a cheaper, better and fairer path forward. The truth is that Labor's reckless rush to net zero is failing Australia. Since the Labor government took office, electricity prices have soared by almost 40 per cent and gas prices by more than 45 per cent. Families are struggling to pay their bills, small businesses are buckling under soaring costs and manufacturing jobs are disappearing by the thousands, and yet we are told that this is the price we must pay for progress. But what progress? Across regional Australia, pristine landscapes are being bulldozed for wind and solar projects. Forests are being cleared, farmland is being rendered useless and the rights of landholders are being stripped away. Even notable environmentalists like Steve Makowski, who generally cares about the environment, now warn of the environmental damage being done in the name of green energy. This is not progress; it is hypocrisy. Labor's net zero obsession is driving investment out of our regions, pushing up energy prices and weakening our sovereignty. We now rely more than ever on imported solar panels, wind turbines and batteries, instead of thriving on our own natural resources. This is the definition of insanity. We can choose a different path, one that puts Australian families, workers and farmers first. A high-energy Australia is what we stand for: an Australia that uses all of its resources—the sun, gas, coal, hydro, wind and, in time, nuclear—to deliver cheaper, reliable power. Cheaper energy is important because it contributes to everything we do—every coffee that's made, every piece of clothing we buy and the food we eat; everything. Cheaper energy prices mean a lower cost of living and more money in the pockets of people who need it, not a $9 trillion debt our children and grandchildren will need to pay back. Our vision is better for families, stronger for industry and fairer for all Australians. The promise of net zero has become a gigantic burden on our nation—a burden that has seen real wages drop back to 2011 levels and the loss of 7,000 manufacturing jobs. It's time to face reality and build a new feature— A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 12:26 to 12:35 It's time to face reality and build a new energy future beyond net zero—one that powers this nation with pride, purpose and common sense. A cheaper, better, fairer Australia begins when we move beyond net zero and put Australians back in charge of our energy destiny.
Capricornia Electorate: Roads | Adjournment | House debates
I rise today to speak about further unlocking the full potential of the Capricornia region, and that begins with returning to a coordinated, properly funded approach to regional roads—one...
I rise today to speak about further unlocking the full potential of the Capricornia region, and that begins with returning to a coordinated, properly funded approach to regional roads—one that delivers safer roads, stronger connections between communities and more reliable and efficient routes for the industries that power our region and add value to our Australian economy. Right now, under Labor, regional roads are being left behind. Funding is being cut. Heavy renewable infrastructure is being hauled across roads that were never designed for that load, and now there's a proposal by Labor to lower the speed limits instead of fixing the problem. This is not a solution; it's an admission of failure. Instead of investing in road safety, Labor's answer is to slow people down. That approach hits productivity, drives up freight costs and punishes regional Australians who already spend more time and money travelling long distances to access work, education, healthcare and other services. Communities like Clarke Creek, Clermont, Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount, Lotus Creek and Nebo know exactly what's going on. The problem isn't speed; it's neglect. Take the Fitzroy Development Road, for example. It's a vital freight and tourism corridor linking the Bowen Basin, the Bruce Highway and western Queensland. Yet sections of the road remain in poor condition—narrow, crumbling and unsafe for the heavy vehicles that depend on it every day. The Peak Downs Highway is a lifeline for mining workforce and freight operators. This road carries the economic pulse of our coal and resources sector. Yet, year after year, locals face dangerous overtaking conditions and pothole riddled surfaces that put lives and livelihoods at risk. And, of course, there's the Bruce Highway—the backbone of Queensland's transport network and the main connector for regional communities across Capricornia. Every