Ben Small's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-05T22:06:04+00:00
items: Cowan Electorate: Australia Day | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Western Australia: Fishing Industry | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
items: Yates, Mr Raymond Leslie (Ray), Valedictory | Adjournment | House debates
items: Richardson, Hon. Graham Frederick, AO | Condolences | House debates
items: Forrest Electorate | Adjournment | House debates
items: Forrest Electorate: Community Organisations, McDonald, Ms Alexis | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women | Motions | House debates
items: Mullins, Mr Dean, Forrest Electorate: Roads | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Tobacco Regulation | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Critical and Strategic Minerals Industry | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
items: Energy | Statements by Members | House debates
items: g21.1

Cowan Electorate: Australia Day | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: In accordance with standing order 193, the time for members' statements has expired.
encoded: In accordance with standing order 193, the time for members' statements has expired.
date: 2026-02-05T10:29:00+00:00

Western Australia: Fishing Industry | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to give voice to the Western Australian families who were shafted by the WA state Labor government's decision to close down the demersal fishing industry, commercially forever and...
encoded: I rise today to give voice to the Western Australian families who were shafted by the WA state Labor government's decision to close down the demersal fishing industry, commercially forever and recreationally for some 21 months, with the ban curiously being lifted just out from the next state election in 2029. I'm sure it was on the basis of robust scientific advice. But that's where the plot thickens a little, because on 31 October last year the Commonwealth certified the demersal fishery in Western Australia as sustainable for the seventh time. So the Commonwealth's science, for the seventh consecutive time, suggested that the fishery was perfectly sustainable, and 33 days later the Western Australian fisheries minister stood up and described the industry as being on the brink of causing extinction for species like dhufish. Being locked out from fishing some 900-kilometre of closure is impacting 80 per cent of the Western Australian population, particularly in towns like Bunbury and Augusta in the electorate of Forrest, home to multigenerational fishing businesses. This has stripped them of their livelihoods and their family businesses, built over some 100 years of experience in those particular fishing grounds, with less than a month's notice. This was particularly brought home to me when, standing on the fishing wharf in Bunbury, I met a young guy of about my age, mid-30s, who had stepped out from the family fishing business, gone to the bank, got a very substantial loan of some hundreds of thousands of dollars and bought his own fishing boat. The Western Australian government processed the licence transfer so that he too was a commercial shark fisherman, and 10 days later the government announced the permanent closure of the fishery. There have been no details on the compensation package. There is no future for him, his business or the new employees he'd just taken on, and, of course, that boat that he'd just bought is now worthless because nobody in Western Aus…
date: 2026-02-05T10:14:00+00:00

