The Prime Minister’s Voice referendum failed this month for several reasons - but the main reason that people tell me they voted no is that Australians see themselves as equal, regardless of background or heritage.
People also wanted to know the fine print as to how the Voice would operate and how it was going have a meaningful impact on the lives of indigenous Australians. The Prime Minister couldn’t or wouldn’t give those answers.
In contrast, the Coalition’s approach is to strive for practical outcomes. We’ve called for an audit into indigenous program spending – to ensure every dollar goes to where it needs to go – and a Royal Commission into child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities. Unfortunately our motion calling for these important policies was voted down by Labor and the Greens.
We are also standing by our Jewish-Australian community after the recent heinous attacks by Hamas on Israel, and I recently attended a solemn Sabbath evening with the Gold Coast’s Jewish community to offer my support during these tough times.
I spoke in Parliament about the attacks, actions that I took as Minister for Home Affairs to declare the entirety of Hamas a terrorist organisation here in Australia, and Australia’s success as a multicultural country.
The housing crisis, skyrocketing gas costs, and looming electricity bills continue to hurt more and more Gold Coasters, with further examples happening each day of more promises left unmet by the Albanese Government.
What is really sad is that the dream of owning your own house is slipping away for many younger Australians, with the number of first home buyers the lowest since the Gillard Government.
This month I had the privilege to meet some incredible people at the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Ghana, where I and other Commonwealth nation parliamentarians were able to collaborate to address issues such as terrorism and youth engagement.
Lastly, I’ve joined the Speakers Panel and took the Chair for the first time this month. This means presiding over the business of the House of Representatives from time to time to help to keep things running smoothly - it’s a bit like refereeing, but with more rules! But of course, first and foremost, my focus remains fighting for the people of McPherson.
As always, please feel free to send me an email and provide me with your feedback: [email protected] I'm happy to hear from you at any time!
Until next month,