upgrade here delivers huge benefits to local businesses, tourism and industry, but the pace of progress has slowed, and we can't afford complacency. Investment in regional roads is one of the smartest and most productive investments any government make. According to the Roads Australia and BIS Oxford Economics report, the total economic impact of the road industry in 2019-20 was $236 billion. That's direct and indirect value added to our economy. The road transport sector alone contributes around 4.5 per cent of Australia's gross value added. Road investment delivers strong multiplier effects. It creates local jobs, supports small businesses, improves productivity and unlocks regional industries. Over the next four years, road construction nationally is expected to generate over $300 million in output and support more than 57,394 jobs nationally. With major projects like the coalition led $1.98 billion dollar Rockhampton Ring Road project and continuing upgrades to the Bruce Highway, the Capricornia region will deliver back in spades for the economy for every shovel of construction. That's the power of roads done right. But roads are more than concrete and bitumen. They are lifelines for regional communities. They connect people to opportunity, ensure goods reach markets, enable emergency services to respond faster and keep our mining, agriculture and tourism industries moving. In Capricornia, our roads carry the economic heartbeat of the nation, from the coalfields of the Bowen Basin to the cattle country of the Fitzroy and the tourism destinations along our coast. When our roads fail, the entire nation feels it. That's why road funding should never be seen as a cost. It's an investment in productivity, prosperity and safety. The value of good roads extends well beyond their construction cost. Better roads mean less travel time, safer journeys, improved access to markets and hospitals, and stronger regional economies. The opposite is also true. When governments neglect regional roads and lower speed limits instead of repairing them, we see increased travel times, reducing productivity for workers and families; higher freight and logistics costs, pushing up prices for consumers; and weaker competitiveness for our farmers, miners and manufacturers. That's the real cost of neglect. Regional roads aren't just infrastructure; they are the arteries of the Australian economy. For a region like Capricornia—a region that feeds, powers and builds this country—we deserve our fair share of investment. We need a long-term, coordinated regional roads approach that ensures local communities remain safe and supported. The people of Capricornia are proud contributors to this nation's prosperity. All we ask is that Canberra invest back into the roads that make our nation building possible. It's time to stop slowing down the bush and start building it up.
Energy | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise today to encourage the move away from net zero and expose the dark truth behind Labor's reckless rush to renewables and their unrealistic net zero target, a plan that is destroying the...
I rise today to encourage the move away from net zero and expose the dark truth behind Labor's reckless rush to renewables and their unrealistic net zero target, a plan that is destroying the very environment it claims to protect. Across regional Queensland, untouched landscapes are being bulldozed in the name of green energy. Leading conservationist Steven Nowakowski has warned that Australia's push to net zero is fuelling a wave of environmental destruction. He said, 'We can't destroy biodiversity to save the planet.' This reckless rollout has no transparency and is driven by ideology. Labor's reckless renewables aren't clean or green, and they certainly aren't humane. Contained within the Clarke Creek Wind Farm Biodiversity management plan is one of the most disturbing admissions I've ever read. When it comes to unviable injured animals like koalas, it states: Euthanasia will be conducted using blunt force trauma … a hard, sharp blow to the base of the skull with a blunt metal or heavy wooden bar. This is the reality of Labor's renewable agenda: blunt brutality disguised as progress. We need an energy policy that moves beyond net zero and towards a policy that is cheaper, better and fairer for all Australians.
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise to address the grave concerns that many constituents, stakeholders and industries in Capricornia and beyond have about the proposed changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity...