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: I joke with friends that representing Forrest in this place should really be called being the member for wineries and breweries, because I take both a close personal and professional interest in...
encoded: I joke with friends that representing Forrest in this place should really be called being the member for wineries and breweries, because I take both a close personal and professional interest in their affairs throughout the south-west of Western Australia. I started my very first business in the hospitality industry with a tavern that was focused on showcasing local produce, beer and wine to local people. I've subsequently sold that business, but the point is I come to this place with a deep understanding of the impact that excise tax plays on both the alcohol industry and the hospitality industry more broadly, and what isn't widely understood is that the craft brewery industry, whilst it only accounts for about 10 per cent of the Australian beer market by volume, accounts for some 47 per cent of the jobs that the industry creates. And so, when we consider reform to the excise tax system, it must be through the lens of enabling those predominantly small and family owned businesses to do what they do best, and that's create jobs. The reality is that the excise tax system, which, for decades now, has slugged consumers and businesses with an increase twice a year, regardless of economic conditions, consumer demand or the health of the businesses that pay it, means that it is pubs and punters that pay excise tax and that it is pubs and punters who pay through the glass when the government fails to control inflation. Unfortunately, in the last few years, that is exactly what has resulted in the price of pints skyrocketing. Whilst I won't stand between Australian consumers and some relief, the reality is that the government's bill is, in effect, giving Australians a 1c per pint reduction in that excise tax. I think Aussies at the moment are asking for some fairness, some sustainability in the industry and some common sense, and, unfortunately, this bill falls short of that. Because alcohol excise is ultimately a consumer tax, every increase flows straight through to consu…
date: 2026-02-03T13:14:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
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description: There have been, as many colleagues across the aisle have reflected, many words. Many fine words have been exchanged here today, but the one that has been missing, from the Prime Minister's...
encoded: There have been, as many colleagues across the aisle have reflected, many words. Many fine words have been exchanged here today, but the one that has been missing, from the Prime Minister's address down, is 'sorry'. So I am sorry for being part of a parliament that was supposed to keep Australians safe and failed to do so. For a government that seems unable to say it, I am sorry for the failures in this building that led to 15 Australians being butchered on the sands of Bondi. In a cold moment of reflection, we must acknowledge, each of us, the 226 legislators, decision-makers and leaders that come to Canberra to represent our communities, that this wasn't unthinkable. Rather, when just 48 hours after the October 7 attacks we saw a congregation of hatred in Sydney chanting death to a community in Australia, there was a warning sign. It is unthinkable, when the ensuing 800 days saw a continuation and indeed an escalation of that hatred by those who would seek to sow division in our community, that this attack was unthinkable. It was less unthinkable after we saw schools graffitied, synagogues firebombed and indeed our nation's national threat level escalated in a formal communication from our intelligence and security apparatus that Australia was expecting a terrorist attack within 12 months. To each of the families, the friends, the neighbours, the colleagues and those community members who have lost a loved one in this attack, I am sorry for my part in that. This attack represents a loss of innocence for all Australians and indeed the country that we love. We owe it to each of those who have lost their lives and those impacted by this to root out and banish from this country the root cause, which is—we have to call it for what it is—an extremist Islamist fundamentalism that has no place in a free and open Australia. In any tragedy, in any dark moment, there are of course shining lights. This is no exception, with acts of heroism from police, paramedics, surf lifesa…
date: 2026-01-19T16:10:00+00:00

Yates, Mr Raymond Leslie (Ray), Valedictory | Adjournment | House debates
type: item
description: That's got to be some runs on the board!
encoded: That's got to be some runs on the board!
date: 2025-11-27T11:11:00+00:00

Richardson, Hon. Graham Frederick, AO | Condolences | House debates
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description: I understand it is the wish of honourable members to signify at this stage their respect and sympathy by rising in their places, and I ask that all present do so. Honourable members having stood...
encoded: I understand it is the wish of honourable members to signify at this stage their respect and sympathy by rising in their places, and I ask that all present do so. Honourable members having stood in their places— I thank the Federation Chamber.
date: 2025-11-27T10:46:00+00:00

Forrest Electorate | Adjournment | House debates
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description: Just last week the Prime Minister of Australia visited Forrest. I welcome him to come to Forrest as often as he'd like with a visit like that, because he really disappointed the people of my...
encoded: Just last week the Prime Minister of Australia visited Forrest. I welcome him to come to Forrest as often as he'd like with a visit like that, because he really disappointed the people of my electorate with what he didn't do while he was in our community. He didn't address the issues that matter most to the people of the south-west. He didn't talk about housing pressures, rising costs or the challenges facing our families, businesses and community groups. The people of Forrest deserved much more than a fly-in photo opportunity of him on his private jet at the underfunded and underdeveloped Busselton airport. They deserved answers from the country's Prime Minister, and they didn't get them, so tonight, in this House, I want to put on record the issues that matter to the people of Forrest, because my community deserves to be heard in this parliament when it is ignored by the country's Prime Minister. Housing remains one of the biggest pressures in our region. According to REIWA, median house prices in Western Australia have increased by some 67 per cent since 2001 and median rents are not far behind, with an increase of 57 per cent. Families, young people, key workers and even retirees in Forrest are all feeling the pressure from these sorts of price hikes. That's why I've consistently called for action on both demand and supply. This is a market that experiences both. It means controlling migration levels to better manage housing demand and it means unlocking additional supply by cutting red tape, clearing delays and removing the barriers that are blocking builders and councils from getting new homes to market. If the Albanese government refuses to act, this crisis will only continue. More Australians will be priced out, rents will climb and the dream of home ownership will slip further from the grasp of another generation of Australians. I'm fighting for practical solutions, faster approvals, more homes and genuine affordability. Importantly, I'm fighting for practi…
date: 2025-11-26T19:29:00+00:00

