Web Version [link removed] | Unsubscribe [link removed] [link removed] Like [link removed] [link removed] Tweet [link removed] Forward [link removed]
As the old saying goes, “A week is a long time in politics”. However in 2023, the parliamentary year began where it finished - with Labor’s weakness on border security. As Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, I led the Coalition’s attack [[link removed]] back in February when it was revealed that Labor had left Australia without a key pillar of Operation Sovereign Borders for four months [[link removed]]. It was a sign of things to come.
And while people smugglers started up again [[link removed]], Labor's economic plan was undermined when they admitted their changes to superannuation [[link removed]] would hit more workers than first thought. Additionally, 10,000 Gold Coast families [[link removed]] and small businesses were dealing with a tenth interest rate rise as Labor’s policies pushed inflation higher [[link removed]].
Australia’s cost of living crisis has so many [[link removed]] human dimensions [[link removed]]. Massive increases in electricity [[link removed]], private health insurance [[link removed]] and rent was compounded by a fall in real wages [[link removed]].
As Shadow Minister for Child Protection and the Prevention of Family Violence [[link removed]], I was very proud to speak out on behalf of those who needed a voice [[link removed]] and I remain committed to tackling domestic violence [[link removed]] in Australia.
Labor delivered their second Budget [[link removed]] in May but again failed to help those struggling with the cost of living crisis. It was clear at the time that their Budget would push interest rates higher [[link removed]] which was the exact opposite of what Labor promised [[link removed]] just one year earlier. I also took the opportunity to present hundreds of letters to the Minister for Infrastructure and update Canberra about the Light Rail Public meeting in Palm Beach [[link removed]] while again pushing Labor to extend heavy rail [[link removed]\] from Varsity to the airport. I also spoke about health issues on the southern Gold Coast [[link removed]] which are so important with so many families and retirees. I raise these important issues whenever I can [[link removed]]. I also showcase our local community [[link removed]] and recognise local organisations [[link removed]] at every opportunity.
And of course in 2023, we all remember [[link removed]] the Matildas [[link removed]]doing their thing [[link removed]]!
On a far more sombre note, I spoke in Parliament following the terrorist attack by Hamas [[link removed]] where I voiced my support for our Jewish-Australian community here on the Gold Coast. October also saw the rejection of Labor’s divisive Voice referendum [[link removed]] where the Australian people made it very clear that Labor was focusing on the wrong things [[link removed]] and had lost its way.
To round out the parliamentary year I was honoured to be appointed to the Speakers’ Panel [[link removed]], which means I will Chair either the House or Federation Chambers.
So the parliamentary year ends as it began, with Labor’s inability to protect Australia’s borders [[link removed]] and to keep us safe. I am pleased that the Coalition has at least been able to force Labor into introducing some stronger laws to protect us from foreign criminals.
All the very best,
Karen Andrews MP
Federal Member for McPherson
Visit Karen's website [[link removed]] | Add Karen on Facebook [[link removed]] | Follow Karen on Twitter [[link removed]]
Forward this e-Newsletter to a friend [link removed]
Postal Address: PO Box 409, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Email: karen.andrews.mp@ [mailto:
[email protected]] aph.gov.au [mailto:
[email protected]?subject=Response%20from%20E-News]
Website: [[link removed]]
If you do not wish to receive future copies of this publication,
please click here to unsubscribe. [link removed]
Phone: (07) 5580 9111
Fax: (07) 5580 9700
Authorised by Karen Andrews MP, 47 Watts Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