I rise to address the grave concerns that many constituents, stakeholders and industries in Capricornia and beyond have about the proposed changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. While reform may sometimes be needed, what is before us is crippling industries that are pillars of our region and our nation. It places too much power in the hands of ministerial discretion, it duplicates regulation, and it threatens fairness and productivity. I speak today on behalf of regions that rely on resource development, mining, minerals and heavy industries—companies like Boral, Glencore, BHP and QMAG. They are not faceless corporations. They are employers. They are economic drivers. They unlock the wealth of our nation and give back to the community through grassroots, community activities. They are telling me clearly that the tighter green tape proposed under this bill is strangling their ability to operate in Australia—let alone compete internationally, where other countries offer far more favourable conditions. I back our mining companies. I back them because their success is our success, but under this bill we risk entering dangerous territory. We risk picking winners and losers by regulation, where those aligned with the government agenda are favoured with subsidies while others are left to struggle under burdens they never asked for. If we continue down this path, some may ask whether we are edging towards a system where government grants or regulatory favour determine what survives, rather than competitiveness and merit. That risks are chilling resemblance to state controlled economies, where approvals are less about fairness and more about who has influence. One of my deepest concerns with the proposal is around 'unacceptable impact' as a legal test in the bill. As per the recommendations from the Graeme Samuel review, the intention may have been well meaning—to protect matters of national environmental significance more strictly—but the drafting we see is deeply subjective, loaded with ministerial discretion and lacking clarity. A project may be held up or refused not because it fails to meet clear standards but because someone considers the impact unacceptable. That test is open to interpretation, which could then attract legal challenges and lengthy delays. For mining companies I've spoken with, the fear is real. What happens when that test becomes a bureaucratic hammer rather than a guidance tool? What happens when companies are being held responsible for impacts outside of their control, which they cannot reasonably mitigate? That is not fairness; that is regulatory overreach. Furthermore, in my consultation with the Queensland Resources Council, they flagged that the bill's establishment of a federal environmental protection agency with assessment, compliance and enforcement roles duplicates existing Queensland arrangements. That duplication will slow approvals, increase costs and reduce productivity in resource dependent electorates like Capricornia. In Queensland we already have a state environmental regulatory regime. To overlay a federal regime with parallel obligations—sometimes inconsistent, sometimes overlapping—is inefficient. It burdens project applications with increased compliance costs and delay. Energy-intensive or resource-intensive projects often depend on timeliness and predictability. When timing is uncertain, investment is re-evaluated, jobs are delayed, or lost, and growth is stunted. It is a bit rich for a Labor government that is big on talking up productivity to be tying down industry with this legislation. In addition to reduced productivity, Queensland has more projects overlapping with matters of national environmental significance than any other state. Our Great Barrier Reef catchments, our threatened species, our migratory habitat corridors and our flood plains coincide with resource activity. That overlap raises the risk that even projects which meet high environmental standards could be refused or delayed because of new definitions, like that of 'unacceptable impact'. This is a risk to mining, to infrastructure and to the economic future of regions like Capricornia. Let me also raise a concern around balance and fairness. I draw your attention to Noel Pearson's framing: 'It is not in the public interest to permanently deny regions such as the Bowen, Galilee and Surat basins their chance for economic development, while historically developed or urban areas retain privilege.' When legislation adopts blanket tests or criteria that don't consider regional equity, Indigenous participation or adaptive management, we risk entrenching disadvantage outside of our major metropolitan centres. That is why the Queensland Resources Council has recommended that the 'unacceptable impact' element be retained only as a case-by-case assessment, guided by standards that factor in regional equity and Indigenous participation and allow adaptive management, rather than imposing rigid definitions that may choke off legitimate investment. Another critical point is that the bill gives the minister and regulatory authorities discretionary power to override or veto approvals. On paper that sounds like speeding things up—giving executive veto power—but in practice it concentrates risk in the office of the minister rather than in transparent independent criteria. That creates uncertainty for business. It invites political discretion rather than statutory predictability. Projects that comply with best environmental, safety, health and workplace standards and have robust rehabilitation plans may be delayed or refused if they do not align with some subjective view of 'priority' or 'unacceptable standard'. Meanwhile, projects that have less community support but are more politically popular may receive prioritised treatment. I point to a concerning example: in my own electorate and surrounding regions, proposals such as the Clarke Creek Wind Farm have raised community concern. Unchecked renewable energy approval may be ticked off under this bill, while mining or infrastructure projects that follow industry best practice and rehabilitation standards may be delayed or blocked. That is not equitable treatment of economic development and environmental protection. The balance is wrong when greenfield renewable proposals are favoured over tried, regulated and best-practice industries simply because of political design, not merit. The bill is supposedly intended to speed up approvals, improve environmental outcomes and provide certainty. But, as it is currently drafted, it may very well do the reverse: slow approvals, increase litigation risk, reduce investor confidence and deter capital from regions that most need it. Moreover, our industries are under pressure globally. Mining, energy, critical minerals and building materials must compete on cost, quality and timeliness. If other jurisdictions offer clearer pathways, fewer risks and more certainty, companies will invest elsewhere. That cost is paid by regional communities in terms of fewer jobs, fewer royalties and less growth. This is not an argument against environmental protection. We want strong environmental outcomes, and resources companies in particular already adopt world's best practice. We want protections for habitat, for water quality and for threatened species. But protection must be fair, transparent and efficient. It must recognise that economic development and environmental stewardship can and must coexist. When legislation shifts the burden onto project proponents in ways that exceed reasonable control, when definitions are vague or subjective, when duplicate regulations slow things down and when approval power is concentrated in ministerial discretion, we undermine that coexistence. I would like to see more consideration given to the following: clearer statutory definitions of unacceptable impact; adaptable management and case-by-case assessment so regional equity is built in; that, where possible, we avoid duplication of assessment regimes between state and federal, recognising existing approval frameworks rather than superseding them; that discretion be limited; that ministerial vetoes do not substitute for predictable, transparent statutory criteria; and that projects that meet practice, environmental, safety, rehabilitation and community engagement standards are not penalised simply because they are resource based or operate in regional Australia. If we do not get that balance right we risk chasing an illusion of perfect environmental protection at the cost of real economic impact, real job losses and real regional decline. I urge the government to listen to those on the ground—to Capricornia, to resource communities, to First Nations and to industries—and to redraft this legislation so that it protects the environment and supports sustainable, productive economic development. I'd like to see balance and fairness restored to this legislation. I commend my words to the House.