Forrest Electorate: Community Organisations, McDonald, Ms Alexis | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: Today, I rise to commend two remarkable youth organisations in my electorate, the Bunbury Sea Scouts and the Bunbury Girl Guides, on achieving the truly extraordinary anniversary of 110 years of...
encoded: Today, I rise to commend two remarkable youth organisations in my electorate, the Bunbury Sea Scouts and the Bunbury Girl Guides, on achieving the truly extraordinary anniversary of 110 years of local operation. I was privileged to join Jaysen Miguel, the City of Bunbury mayor, at their respective halls in Bunbury to celebrate this momentous milestone. Such longevity comes from an unwavering commitment of parents, leaders and volunteers alike over decades upon decades, and we owe them a deep gratitude for the contribution that they've made through time to our local community. As a former sea scout who sailed in the United States representing Australian Scouts in 2007, I find the core objectives of these youth organisations—building teamwork, self-reliance, patriotism and citizenship in our community—more relevant today than ever. I congratulate the Bunbury Sea Scouts and the Bunbury Girl Guides on achieving a truly outstanding milestone. In the heart of my electorate lies something very special indeed. The Ludlow Tuart Forest is the only remaining natural tuart forest in the world. The Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group is a group of individuals who've banded together to work tirelessly to ensure that this special part of the world isn't lost to history. A few months ago, I had the privilege to see the local group in action, so a special thank you to Des, Holger and Phil for welcoming me, for their time and for allowing me to understand more deeply the true scale of the work that the group are doing. To all at the Ludlow Tuart Forest Restoration Group, thank you for the energy and passion that you bring to our community. Your tireless work doesn't go unnoticed. I rise today to recognise and celebrate the amazing work of local star Alexis McDonald. I use the word 'star' very deliberately. In 2019, at just 17 years old, Alexis McDonald created the app HerHelp. It's a platform that serves as a safe and inspiring place for women to access support for issues such as m…
date: 2025-11-25T17:06:00+00:00

Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: It might seem old-fashioned when we talk about our health system to talk about triage. But, at the end of the day, I think that lights are unfortunately flashing red on the...
encoded: It might seem old-fashioned when we talk about our health system to talk about triage. But, at the end of the day, I think that lights are unfortunately flashing red on the dashboard—because every symptom that we look at indicates we've got a very sick patient on our hands indeed. In fact, rather than the strengthening Medicare policy doing what it says on the tin, I worry that in regional communities like mine it will actually undermine health outcomes entirely by pushing regional general practices closer to the brink than they already are today. I think that we've got to get our regional health system off life support. Unfortunately, the only way we can do that is by recognising that the system doesn't do better with volume over value. The domino effect that we've seen with hospital blockage and GP overload is the first point of failure. The government's failure to recognise that core funding is now having a devastating domino effect across the health system is manifesting itself through record ambulance ramping and acute bed block in our public hospitals in Western Australia. This crisis means that patients with complex needs or those requiring just minor procedures as day patients can't get timely care in a hospital setting. It's reasonable to ask, 'Where do these patients go?' They present to the last accessible link in the chain in regional Australia—that is, of course, their local GP clinic. But our GPS are increasingly being asked to manage advanced care that far exceeds the scope of a standard consultation. This is where the funding model creates an impossible paradox for our doctors on the front line. The average length of a GP consult might be around 19 minutes, but the economics of the bulk-billing incentivisation rather promotes the shortest possible transaction. So our GPS can't simply flex their patient throughput to absorb the hospital overflow that we're seeing. Complex cases that do require longer consultations—level C or D consultations of 40 minu…
date: 2025-11-24T18:41:00+00:00

United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women | Motions | House debates
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description: I spent a decade on the road as a volunteer ambulance officer, and I've been to more than my fair share of houses after dark to see the kids trembling in the corner and the female partner's voice...
encoded: I spent a decade on the road as a volunteer ambulance officer, and I've been to more than my fair share of houses after dark to see the kids trembling in the corner and the female partner's voice cracking with emotion as she says, 'It's fine; it's fine; no, no, no, I'll be alright.' The statistics that we've heard today in this place tell the real story, and that's a stain on our national story. The reality is that women around Australia today and the kids growing up in those homes aren't fine. Indeed, when we talk about prosperity in this place, about our true wealth as a country, I think we need to measure it not only by how high we can reach economically but by how low and how broad our safety nets in this country really are. We can't lay claim to being a prosperous nation in the true sense of the word with our blind eye turned to so many. Unfortunately, it has manifested as it has across the country in the south-west of WA. In my own community there's an organisation called Harbour refuge who are dedicated to providing support to victims of family and domestic violence. Of course, this was a city recently visited by the Prime Minister and his whole cabinet, so I think it's an appropriate time to put on record what Bunbury can be like for a largely unseen cohort of our community who are pretty much focused on survival. I want to put on the record today the numbers that evidence the failings of the 'system' in Australia today. In a single month this year, Harbour refuge received 122 calls for assistance, and 84 of those were in direct relation to a domestic violence incident. In the course of the financial year, Harbour refuge reported it received 1,410 calls from domestic-abuse survivors in that period alone. To put that into context, the Harbour refuge in Bunbury has only seven beds for women. That's 1,410 calls for assistance and seven beds. Reporting in my local community has highlighted that significant gap, and Harbour CEO Ali White has gone on to say to loc…
date: 2025-11-24T17:57:00+00:00

Mullins, Mr Dean, Forrest Electorate: Roads | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I rise today to celebrate a genuine local hero in Dean Mullins, who, a few months ago, marked an extraordinary milestone: some 20 years of service on the road as a volunteer ambo with St John...
encoded: I rise today to celebrate a genuine local hero in Dean Mullins, who, a few months ago, marked an extraordinary milestone: some 20 years of service on the road as a volunteer ambo with St John Ambulance. This is no small feat, because every single day our first responders confront the most demanding of circumstances, never knowing what the next phone call from comms will send their way. Putting his community first has been Dean's unwavering commitment for over 20 years now. That's why, earlier this year, Dean was named this year's Harvey citizen of the year. This accolade, awarded just three years after moving to Harvey, is testament to the impact he's had on our community already. So, Dean, congratulations on this remarkable achievement. Thank you for your two decades of selfless service, and I must also recognise the sacrifices your family have made along the way. I also rise today to recognise the power of voices in regional Australia. A few weeks ago, this government opened public consultation on its proposal to lower the open-road default speed limit to 70 kays an hour, citing the poor condition of regional roads. Today I'm pleased to announce that the voices of regional Australia have finally been heard here in Canberra. After receiving some 11,000 submissions, the government have quietly backflipped on their attack on regional Australia. Well done, Mr Albanese. Now all that's left is for you to fix our roads.
date: 2025-11-24T16:31:00+00:00

Tobacco Regulation | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Prohibition didn't work in 1920s USA, and taxing ciggies out of existence simply won't work in today's tech enabled world. I'm referring to the catastrophic failure of government policy to...
encoded: Prohibition didn't work in 1920s USA, and taxing ciggies out of existence simply won't work in today's tech enabled world. I'm referring to the catastrophic failure of government policy to control illicit tobacco sales that is burning a hole in our national budget, seeing local shops firebombed and undermining children's health. For decades, Australia was a global leader in tobacco control, yet today we have simply become the world's most lucrative market for organised crime. Excise has increased by 282 per cent since 2013. By refusing to acknowledge basic human behaviour, the Albanese government is allowing tobacco policy to go up in smoke, and organised crime is holding the match. I've met a local IGA owner in the South West of WA for whom it is cheaper to buy black-market cigarettes on Facebook Marketplace, delivered by none other than Australia Post, than it is for a wholesale IGA to buy them. That means $8½ billion in excise revenue that is now funding gang warfare, not our schools and hospitals, in Australia. Excise should be dramatically cut, making lawful cigarettes cost-competitive with the black market. But, before the health set start, the thing to remember is that these unlawful cigarettes are not branded and do not carry the requisite warnings under Australian law. The price difference is stark. We simply need to understand reality whilst beefing up enforcement.
date: 2025-11-24T13:45:00+00:00