Regional Australia: Roads | Private Members' Business | House debates
I rise today to speak on behalf of the people of Capricornia and regional Australians right across this nation. People are tired of being punished for living beyond the city limits. The Albanese...
I rise today to speak on behalf of the people of Capricornia and regional Australians right across this nation. People are tired of being punished for living beyond the city limits. The Albanese Labor government's plan to slash default regional road speed limits to as low as 70 kilometres an hour is nothing short of lazy, short-sighted and damaging to regional Australia. Let's call this proposal what it really is: a Labor short cut dressed up as road safety. Instead of repairing our roads, they want to reduce our speed. Labor's own proposal would see speed limits reduced on dirt, gravel or sealed roads that are in poor condition, and that says it all. They are admitting that our roads are in disrepair. They are admitting that the system is failing. But rather than fund maintenance, fix the potholes, reseal the shoulders, repaint the lines and install proper safety features, Labor's answer is simply to tell Australians to drive slower. That is not leadership; that is laziness. It is the latest chapter in the pattern of lazy Labor, a party that wraps everything in red, green and black tape, that prefers slogans to substance. When the government first floated this plan, they gave Australians just 28 days to respond—a completely inadequate timeframe. Only after pressure from the coalition did they extend that consultation period. That's not transparency, that's panic. This policy will have real-world consequences. It will slow regional Australia to a crawl. For farmers, truckies, tradies and small business operators, time is money. For every extra 30 or 40 minutes added to a delivery, there are higher freight costs, longer work days and less productivity. That translates directly into high prices for consumers and smaller profits for local operators already battling cost-of-living pressures. Let's talk about the economic impacts. Poor road conditions already drive up fuel consumption and wear and tear on vehicles. Slowing traffic on top of that just compounds the problem. The result? Increased vehicle operating costs, higher transport times and reduce competitiveness for regional businesses. It also weakens our national supply chains. Fewer goods move at a slower pace for higher prices, and that flows from the farm gate to the supermarket shelf. You can't keep the nation's economy healthy when you're putting the brakes on its regions. Instead of addressing the root cause of road trauma, which is unsafe, unfunded infrastructure, Labor are taking the easy way out. And let's not forget the human cost. Every minute added to a school bus run or medical appointment is time away from family, work and community. In the bush, distance already defines our lives. Labor's policy makes that distance even greater and our communities even smaller. And at the same time as they talk about road safety, they are cutting the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program—the very program councils rely on to maintain safe and efficient local roads. Councils like Isaac in Capricornia want to upgrade roads to a safe standard, delivering projects like the Phillips Creek Bridge Replacement Project that improves the safety and load capacity of the bridge and improves flood resilience. Cutting the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program will see transformational regional programs like this dry up. The truth is real road safety comes from investment, not inaction. Meanwhile, roads like Marlborough Road are under much more pressure because of Labor's reckless rush to renewables. The added heavy-vehicle traffic associated with the construction of phase 2 of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm means these roads cannot cope. Actually, if Labor can't stump up the funding needed for Marlborough Road, perhaps Twiggy Forrest could improve the very roads his companies are using. Let's be clear: slower speed limits mean more pain for the regions. Labor's slow speed limits will mean longer trips to school, to hospitals, to market. It means greater isolation for our elderly, higher costs for our farmers and more frustration for every person who drives to earn a living. Can you imagine the outcry if city commuters were told their morning drive to work would take 40 per cent longer? If the Labor latte sippers had to wait for their morning oat milk flat white, they wouldn't cope. But, honestly, I shouldn't joke. That's exactly what regional Australians have been told to accept—that their time, their productivity, their way of life are worth less. Well, they're not. I say to the minister, get on with funding rural road repairs. Don't cripple our regions with another knee-jerk policy cooked up in Canberra. Let's build safer, stronger, efficient regional roads. Let's deliver proper consultation, real investment and safety improvements that protect lives, because regional Australia needs a fair go and safe roads, and a government willing to do the hard work to deliver both.
Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games | Constituency Statements | House debates
I rise to speak about an extraordinary opportunity for our region: the proposal for Rockhampton to host the rowing and canoe sprint events for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is...
I rise to speak about an extraordinary opportunity for our region: the proposal for Rockhampton to host the rowing and canoe sprint events for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is far more than just a sporting event; it's a generation investment in the Rockhampton region's future—one has potential to transform our city, strengthen our economy and showcase the incredible beauty and spirit of Central Queensland to the world. Hosting Olympic events on the Fitzroy River will place not only Brisbane, Rockhampton and the wider Capricornia region firmly on the global stage; it will allow the world to see our stunning landscapes, from our pristine beaches and tropical islands to our rugged hinterland, and to experience the warmth, pride and resilience of our people. The 2032 Games are being designed with a strong focus on legacy and regional inclusion. The 2032 Olympics are about ensuring that communities like Rockhampton benefit for decades to come. Through upgraded infrastructure, improved connectivity, tourism development and support for grassroots support, the games will set up our region for lasting prosperity. For Rockhampton, this opportunity brings tangible long-term benefits. The proposal includes a new athletes village within the railyards rejuvenation precinct, designed to be converted into permanent housing after the games; upgrades to the Fitzroy River and the Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club, establishing our city as a premiere venue for elite level rowing and canoeing; improvements to the Rockhampton Ring Road as part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade between Brisbane and Cairns, a vital project enhancing transport, safety and economic activity across Queensland; and, access to the $250 million Games On! program, dedicated to upgrading grassroots sporting clubs, ensuring our local athletes, volunteers and communities benefit directly. The economic uplift from hosting the Olympic events will be enormous. Independent analyst KPMG projects that Brisbane 2032 will deliver over $8.1 billion in direct economic benefits to Queensland and create more than 91,000 jobs statewide. If Rockhampton were to capture even one to two per cent of that impact, it would mean an injection of $80 million to $160 million into our local economy and would support up to 1,800 jobs over the next two decades. Visitors will discover our beautiful coastal communities of Yeppoon and Emu Park, explore the breathtaking Capricorn Caves, enjoy Australia's finest beef and savour an array of boutique cafes, restaurants and distilleries, such as the Reef Distillers. Better still, our rowing and canoeing facilities will become a national and international trading hub for the next generation of champions. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rockhampton and Capricornia. This is about putting Rockhampton and regional Australia on the map for years to come.
Lister, Mr Leonard Frank (Len) | Constituency Statements | House debates
I rise today to honour the life and service of Leonard Frank Lister, a proud Australian, a devoted husband and father and one of the last of a remarkable generation who gave everything for their...
I rise today to honour the life and service of Leonard Frank Lister, a proud Australian, a devoted husband and father and one of the last of a remarkable generation who gave everything for their country and community. Born on 14 February 1924 in Burwood, New South Wales, Len grew up during the Great Depression, one of many young Australians who grew up tough, resilient and ready to serve when their nation called on them in its hour of need. He passed away a couple of weeks ago at the extraordinary age of 101, leaving behind a legacy of courage, humility, kindness and lifelong dedication to others that continues to inspire all who knew him. Len's journey to serve his country was not easy. At age 18, Len joined the RAAF and was later discharged due to asthma. After several determined attempts to join the Australian Military Forces, Len finally succeeded in October 1942, training as an instrument mechanic before transferring to the Australian Imperial Force. At just 19, Len was drafted to Milne Bay in New Guinea, serving first with the Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and later transferring to the 2nd/12th Australian Infantry Battalion. He completed rigorous jungle warfare training at Canungra before deployment to New Guinea. His war service ended suddenly during a patrol in New Guinea's mountains when a fall shattered his leg. Len recalled how the villagers, the 'fuzzy wuzzies', splinted his leg with jungle sticks and stitched a blanket from hibiscus bark to carry him to safety—an incredible act of compassion and courage that he never forgot and spoke of often, with deep gratitude. After a long recovery, Len was discharged in October 1946, as a corporal. For his service, Len received the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal. After the war, Len settled in Mackay and later in Sarina, where he met and married a nurse named Ada. Together they raised four children and shared a lifetime of love, laughter and hard work. Len worked in the sugar industry for many years in the local sugar mill, cutting cane by hand, and later managing a cane farm with great pride and skill. But it was his community spirit and generosity that truly defined him. Len served in many community roles over the years. He was the first president of the Sarina Ski Club, served as treasurer of the Sarina rifle club and devoted 25 years to air and sea rescue. He chalked up nearly 50 years of service to the Sarina Rotary Club, where he was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for his tireless dedication to the community. He was a proud and active member of the RSL for over 60 years, always turning up to support his mates and younger veterans alike. Len recently stated, 'It's a bugger being one of the last men standing.' As long as we remember stories like his, their spirit endures—the spirit of courage, service and selflessness that built this nation and continues to guide it. Australia is better, stronger and a more caring country because of the life of Leonard Frank Lister. Lest we forget.
Rocky Sports Club | Statements by Members | House debates
Today I rise to express my deep disappointment and, frankly, outrage at the Albanese Labor government's decision to rip $23 million in funding from the Rocky Sports Club project. This funding was...
Today I rise to express my deep disappointment and, frankly, outrage at the Albanese Labor government's decision to rip $23 million in funding from the Rocky Sports Club project. This funding was secured and approved in 2010 by the former coalition government to support the expansion of a club that services 129 local sporting and community groups. It was shovel ready and community backed, and it would have delivered local jobs and world-class sporting facilities in Rockhampton. Instead of backing regional Queensland, Labor's infrastructure minister, Catherine King, has strung along this community for years, only to pull the plug entirely, late on Friday afternoon, thinking no-one would notice. Let's be clear: this was a simple variation request for an extension of time. It was not a new project and not a handout, just the green light needed to get on with the job. The decision to cut this funding shows utter contempt for Rockhampton and the wider Capricornia region. It's a betrayal of local athletes, volunteers and families, who have poured their hearts into this vision. I call on Minister King and the Albanese government to reverse this decision and show some respect for the people of Rockhampton. Our community deserves better.
World Egg Day | Statements by Members | House debates
Eggs may be humble, but this week they take centre stage in parliament as we celebrate World Egg Day. While the official date isn't until 10 October, we're taking a moment this week to recognise...
Eggs may be humble, but this week they take centre stage in parliament as we celebrate World Egg Day. While the official date isn't until 10 October, we're taking a moment this week to recognise the incredible work of Australia's egg farmers. Eggs are one of the most trusted staples in our kitchen. They're healthy, affordable and found in almost every fridge across the nation. With families looking for nutritious, quick and cost-effective meals, the humble egg continues to deliver. Each year, Australians consume 6.3 billion eggs. That's 266 eggs per person. Behind this impressive figure are around 528 farms across the country producing the fresh, high-quality eggs we all enjoy. The egg industry isn't just about what's on our plates; it's about people. More than 4,000 Australians are employed on egg farms and in associated industries. Together, they inject up to $2 billion into our economy every year. This is proof that, from regional communities to the family table, egg farming is powering both our plates and our prosperity. So, today I say thank you. Thank you to every hardworking egg farmer across Australia. Your dedication ensures that families right across the country continue to enjoy this versatile, protein-rich food every single day. As we celebrate World Egg Day, I encourage all Australians to keep supporting our local farmers by putting eggs on their plate and backing an industry that supports thousands of jobs and communities across the country.