Repeal Net Zero Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Slowly, slowly, and then suddenly! Within the coalition, the speaker's list on this bill started as something of a renegade action to begin a long and necessary debate on the need to dump Labor's...
encoded: Slowly, slowly, and then suddenly! Within the coalition, the speaker's list on this bill started as something of a renegade action to begin a long and necessary debate on the need to dump Labor's net zero agenda, especially the taxes, penalties and big government schemes that now see taxpayers forced to stump up for the generation, storage, transmission, retail and even the consumption of power, directly supporting the businesses in Australia who are no longer viable in this country because energy prices are through the roof. So much for a future made in Australia. Without taking money off nurses and tradies, the Mount Isa refinery—closed; the Port Pirie smelter—closed; Whyalla—closed; Alcoa Kwinana refinery—closed; Tomago—closing. Instead, in just a few months, we have landed on a coalition position to put Australians first. I am not sure when we as a country decided that Canberra always knows best, with unelected bureaucrats who live far, far away from communities like mine somehow best placed to decide what ordinary Australians do in their homes, businesses and communities. It's a lens through which I've come to look at most policies of government. I am a 'live and let live' sort of guy, after all, and I honestly believe that an important part of the Australian psyche still holds that we just don't want to be told what to do all of the time. When we come to the issue of net zero, it seems that this government decided that it knows better than Australians or, more egregiously, perhaps, that it simply doesn't trust them to do the right thing in their own circumstances. Rather than leaving it to each Australian to decide whether an electric vehicle is suited to their needs, whether for commuting, recreation with a caravan or boat, or even to suit their work from the construction site to the back paddock, this government decided to impose taxes on folks who choose an internal combustion engine vehicle, pushing up the cost, as just one example, of a new Ford Ranger by…
date: 2025-11-24T10:13:00+00:00

Critical and Strategic Minerals Industry | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to try to cut through some of the froth and bubble of the genuine excitement around Australia's critical minerals industry because, as the member for Forrest and a proud Western...
encoded: I rise today to try to cut through some of the froth and bubble of the genuine excitement around Australia's critical minerals industry because, as the member for Forrest and a proud Western Australian, I'm acutely aware that a vast amount of our nation's critical minerals wealth actually sits below WA soil. Of course, the constitutional reality is clear. Those resources are vested in the Crown through the rights of Western Australia in trust for its people. That opportunity must be realised if we are to assert our sovereignty in a new and changing world. I set aside some of the concern that people might have around the government's proposed critical minerals strategic reserve, which involves stockpiling, offtake agreements and other measures. There is a real perception that it makes the government a market player. The reason I set that aside is that the rare earths and critical minerals market is not a free market. The reality is that China absolutely monopolises the global market, with more than 90 per cent of the market share and a clear willingness to manipulate prices to their advantage. We can't have our heads in the sand and pretend that this is a free market in which everyone upholds the rules based order. Whilst there is the risk wherever government sticks its fingers into these things of undermining private enterprise and wasting taxpayer money, and success through resources has typically come from the simple principles that states regulate, private industry operates and markets decide, I actually agree with the government that that can't be the case here. However, the reality, in my view, is that the government can't pick winners, and so the clear opportunity is rather to invest in research and development that will enable the industry to flourish here in Australia. Processing rare earths is technologically complex and, importantly, its also energy intense. So none of our collective ambition for critical minerals can succeed in this country unless we have…
date: 2025-11-06T11:12:00+00:00

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Full ahead indeed!
encoded: Full ahead indeed!
date: 2025-11-05T18:14:00+00:00

Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: As the question is unresolved, in accordance with standing order 188, the question will be included in the Federation Chamber's report to the House on the bill.
encoded: As the question is unresolved, in accordance with standing order 188, the question will be included in the Federation Chamber's report to the House on the bill.
date: 2025-11-05T17:24:00+00:00

Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: As the question is unresolved, in accordance with standing order 188, the question will be included in the Federation Chamber's report to the House on the bill.
encoded: As the question is unresolved, in accordance with standing order 188, the question will be included in the Federation Chamber's report to the House on the bill.
date: 2025-11-05T17:17:00+00:00

Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: As there are no further speakers, the question is that the amendments be agreed to. Question unresolved. As the question is unresolved, in accordance with standing order 188, the question will be...
encoded: As there are no further speakers, the question is that the amendments be agreed to. Question unresolved. As the question is unresolved, in accordance with standing order 188, the question will be included in the Federation Chamber's report on the bill to the House.
date: 2025-11-05T16:35:00+00:00

Energy | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: Today is brought to you by the number 5 and the letter F—F for fail—unfortunately, because power prices for businesses in WA are up by 58 per cent in just three years. I have a...
encoded: Today is brought to you by the number 5 and the letter F—F for fail—unfortunately, because power prices for businesses in WA are up by 58 per cent in just three years. I have a struggling small family-run commercial property business in my electorate whose owner has opened their books to me, and the numbers don't lie. Their power prices up are by 58 per cent in three years. For anyone who doesn't know how a commercial lease works, it is the tenant who pays for the power that they use. So if your barber shop has been whacked with a power price increase of more than 50 per cent, guess who is paying for that? You are. If your local cafe has been whacked with a power price increase of more than 50 per cent, is it really a surprise that the coffee you were paying $4 or $5 for three years ago is now $7 or $8? The reality is that you are paying for this increase. Businesses really are the canary in the coalmine. Speaking of coal, why is power cheaper in Japan than it is in Australia today? You heard right. Japan, which imports LNG and coal from Australia, has cheaper power than Australia, where the LNG and coal is in the ground here. It's time that we put Australian resources to use for Australians first and cheaper power prices will just be the start.
date: 2025-11-05T13:33:00+00:00

g21.1
type: item
title: 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
description: Those opposite refer to the EPBC reforms in front of the House as 'groundbreaking'. But the very real concern that I have representing the electorate of Forrest is they'll lead to no ground being...
encoded: Those opposite refer to the EPBC reforms in front of the House as 'groundbreaking'. But the very real concern that I have representing the electorate of Forrest is they'll lead to no ground being broken at all. Before we dive into the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 and the six associated bills in some detail, I want to outline to the House my three areas of primary focus when it comes to considering the legislation proposed by the government. The first is what benefit there is for industry in these reforms. As much as we hear hyperbole from those opposite that this is a great thing for industry in our country, the devil is in the detail—and that is of grave concern to many stakeholders from the great state of Western Australia, because it is the mining and resources industry that underpins the prosperity we enjoy in this country today. Secondly, there are conflicting and uncertain statements on unacceptable standards within the bills, and these pose a grave risk to the ability of proponents to get a project up and established in this country—which, again, in an era of declining productivity and declining standards of living, is simply unacceptable for the coalition to support. Thirdly, when it comes to bilateral assessments and approvals, the great state of WA should receive both immediately and simultaneously. We can't afford for there to be delay, prevarication or consideration of the need for a one-stop shop when it comes to these approvals. Without diving into the detail just yet, they are the three areas of concern that mean I, on behalf of the electorate of Forrest, find myself unable to support the current proposals. At the end of the day, the bounty that our nation enjoys stems from the investment and approval decisions through the 2000s—that is, the mines that were first explored, discovered and then progressed, through development to production, date back to the mid-2000s, in reality. Today we enjoy the bounty of decisions that were made under the…
date: 2025-11-05T11:12:00+00:00