Parliament in Schools Program | Constituency Statements | House debates
Earlier this month, the students of Sarina State School had an experience that they'll never forget—an opportunity to connect with our democracy in a way that was both tangible and...
Earlier this month, the students of Sarina State School had an experience that they'll never forget—an opportunity to connect with our democracy in a way that was both tangible and inspiring, without ever leaving their home town. The APH Flag Roadshow, together with the Parliament in Schools program, travelled to Sarina, a small but proud community just 30 minutes south of Mackay. Sarina is well known for its industries, including sugar milling and cattle, and the coal port that helps export Queensland's high-value resources to the world. But, on this day, the focus was not on industry but on education. On a picture-perfect winter morning, around 50 students gathered on the school oval to take part in something truly remarkable. They didn't just hear about the Australian flag that flies proudly above Parliament House; they saw it, touched it and stood in awe of its scale. The experience was enriched further by the Parliament in Schools program. The year 5 and 6 students stepped into the shoes of parliamentarians—debating legislation, learning about the responsibilities of government and practising how decisions are made in our democracy. They even tackled one of the great issues of modern life: whether pineapple belongs on pizza. I can report to the House that the result was decisive—pineapple was overwhelmingly voted out. But, behind the laughter and fun lies something profoundly important, experiences like these bring civics to life. They show students that our democracy is not distant or abstract; it is theirs. It belongs to every Australian, no matter whether they live in Canberra, Sydney or a small regional town like Sarina. It's no secret that, when young people understand how our system works, they are far more likely to engage in it, question it and participate in it. A strong democracy requires informed citizens, and that learning begins in our classrooms. I want to take a moment to pay particular tribute to the principal of Sarina State School, Emelie Adams. Her leadership and dedication to her students are extraordinary. She has created an environment where curiosity is encouraged and respect is expected and every student is given the opportunity to thrive. Lastly, I thank the Speaker of the House for creating this invaluable opportunity. Your passion for civics education and hands-on engagement with students was truly inspiring, and it shows what we can achieve when we work together to equip the next generation with an understanding of our democracy. Our democracy is strongest when young people understand it and feel part of it. Civics education is not just about facts and dates; it's about nurturing active citizens who are ready to shape Australia's future.
Biosecurity | Distinguished Visitors | House debates
My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. During Labor's first term, we saw the debacle of the government's attempts to impose a biosecurity protection levy which would have forced Australian...
My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. During Labor's first term, we saw the debacle of the government's attempts to impose a biosecurity protection levy which would have forced Australian farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks of their foreign competitors. Will the minister rule out taxing farmers more in order to fund our nation's biosecurity system?
Vietnam Veterans' Day | Statements by Members | House debates
Last week, on Vietnam Veterans' Day, we paused to reflect on a conflict that shaped a generation and to honour the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of all who served. I was privileged to...
Last week, on Vietnam Veterans' Day, we paused to reflect on a conflict that shaped a generation and to honour the courage, sacrifice and enduring spirit of all who served. I was privileged to join many Vietnam veterans and their families at Cockscomb Veterans Bush Retreat for a moving service. Together, we remembered not only those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam but also those who, in the years since, have lost their own battles in different ways. The bonds of mateship remain strong more than 50 years on, and it was deeply humbling to witness. Following the service, I spent time with many of the veterans, sharing in the solidarity that is so unique to the veterans community and reflecting on the incredible work Cockscomb Veterans Bush Retreat does to support those who have served. It was a reminder that the strength of our veterans is found not only in their service but also in the way they continue to look after one another. Since 1997, the Cockscomb Veterans Bush Retreat has been a place of solace and healing for Vietnam veterans. Today, it continues to serve as a place of reflection and peace for veterans of more recent conflicts as well. It's a sanctuary where the silent battles faced by many are, if only for a while, quietened. To the veterans of Vietnam and all who have served since: your courage shaped our history, your sacrifice safeguards our freedom and your legacy will live on through every generation of Australians. We honour you not only in ceremony but in our actions, and we pledge never to forget the price you paid for this nation. Lest we forget.